Who could the Washington Commanders target as a potential replacement for recently released tight end Logan Thomas?
The Washington Commanders have begun making the necessary sacrifices in pursuit of progression. General manager Adam Peters made his intentions clear by releasing three prominent veterans heading into free agency. This increases the roster needs but also provides some extra financial flexibility during a critical period of recruitment.
Logan Thomas was an expected cut ahead of time when one considers the savings involved. The Commanders got an additional $6.2 million to utilize as a result of his departure. It also allows Peters to find a dynamic playmaker to assist their new quarterback if they pick a talented college prospect at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as anticipated.
Thomas was a solid if not spectacular performer, but this was the right call. Almost every contending team has an explosive pass-catching presence at the position. Something that Peters knows the benefit of after being part of the draft San Francisco 49ers' draft committee that chose George Kittle.
With this in mind, here are five potential candidates to replace Thomas in 2024.
Commanders could keep things in-house
While new blood is the preferred option, the Washington Commanders might also take this opportunity to find out more about two promising young tight ends who've been underused in recent seasons. Cole Turner looked set for more involvement after starring in the preseason. This didn't materialize for one reason or another, so it's hard to gauge exactly what the franchise has in the former Nevada college star after two seasons.
The same goes for Armani Rogers. He looked set for a potential breakout year before a cruel injury ended his campaign on the first day of OTAs. Much will depend on how his recovery is going, but the Commanders could decide to give him the No. 1 spot and a prolonged audition under Dan Quinn's coaching regime.
These options couldn't be dismissed entirely, but it seems unlikely considering the resources at Adam Peters' disposal.
Commanders could sign Jonnu Smith
If the Washington Commanders are intent on drafting a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, those in power could decide to acquire another veteran tight-end to help smooth their transition. Every inexperienced signal-caller needs a dependable security blanket in key situations. Going down the rookie route might provide that over time, but a short-term solution should also be considered if the right opportunity arises.
The Atlanta Falcons recently told Jonnu Smith he's no longer part of their plans under new head coach Raheem Morris. He's still got plenty of football left at 28 years old and enjoyed the best statistical campaign of his career in 2023. The former third-round pick also has some exciting physical attributes that could be of use at the right price.
Smith is physically imposing and represents a mismatch nightmare when fit and firing on all cylinders. He looked something like his old self in Atlanta last season, which makes his anonymous two years with the New England Patriots even more bizarre.
Much will depend on the money involved, but it might be worth taking a flier on Smith to see how he pans out. This wouldn't prevent the Commanders from drafting a tight end as a long-term replacement for Logan Thomas. It just means they have a veteran presence to fill the void until their college prospect of choice is ready to step up.
Commanders could draft JaTavion Sanders
This is another good crop of college tight ends that the Washington Commanders could take advantage of. We got a good chance to see most showcase their exceptional physical attributes at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Adam Peters and his staff were watching closely, so they should have a better idea of which targets could suit the offensive scheme Kliff Kingsbury plans to implement.
Someone like JaTavion Sanders will be high on their shortlist. The Texas product needs some refinement from a blocking capacity, but his athleticism in the passing game would be a substantial asset for the Commanders if they went in this direction.
Sanders' route running is crisp and he does a tremendous job of manipulating body angles to his advantage. He's incredibly sharp out of his cuts and knows how to create separation quickly. His ball skills are dependable - especially when it comes to contested catch situations.
If the Commanders drafted Sanders to place him with a new rookie signal-caller, it's got the potential to become a prominent tandem for the next decade barring injury. The prospect also boasts enough top-end speed to become a deep threat, which is something the team never got from Logan Thomas during his stint with the organization.
Sanders is expected to be taken at some stage on Day 2. Fortunately for the Commanders, they are rich in assets at this stage of the draft.
Commanders could sign Dalton Schultz
Another decent veteran option set to enter free agency is Dalton Schultz. He's no stranger to the Washington Commanders having spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He's a consistent pass-catcher who also provides a useful asset in the red zone for good measure.
Schultz caught the eye last season with the Houston Texans. He quickly developed eye-catching chemistry with rookie sensation C.J. Stroud en route to 59 receptions for 635 receiving yards and five touchdowns from 15 games - eight of which he started.
While there's a good chance Houston extends Schultz if the money is right, the Commanders should also monitor his availability closely. His previous experience helping young quarterbacks reach their promise quicker than anticipated is something those in power might be looking for if they take one at No. 2 overall. Even if it's just a short-term deal, the benefits are obvious.
The former fourth-round selection out of Stanford is an intelligent football player. He comes up big in critical moments. Schultz might not be explosive in terms of speed, but his shrewd route-running and body control make him a decent replacement for Logan Thomas - one who could provide an immediate upgrade with a smooth transition.
According to Spotrac, Schultz is projected to get $11.3 million per season on a three-year, $34.01 million deal. This is something the Commanders could easily afford with their current financial wealth. Whether they consider him a viable option is another matter.
Commanders could draft Ben Sinnott
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders would be wise to examine a decent-looking pool of draft prospects emerging from the college ranks in 2024. Brock Bowers is the consensus best but will be long gone by Day 2. Fortunately for the organization, new general manager Adam Peters has the experience and previous credentials to find diamonds in the rough.
He was part of the brain trust that found George Kittle, who's arguably the league's most complete tight end. After a quality final college season at Kansas State and a standout display of athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, someone like Ben Sinnott might be higher than most on their shortlist of options to replace Logan Thomas.
There is a lot to like about Sinnott's ability as a pass-catcher. His athletic traits and ball skills are impressive for a man his size. He also tracks the ball like a savvy veteran despite just two years of college starting experience.
The prospect's route-running is precise and his body is well coordinated. No wasted movements feature in his game film. Once the player improves his blocking and concentration on occasion, someone is going to have a complete tight end on their hands.
Sinnott is expected to go somewhere on Day 2. If he's there when the Commanders go on the clock in Round No. 3, they could do far worse than look in his direction.