The Washington Commanders have money to spend and countless needs to fill this offseason. But having this cash and using it wisely are two very different things.
Every veteran player out of contract is not going to test the open market. Teams don't tend to let high-quality players go if they can do anything about it. That proved to be the case with one speculated target for Washington, who now looks set to stay put.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Atlanta Falcons are planning to use the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts. This would be a one-year agreement for around $15 million, although the NFC South club wants to work out a longer-term commitment with the player before the July deadline.
Commanders can cross Kyle Pitts off their shortlist for a potential Zach Ertz replacement
Although disappointing to fans who dreamed of having Pitts in Washington as the perfect replacement for Zach Ertz, this was always the most likely outcome.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski didn't want to start his tenure in Atlanta by letting one of his most productive offensive players walk for nothing in free agency. This keeps the Falcons' core playmaking trio of Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson together, though questions remain about quarterback Michael Penix Jr. heading into his third campaign.
General manager Adam Peters probably knew this scenario was coming. The Commanders may not have wanted to give Pitts a megabucks deal in any case, but the front-office leader will have specific targets in mind to fill the gaping void left by Ertz.
Considering new offensive coordinator David Blough's thoughts on Ben Sinnott, additional reinforcements are coming. Isaiah Likely is at the top of some fans' lists. Chig Okonkwo and Cade Otton are two others who could come under the spotlight as younger players with promise throughout their prime years. Even though Washington only has six picks, going down the draft route is another option.
Those plans will no longer include Pitts. If a new deal is agreed with the Falcons, he'll be a focal point for Stefanski's offense as Atlanta looks to make a postseason return. He might not have reached the generational heights coming out of Florida, but there aren't many better pass-catching tight ends in the league right now.
As for the Commanders? There needs to be a primary focus on enhancing the defense. However, adding to the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels should also be a top priority, and a productive tight end with accomplished NFL-level capabilities would be a good place to start.
Pitts is off the shortlist, but the Commanders are not going to leave empty-handed. Make no mistake about that.