Chig Okonkwo
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The Washington Commanders are tipped to use new tight end Chig Okonkwo in a different way.
Spending $30 million to bring Chig Okonkwo to Northwest Stadium shows the Washington Commanders are serious about getting better at tight end, but the former Tennessee Titans standout could make a bigger impact in a new role, one with the potential to alter the Commanders’ plans for the remainder of free agency.
Those plans might involve at least one San Francisco 49ers wide receiver still on the market. An All-Pro with strong ties to franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to sign with the Commanders, but similar expectations have existed for Niners wideout Jauan Jennings.
Yet, the Commanders may not need Jennings if they intend to expand the way Okonkwo attacks defenses. One way to do it would be deploying “Okonkwo as a WR,” an idea from 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen.
He wonders “How different are he and Jauan Jennings really? He’s the same height and 25 pounds heavier but runs a faster 40. Could split him out a bunch in 12 personnel.”
Grant Paulsen
I wonder how much the Commanders will use Chig Okonkwo as a WR.
How different are he and Jajuan Jennings really? He’s the same height and 25 pounds heavier but runs a faster 40. Could split him out a hunch in 12 personnel.
It’s speculation, but of the well-informed variety, thanks to Okonkwo’s skill-set and playing style. The 26-year-old’s versatility and dynamism with the ball in his hands are why the Commanders paid up to take the top player at his position off the market.
Using Okonkwo in the way Paulsen suggests would also fit well with the complementary talents the Commanders already have on the depth chart. As well as perhaps securing the immediate future of yet another ex-49ers wide receiver.
Chig Okonkwo Can Change Usage Plan at Tight End
The way the Commanders have used their tight ends has fallen into limited categories in recent seasons. Decorated veteran Zach Ertz has been the short-range target between the numbers, a safety valve for Daniels, while John Bates and Ben Sinnott have been tasked with blocking duties.
Bates remains one of football’s best-kept secrets, but Sinnott is battling against draft bust status, while Ertz is still a free agent. It all means there’s room for a flex-style, roving pass-catcher to support Bates’ work attached to the line of scrimmage.
Okonkwo is the perfect fit for this role thanks to his natural athleticism and after-catch flair. Those things were on full display when Okonkwo completed this catch and run with a remarkable touchdown against the New Orleans Saints last season.
Plays like this one became a happy habit for Okonkwo who averaged 6.1 yards after catch per reception in 2025, according to Pro Football Reference. He also played 237 snaps from the slot, per Player Profiler, so Paulsen’s plan for the Commanders to move Okonkwo around like a wide receiver is credible.
It’s also potentially good news for a natural wideout.
Commanders Can Alter Strategy at Wide Receiver
Signing either Aiyuk or Jennings would make sense, but Commanders general manager Adam Peters could keep things simple by re-upping Deebo Samuel. The latter didn’t make a significant dent after arriving in trade from the 49ers last offseason, but Samuel is still a roving playmaker who can attack coverage from multiple spots.
Samuel is also a free agent who the Commanders want to bring back, but he shouldn’t be short of suitors. Keeping Samuel in the fold can solve a strategic problem for the Commanders at the position, giving him another chance to be a productive supporting act for go-to flanker Terry McLaurin.
Relying on that tandem again will be easier for Daniels to trust if Okonkwo is also allowed to line up outside the numbers to isolate safeties and muscle cornerbacks.