6 free-agent tight ends the Commanders could sign in 2024
By James Dudko
Commanders best blocker: Adam Trautman
A designated blocker would be welcome for a Washington Commanders running game that yielded 4.4 yards per carry from a league-low 359 rushing attempts. More run plays behind Adam Trautman would turn an underused aspect into a team strength.
Trautman established his aptitude for clearing running lanes as a rookie for the New Orleans Saints in 2020.
BIG. FISH.
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) January 2, 2021
Adam Trautman's 84.1 Run Blocking grade this season is the best among ALL NFL TEs.#Saints #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/5LdggV0xKy
Reuniting with former New Orleans Saints Saints boss Sean Payton with the Denver Broncos in 2023 saw Trautman continue to exhibit strength in this area of the game. As Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus noted, he achieved a "positive run-block grade percentage" of 8.1.
Trautman would be an upgrade over John Bates as a tight end who can move defenders off the line of scrimmage. Adding a true blocker after signing Zach Ertz would give the depth chart the best of both worlds, but the Commanders could get the same effect in one move if they take a chance on a struggling starter.