After missing out on the Kyle Pitts sweepstakes early in the offseason, the Commanders looked to Chig Okonkwo to fill the void left by an aging Zach Ertz. Signed to a three-year, $27 million contract, Okonkwo was brought in from the Tennessee Titans to become an instant playmaker. Having spent his college years up the road at the University of Maryland, College Park, Okonkwo served as one of the most reliable targets for first-year quarterback Cam Ward in 2025.
Although Ertz brought a strong leadership presence to the locker room, the veteran showed signs of slowing down and suffered a gruesome ACL tear in Week 14 that abruptly ended his season. Okonkwo brings a proven track record of consistency while injecting a sense of youth into a Commanders team that needed it badly. He surpassed 450 receiving yards in each of his first four years in the league, one of only four tight ends in the league to reach that mark.
Okonkwo will make an immediate impact on Commanders' offense
"I feel like this is the place where I can finally just unleash," Okonkwo said on the Command Center podcast with Santana Moss, Logan Paulsen and Fred Smoot. "So far, there's been so many more opportunities I've had to just run different things ... and use my true talents and abilities. It's awesome, man. I can't wait."
During the 2025 season, the Commanders lined up in 11 personnel — one tight end, one running back — more than 50% of the time. With first-year offensive coordinator David Blough promising major changes to the offense, the team could turn to more 12- and 13-personnel formations, using John Bates and Ben Sinnott, who have previously served primarily in blocking roles rather than as pass-catchers.
Late round sleeper for fantasy owners
Given the lack of proven pass-catchers not named Terry McLaurin on the Washington offense, Okonkwo is likely to be placed in a prominent role that increases his production. When the Titans lost Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, Okonkwo was thrust into a larger role that saw his production rapidly increase.
"His drop rate is among the lowest across tight ends, and while his blocking leaves a little to be desired, that part doesn't actually matter in fantasy," Serena Burks wrote.
