What are the Washington Commanders thinking about their tight end group?
Approaching the 2026 training camp, rookies are scheduled to report July 24, and veterans are to report July 28. A few days ago, we looked at the running back troop; today, we look into the Commanders tight ends.
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Tight ends not returning in 2026
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Zach Ertz: The Commanders have made no official announcement regarding Ertz for 2026. Yet they could certainly have announced, “We expect Zach back, we want Zach back,” etc. Ertz suffered a torn ACL late in the season (Week 14), and he turns 36 in November. Ertz has totaled 825 receptions for 8,592 yards and 57 touchdowns while averaging 10.7 yards per reception in his 13-year, 181-game NFL career.
Tight ends returning in 2026
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John Bates: Bates was extended last year by the Commanders because they see his ability and effort to block. He caught only 11 passes in 2025 and, frankly, may not catch more than 11 in 2026. But that is not because they don’t like Bates. He provides good blocking in both the running game and on special teams.
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Ben Sinnott: If Sinnott can remain healthy in 2026, look for him to double his production of 11 receptions in 2025. The rumors are that OC David Blough will look to Sinnott more than Kliff Kingsbury did in 2024 and 2025.
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Colson Yankoff: Yes, I’m aware that Yankoff had only two receptions for 18 yards in 2025. But coaches see how he hustles on the coverage units and can tackle. He will be on the 2026 team.
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Lawrence Cager: Cager has been around the NFL since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020 with the Jets. Coaches like his size and athletic ability, so he keeps getting chances. He has been with the Jets, Browns, Jets, Giants and Commanders, playing in 22 games and making 19 receptions.
New additions at tight end in 2026
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Chig Okonkwo: After spending his first four seasons with the Titans, the former University of Maryland TE signed with the Commanders as an unrestricted free agent. He catches the ball (194 receptions in four seasons). OC David Blough will no doubt be scheming to get the ball to Okonkwo.
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Anthony Firkser: Firkser is age 31 and has appeared in only seven NFL games. In eight NFL seasons, Firkser has been with the Titans, Falcons, Lions, Jets, Chiefs, and Lions again.
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Quentin Moore: Moore was undrafted out of the University of Washington this year. He stands 6-5 and weighs 260. He and Firkser may battle for a spot on the Practice Squad.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Previewing the Commanders’ tight ends ahead of training camp
