Commanders should look to familiar faces for TE help in 2023

Commanders should consider Cody Latimer reunion

Then again, the Washington Commanders' imminent rebirth can only be helped by forgiveness. For when you forgive, you heal. I read that online somewhere. Who better to forgive than Cody Latimer?

Let’s go back to 2020, right around the time Hall was tearing his Achilles and missing out on his chance to make an NFL roster. Washington, as you recall, was in dire need of receiving help. So they inked free agent Latimer just before the draft.

He had been a major disappointment after entering the league as a second-round pick in 2014. But Latimer had shown some signs of life after moving from the Denver Broncos to the New York Giants in 2018.

This was a low-profile signing – after all, in his best season, Latimer had only managed 24 catches. But some writers (me) thought he could actually be a solid complement to Terry McLaurin at the Z position.

Then came the night of May 16, 2020, and an ugly incident involving a poker game, alcohol, an argument, and a gun. Latimer would wind up being charged with multiple felonies, causing him to be placed on the Commissioner’s exempt list. The Commanders released him soon after.

Latimer eventually resolved his legal issues, pleading guilty to one misdemeanor assault charge and being placed on probation. He signed on with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL. Now 30 pounds heavier, he would play tight end.

The player immediately emerged as not only the best tight end in the league but quite possibly the best pass catcher. He had always been a pretty good blocker, and though not as fast as he was coming out of Indiana, Latimer still showed good speed and excellent route running.

In ten games for the worst team in the XFL, Latimer managed to haul in 50 receptions for about 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Ron Rivera may want nothing to do with Latimer after getting burned back in 2020. However, he just may be the best pass-catching tight-end option currently available.

In terms of building a roster, Bushman makes more sense. But if Kansas City doesn’t want to trade, maybe a Latimer forgiveness/reunion would be a decent fallback.