The Washington Commanders are in need of an upgrade or two in the tight end room this offseason.
With the team likely parting ways with veteran Logan Thomas, the team could use a fill-in who can work alongside John Bates and Cole Turner, both of whom are still on rookie contracts.
If the Commanders strike out on one of the top free agents at the position like Gerald Everett, Mike Gesicki or Dalton Schultz, perhaps the team could target Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins.
Akins, who turns 31 this offseason, has played five seasons in the NFL with the Texans. While he struggled in 2021 and was cut by the New York Giants in training camp, Akins jumped at an opportunity he got with the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Akins recorded a career-high 37 receptions for 495 yards and five touchdowns. Now, he'll look to sign a new contract this offseason, possibly with a new team.
Akins is a bargain buy for whichever team signs him. He isn't someone that should be guaranteed a starting role, but one that could fill it if needed. He would be an upgrade over Thomas and give the Commanders a big target to work with in the middle of the offense to complement the bevy of receivers ... and only at a fraction of the cost.
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