Should Commanders Add to TE Room in Last Phase of NFL Free Agency?

With many of their roster needs addressed already this offseason there's still the question of whether or not the Washington Commanders bring in more tight end talent before NFL Training Camps get started.

The Washington Commanders have addressed a lot of the needs that most of us identified for them entering the offseason. 

With new offensive linemen added to one of the most rotational groups the NFL saw last season the Commanders are looking to give young quarterback Sam Howell all the tools he needs to succeed in his first year as a starter. 

Washington is hoping Howell will be the answer for that position they've been seeking since long before coach Ron Rivera got on campus. 

And that's just two of the questions this team had facing them, but there's one that still remains and it concerns the future of the tight end position.

"There are a few young tight ends behind Logan Thomas who the Commanders are optimistic about," says Pro Football Focus when identifying one move the team should make post-NFL Draft. "Adding another depth piece in Maxx Williams couldn't hurt now that he's recovered from an unfortunate ACL tear sustained at the worst possible time in 2021. Through Week 5 of 2021, Williams was sporting a 77.6 receiving grade with 16 receptions, as many as he'd had in a full season since 2015. Perhaps more importantly, Williams' 81.0 run-blocking grade since 2015 is the top mark in the NFL over the span."

While we've certainly been vocal ourselves about seeing the need for the Commanders to add a tight end to the room that could potentially take over for Thomas when his time with the franchise comes to an end, we're not sure Williams is the answer. 

The grades are certainly attractive but Williams hasn't started more than eight games since 2019 and hasn't played more than 11 since then either. 

At this point, he looks like solid depth, but Washington has that. What it needs is a player to bring along as a future starter. 

Having not landed one of the tight ends in this year's draft class, it appears the Commanders will rely on their promising depth featuring John Bates, Cole Turner, Armani Rogers, and Curtis Hodges in hopes that one of those turns in performance this season that inspires hope for the post-Thomas days to come. 

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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