The Washington Commanders needed to add a tight end in free agency, with a Pro Bowler not expected to return, and the other players do not pose a threat in the passing game. Zach Ertz is testing free agency while recovering from an ACL tear sustained in Week 14. Meanwhile, John Bates has totaled 695 yards in his first five seasons, Ben Sinnott has 142 yards in his first two, and Colson Yankoff has just 18 in his first two.
Washington Commanders land replacement for 3x-Pro Bowler
Tennessee Titans, Chig Okonkwo
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) runs in a touchdown past New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker (33) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are set to sign Chigoziem “Chig” Okonkwo to a three-year deal worth up to $30 million. The former Tennessee Titans fourth-round pick is primarily known as a receiving tight end, recording 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns across his first four seasons. However, Okonkwo is not considered a strong blocker, as he is undersized at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds.
The #Commanders are expected to sign free agent TE Chig Okonkwo, per The Insiders, giving him a 3-year deal worth up to $30M done by agents Jared Fox and Jason Chayut. pic.twitter.com/sP2Hs78c47
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
NFL, Devin LLoyd
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.
Chig Okonkwo put together a breakout fourth season, setting career highs in receiving while leading the team in receiving. He hauled in 56 passes on 79 attempts for 560 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games, including 12 starts, accounting for 666 offensive snaps. Okonkwo lined up in-line 44% of his snaps, while 32% of his total snaps were spent blocking, including 35 pass-blocking reps per PFF.
Also Read: “I’m Not Retiring”: Washington Commanders Veteran Receiver Makes a Massive Decision Regarding His Future