The Washington Commanders are comfortable enough letting Wes Welker work with the tight ends after letting Ben Steele go. By the sounds of it, he's already having a profound impact in his new role.
Chig Okonkwo, the $27 million signing secured by Washington in free agency, is already benefiting greatly from Welker's expertise. And it could be enough to fuel his potential breakout campaign.
During a conversation with Marshall Kramsky of WUSA9, the dynamic tight end couldn't have spoken any more highly of his coach, especially when it comes to giving him some extra nuances that will stand him in good stead when the real action arrives.
"He has so many cool tools and cool tricks that I wouldn't have even thought about before in running routes. You always respect a guy who's really done it at the highest level, and obviously he's won at every level. You sit there, and you listen, and you buy into what he's saying. He just has a deep bag of tricks."
Wes Welker's impact on Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo has been immediate
Okonkwo is fully bought in. Welker's previous experience as an elite operator from the slot — a surgeon in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field — is renowned and respected in equal measure. If he can pass on the insight that helps the Maryland product take his game to even greater heights, the better Washington's offense will be.
The Commanders have a legend leading their Tight Ends room. New England Patriots all-time leading receiver Wes Welker in now in charge of the Washington TEs. Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott shared what they’ve learned from Welker through the first two days of training camp. pic.twitter.com/Q2PuMEoQl7
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) July 31, 2026
There is a lot of pressure on Okonkwo to deliver. With Welker steering him on the right path, he's got a good chance of achieving his goals.
There isn't much Welker didn't achieve in the game. He was among the most productive slot receivers of the modern era, and he's continued his encouraging trajectory through the coaching ranks. Head coach Dan Quinn trusts him, and he's wasted no time in getting the undivided attention of Okonkwo and others in the tight end room.
While the Commanders haven't made the permanent switch into the tight ends coach role for Welker, that's the way things are going. He's pivoted well to the role, and as Okonkwo stated, generated instant respect as someone who's lived the same thing at the very top.
That matters more than you think.
Welker was brought to Washington last offseason. Some thought this was down to his relationship and ability to keep Deebo Samuel Sr. focused, but he offered so much more.
His intelligence, experience, and ability to teach have had the desired impact. Welker may not have played tight end, but he knows what it takes to get open over the middle. And as expected, Okonkwo has been a sponge, soaking up every piece of information being offered.
With all the concerns around Washington's wide receiver group behind Terry McLaurin, there is an onus on Okonkwo to feature heavily in the passing attack.
And with Welker around to help him develop, it would be a big surprise if Okonkwo didn't excel en route to a legitimate surge in 2026.
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