March 1, 2026, 4:01 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Washington Commanders<\/a> need a new receiving tight end in 2026. That doesn’t mean Washington has given up on rising third-year tight end Ben Sinnott. No, in fact, Sinnott’s role could grow under new offensive coordinator David Blough. However, Sinnott will likely be moved around on offense, and the Commanders<\/a> need someone to replace Zach Ertz’s production at tight end.<\/p>\n The good news for Washington is that it’s a good year to need a tight end. While the Atlanta Falcons placed the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, several quality free-agent options remain. Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens<\/a> is most often linked to the Commanders<\/a>. Many feel Likely, who has split time with Mark Andrews for the past four seasons, is about to break out as a clear No. 1 tight end.<\/p>\n Chig Okonkwo<\/a> of the Tennessee Titans<\/a> is in a similar boat. Both are young and athletic. While Likely had Lamar Jackson as his quarterback, Okonkwo seemingly played with a new quarterback every year.<\/p>\n Veteran David Njoku is another quality option. However, the free agent that hardly anyone is talking about is Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<\/p>\n Like Okonkwo and Likely, Otton is heading into free agency at the right time. The 6-foot-5, 247-pounder was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Washington. In those four seasons, the 26-year-old Otton has caught 207 passes for 2,018 yards and 11 touchdowns.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Otton has missed only four games in his career and is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he has caught 59 passes. Other NFL teams know all about Otton. He’s been somewhat limited in Tampa Bay’s offense and could be poised for a more significant one elsewhere.<\/p>\n