Why Commanders Can't Cut TE Curtis Hodges

The Washington Commanders need help at tight end after a dismal 2022, and maybe taking four on the 53-man roster is the play here.

The Washington Commanders were dismal at tight end in 2022. And despite a lack of production from Logan Thomas, who's fought injuries since 2021, the team opted not to reload.

"Not addressing the tight end position this offseason was a huge call for those in power considering the non-existent production that enveloped the unit last season," Fansided wrote. 

But that all changes with Eric Bieniemy running the offense and incorporating more with tight ends. And it means second-year tight end Curtis Hodges may get a shot on the 53-man roster. 

Fansided named Hodges as a player the Commanders can't afford to send to the practice squad, citing how likely it is that another organization will scoop him up. But that's where the offseason is trending.

"It appears as if Thomas, Turner, and maybe even John Bates will be preferred unless he blows everyone away at camp, so much will depend on whether the Commanders take three or four tight ends onto their 53-man roster," Fansided wrote.

Hodges, 23, is an Arizona State product who played five years for the Sun Devils but never logged 400 yards. In fact, his five years resulted in 601 yards and four scores in just 21 games.

He did not log a stat for the Commanders last season after being put on the IR in September.

"If the outcome is three [tight ends] and Hodges is the odd man out, it could be the last time anyone sees him in a Washington uniform. Although there is no NFL experience to go off, his 6-foot-8 athletic intangibles are always something teams around the league gamble on," Fansided concluded.

So maybe that's it. Hodges' college stats aren't great, he's seemingly the fourth-best tight end on roster and his inclusion in the final roster is not guaranteed. But he's extremely tall. Maybe that's all it takes. 

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