The Washington Commanders look pretty set at the tight end position. That did not stop general manager Adam Peters from wanting to take a look at a former draft darling who's failed to meet expectations so far.
And for Tre' McKitty, it's now or never.
In a flurry of moves before Tuesday's training camp practice, the Commanders confirmed the signing of McKitty following a successful workout. He's starting from the bottom and will have to work his way up. There also isn't much time to catch the eye before final cuts.
Commanders throw a lifeline to Tre' McKitty to finally fulfill his pre-draft promise
Of course, McKitty was a highly touted college recruit at Georgia, boasting the size and athletic attributes typically associated with productive pass-catching tight ends in the pros. Despite the lack of production with the Bulldogs, the physical profile was enough for the Los Angeles Chargers to take him at No. 97 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, things haven't gone according to plan.
McKitty couldn't firmly establish himself in Los Angeles and was released midway through his third campaign. Though disappointing, he found work quickly, joining the Buffalo Bills practice squad and doing enough for another reserve/futures contract entering the 2024 offseason.
The player flashed over camp but was released during final cuts. McKitty has spent time on the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans since then without making an impact. But just as it looked like his NFL dreams might be fading, the Commanders have given him a lifeline.
Whether it can become anything more is debatable.
Tre' McKitty has nothing to lose with the Commanders, but time is not on his side
Washington has its top four tight ends locked up. There isn't much discussion about that now.
Chig Okonkwo is the lead man expected to bring a different dynamic to the passing attack. John Bates is back after missing time through injury to resume his status as the blocking specialist. Colson Yankoff has been a summer standout, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott is also reportedly making encouraging strides within offensive coordinator David Blough's system.
That makes the task even harder for McKitty. And if he is looking for a place on the practice squad, the Commanders have players like Lawrence Cager or Quentin Moore who could fill that void.
It's a roll of the dice for Washington to see if McKitty's pre-draft hype can finally become something more. And the player has nothing to lose by giving it his all and hoping for the best.
If it doesn't work out, so be it. But there is no shortage of urgency for McKitty to hit the ground running and hope that's enough to get noticed.
The chances are slim, of course. But if McKitty catches the eye and manages to take advantage of whatever preseason reps come his way, he may just find himself on the practice squad. Or it might be enough positive tape to get another chance elsewhere.
Who knows what the future holds. However, there is no doubt McKitty must seize the moment.
Because who knows if another chance will arrive again.
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