With Ertz and Bates back on the roster, it allows the Commanders to continue growing the options behind them without speeding up their development. There are currently four other tight ends on the roster, including unproven college free agents like the 6-foot-7 Tyree Jackson and last year's surprise roster addition, Colson Yankoff.
There is also Ben Sinnott, who was the second tight end off the board during last year's draft and expected to possibly be an all-around player at some point. He caught all five of his targets for the Commanders in 2024, but those receptions resulted in just 28 yards. Most of Sinnott's snaps came as a blocker or special teams contributor.
Raih and the Commanders are counting on Sinnott to take another step this season, and a full offseason in the offensive system should help that.
"Ben has all the attributes that we saw throughout the draft process," Raih said. "And what he has is, it's a blessing in disguise. It's not easy as a young player to have like two premier vets in front of you."
Like last offseason, the Commanders underwent changes at several positions to elevate the roster. Their priority at tight end was keeping the group together, and if Ertz and Bates can sustain their performance from 2024 while the options behind them continue to improve, they may be relied upon just as heavily once again.
"What's so awesome about what AP and DQ have done is they've built the roster up," Raih said. "The competition with good people, it's just kind of premium. It makes it so fun to coach."
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