Commanders TE Prepared for Increased Role with Two-Word Proclamation

If you were a rookie last season on the Washington Commanders, it wasn't hard for you to be outshined by the eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year in quarterback Jayden Daniels. There were multiple impactful rookies for first-year head coach Dan Quinn, but none of them got nearly as much pub as Daniels.

Cornerback Mike Sainristil and offensive tackle Brandon Coleman each had solid debuts that pin them as potential long-term starters. Defensive tackle Johnny Newton was another player who showed promise in his limited action.

Second-round tight end Ben Sinnott, however, was largely forgotten about in the offense.

His rookie season didn't see a lot of opportunity because of the situation he was drafted into. He was third on the depth chart behind reliable veteran Zach Ertz and John Bates, who many believe is the best blocking tight end in the game.

Looking ahead to 2025, those two may still be ahead of Sinnott in the pecking order, but there's a chance for a much greater role this year for the Kansas State product.

With what he credits as a "full offseason", Sinnott is prepared for whatever his sophomore season holds.

"One that got an offseason, one that is a lot more confident and much more comfortable ... you kind of get thrown into the fire a little bit your rookie year," Sinnott said about what his second year has looked like.

"You're learning your teammates, your coaches, your offense, so going into this year getting a full offseason, getting my body back, knowing the offense and already having that chemistry built. So, just one that is ready to get better and hopefully a big role on this team."

Comfortable and confident are the keywords to gauge Sinnott with this season. With one year of contending experience under his belt, he's expected to make a big jump and contribute to that team success this season. That could bode well for his future on the depth chart in Washington.

Ertz - Sinnott's main competition in pass-catching spots - was re-signed on a one-year contract. But with Ertz now 35 years old, the 22-year-old Sinnott's chance to be handed the reins of the starting tight end position could be nearing.

He'll be comfortable and confident when that moment comes.