Former Maryland tight end Chig Okonkwo is headed back to the DMV. After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Okonkwo signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, bringing him back to the area where he built his NFL profile. The move also reunites Okonkwo with a familiar face from his college days, as former Terp safety Nick Cross also signed with Washington.
Was that familiarity with the D.C. area a factor?
"Oh, definitely. It was definitely a factor for me," Okonkwo said. "Just coming back here where I went to school, it was awesome. I know the area. I think this is actually the stadium I played my first college game in too. So that was pretty cool."
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Okonkwo became one of Maryland's most dynamic offensive weapons during his time in College Park, using his speed and versatility to develop into an NFL prospect. After being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he quickly carved out a role as an athletic receiving tight end and now returns to the region with a major contract and the chance to make an impact for Washington.
Scott Van Pelt was not impressed by Buzz Williams' "unacceptable" first season at Maryland: "This ain't it."
His arrival in the nation's capital will also create a reunion with Cross, who played alongside Okonkwo at Maryland before entering the NFL. While fans were quick to assume the two coordinated their move to Washington, Okonkwo said the reunion actually came as a surprise.
"Everyone keeps asking us that, but I had no idea," Okonkwo said. "My agent called me after I signed. He was like, they just got your boy. And I was like, who? He was like, Nick. I was like, oh, no way. So yeah, it's really cool for us to play with each other again. Obviously, we played in the same division the past four years. Been playing against him two times a year, every year, so it will be cool to play against him every day."
More from Okonkwo:
On if he's talked to any Maryland people since signing: "I haven't talked to my Maryland folks, not yet. But yeah, I'm sure that'll come, for sure."
On signing with the Commanders: "Hey man, thank you guys for having me. You know, very excited to be up here. They're just getting a high-energy dog, man. That's what I want to bring to this team and this offense. I love the culture here. I feel like I'll fit in perfectly."
On where his game has grown the most: "I'll say my playmaking ability over the years, just when I get the ball in my hands, I'm always going to make a play. I feel like that's been the number one thing that I've improved on my past couple years in the league, just showing that big-play ability. I'm just super excited to get more opportunities here and just be able to do that for the team."
On forcing missed tackles: "Yeah, I think that's the number one part of my game. And like John said, what are we getting in me? And I said, a dog. And that's just a part of that. You see those forced and missed tackles, stuff like that. That's what I pride myself on. You know, in football, being a guy that doesn't let just one guy take them down, that's how I want to play the game. That's how I know how to play the game. And that's just me."
Per Next Gen Stats, former Maryland safety Nick Cross led all NFL safeties with 33 run stops last season 🐢 pic.twitter.com/Ktm8LWk0AA
— Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) March 12, 2026
On the appeal of playing with Jayden Daniels: "Oh, super appealing man. He's been great ever since college and came into the league and he's immediately had success. So just being with a guy like that that can get you the ball in different areas of the field. I'm super excited to play with his running ability and the way he opens up the game, and the way he just creates space just by him being on the field. I'm super excited about that. Can't wait."
On how he fits into the tight end room: "My job here is to come here and make plays, be that guy. Speed, stretch the field, break tackles, catch the ball short, make something out of nothing, catch up on the flat, catch about three yards, get 15. That's my role here."
On his presence in the locker room: "I'm gonna be smiling every single day that I'm here. You won't see me one day not smiling. Just want everybody to know hey, let's do this together man."
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