3 free-agent tight ends the Commanders could sign after Armani Rogers blow
By Dean Jones
Which free-agent tight ends could the Washington Commanders target after receiving a crushing blow in the form of Armani Rogers' season-ending injury?
Just when everything seemed to be going well for the Washington Commanders' offense, a stroke of bad fortune hit on the very first day of OTAs. Head coach Ron Rivera revealed that Armani Rogers had suffered a serious lower leg injury in practice, which was later confirmed by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network as a ruptured Achilles that requires surgery.
Hopes were high that Rogers could emerge into a productive pass-catching tight end in 2023. He is easily the most athletic presence within the positional group, so losing him for what looks to be the entire campaign is a body blow for new play-caller Eric Bieniemy.
The Commanders do have Logan Thomas, John Bates, Curtis Hodges, and Cole Turner to call upon. They might also look toward the veteran pool for another option after deciding not to draft a tight end from one of the deepest classes in recent memory.
With this in mind, here are three free-agent tight ends that the Commanders could sign after Rogers' crushing injury blow.
Commanders could sign Maxx Williams
As you'd probably expect, the pickings are slim at this time of year in free agency. Almost every veteran looking for employment comes with some baggage attached, but Maxx Williams represents a chance worth taking for the Washington Commanders in the immediate aftermath of Armani Rogers' injury.
Williams has endured some torrid luck on the health front throughout his career. But the former second-round selection took a step in the right direction last time around, featuring 11 times for the Arizona Cardinals primarily as a special teams presence.
For all of Williams' availability issues, his reliability as a pass-catcher cannot be denied. Something the Commanders might need if they aren't entirely satisfied with their options as the preparation period progresses.