Much has been made about the lack of legitimate offensive weapons for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon. However, one team insider believes there is a dynamic force capable of making a huge impact after his big-money free-agent move.
There is always hype at this time of year. Fans have been starved of football for so long that they are clinging to every positive perception and takeaway. That is no different at organized team activities, and a few standouts are already emerging.
The Commanders ran a more high-tempo practice than usual, setting the tone for what's to come. There is no margin for error now, and in tight end Chig Okonkwo, they may have struck gold.
Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo is leaving a strong early impression at OTAs
Lynell Willingham of Westwood One Sports was among those who came away from Day 1 of OTAs highly impressed with Okonkwo. Most notably, the aggression with the football in his hands and the explosiveness after the catch, which the Commanders didn't have at tight end when Zach Ertz was around.
"Just watching him run after the catch. There's no pads on, it's two-hand touching, but just the violence he runs with, I expect him to be a huge weapon after the catch for Washington during the year. So for those folks complaining there are no weapons, he's one of the guys that can, for sure, make a contribution."
The Commanders saw something in Okonkwo that could help Daniels take the next step. They handed out a three-year, $27 million deal with a $7 million signing bonus and $16.7 million in guaranteed money to seal the deal. It's also a return to familiar surroundings for the former Maryland college star, and he's eager to make the most of it.
Okonkwo has consistently shown exceptional promise throughout his NFL journey. The turbulent situation with the Tennessee Titans makes Washington the best situation he's encountered in his professional career to date. And with only John Bates, Ben Sinnott, and Colson Yankoff holding legitimate hopes to make the 53-man roster, he instantly becomes the top dog.
There is a long way to go and a lot of hard yards left to navigate, but Okonkwo is off to a positive opening. Looking at the scheme offensive coordinator David Blough plans to run, the Commanders need a safety valve at tight end who can make things happen. Someone who can turn simple completions into big gains and be a force in the red zone. The new signing ticks those boxes and more.
With so many unknowns in the receiver room behind second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin, Okonkwo has the golden ticket to attain a breakout campaign. And he's off to the best possible start.
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