Chig Okonkwo's impact on early offseason workouts only raised expectations about what the tight end could bring to the Washington Commanders. Recent developments around the league also suggest that general manager Adam Peters got way ahead of the market to secure his services.
Okonkwo joined the Commanders on a three-year, $27 million deal with a $7 million signing bonus and $16.7 million guaranteed. They are betting that his unique athletic attributes will continue to develop in a favorable environment, which seems entirely possible within offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme. After conversations about the offense's vision, he was only too happy to leave the Tennessee Titans to pursue it.
Judging by the way current tight end contracts are going, Okonkwo could be a steal of epic proportions if he puts everything together.
Commanders judged the market perfectly with Chig Okonkwo deal
First, it was Kyle Pitts Sr.
The Atlanta Falcons extended the former Florida star to a three-year, $54 million extension with $36 million guaranteed. He's had an up-and-down career since taking the NFL by storm as a rookie, but the NFC South club still sees him as a cornerstone piece for new head coach Kevin Stefanski to build around.
This was swiftly followed by Brenton Strange getting his money.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed the tight end to a three-year extension worth up to $48 million, with $25 million in guaranteed money. Strange has dealt with some injury issues, but he's widely regarded as one of the league's most underrated players at the position when healthy.
Both Pitts and Strange deserved their money. But the Commanders clearly judged the landscape perfectly with Okonkwo.
And if he meets or exceeds expectations, this could even become one of the offseason's best signings.
That's a lot to ask, but Okonkwo has the skills to flourish. Those in attendance at OTAs and minicamp noted how fast, explosive, and dynamic he is after the catch. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is thrilled to have him around, and the Maryland product is ready for his true potential to finally be unleashed under Blough.
At the money involved, the value would be considerable if this scenario becomes reality.
The Commanders knew more was needed after Zach Ertz went down with a torn ACL. He was valuable but aging, and Peters desperately needed to get younger across the board. Okonkwo ticks those boxes, and he could even become the No. 2 option in the passing game if nobody behind Terry McLaurin in the wide receiver room steps up.
Teams tend to overpay for free agents, especially those deemed high-priority targets over the legal tampering window. It's a tale as old as time around the league, but the Commanders may have gotten ahead of the game with Okonkwo.
Performing well on the field will confirm it.
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