The Washington Commanders headed into the 2024 offseason intending to reshape the tight end position. Much like the rest of the roster, Washington’s tight end position required significant changes.
After releasing Logan Thomas before free agency, the Commanders quickly signed former Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz. In the 2024 NFL draft, Washington spent a second-round pick on Ben Sinnott. When the NFL season arrived in September, Ertz looked ageless, starting all 17 games and finishing second on the team with 66 receptions, 654 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the only returning tight end on last year’s roster, John Bates, proved his value as one of the NFL’s premier blocking tight end.
This offseason, the Commanders re-signed Ertz for another year and signed Bates to a three-year extension.
As we continue our training camp previews, here’s a rundown of Washington’s tight ends.
Coaching staff
- Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury
- Assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Brian Johnson
- Tight ends coach David Raih
- Personnel analyst Wes Welker
Starter
- Zach Ertz
The Commanders often use two tight ends, which in this case would mean that Bates also starts. But, when the Commanders have one tight end on the field, it’ll be Ertz. Ertz looked rejuvenated playing for the Commanders last season and reuniting with Kliff Kingsbury. After a terrific season, Ertz made it known that he wanted to continue playing, preferably with Washington and quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Depth and reserves
- John Bates
- Ben Sinnott
- Colson Yankoff
- Cole Turner
- Tyree Jackson
- Lawrence Cager
Bates will play a lot. The Commanders are hoping that Sinnott emerges in 2025 after a quiet rookie season. Sinnott didn’t struggle as a rookie, but Ertz and Bates were so good in their roles that it limited his playing time. Ideally, Sinnott would steal some snaps away from Ertz throughout the season, taking on a more significant offensive role at some point.
Yankoff made the roster last season as an undrafted free agent. He’s a versatile weapon the team likes, and he stands out on special teams. This is Turner’s fourth year in Washington, and he spent last season on the practice squad. Jackson signed with Washington late last season. A former college quarterback, teams would like to see a Logan Thomas-like progression to the tight end spot. He has tremendous size (6-foot-7, 249), but needs a strong training camp and preseason to win the No. 4 tight end spot.
Outlook
It’s hard to see the Commanders keeping more than four tight ends. Ertz, Bates and Sinnott are locks. Yankoff is a young player this regime chose to develop, which gives him an advantage. Yankoff can also help on special teams. Ertz will continue to start, with Bates also seeing plenty of time. However, Sinnott should see increased snaps this season, but he’ll need to earn them.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp preview: Tight end