Chig Okonkwo. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Washington Commanders land replacement for three-time Pro Bowler

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 4:44 PM ET

The Washington Commanders needed to add a tight end in free agency, with three-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz not expected to return, and the other players do not pose a threat in the passing game.

Ertz is testing free agency while recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 14. Meanwhile, John Bates has totaled 695 yards in his first five seasons, Ben Sinnott has 142 yards in his first two, and Colson Yankoff has just 18 in his first two.

Washington Commanders land replacement for three-time Pro Bowler

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are set to sign Chigoziem “Chig” Okonkwo to a three-year deal worth up to $30 million.

The former Tennessee Titans fourth-round pick is primarily known as a receiving tight end, recording 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns across his first four seasons. However, Okonkwo is not considered a strong blocker, as he is undersized at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds.

The #Commanders are expected to sign free agent TE Chig Okonkwo, per The Insiders, giving him a 3-year deal worth up to $30M done by agents Jared Fox and Jason Chayut. pic.twitter.com/sP2Hs78c47

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Chig Okonkwo. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chig Okonkwo put together a breakout fourth season, setting a career high in receiving while. He hauled in 56 passes on 79 attempts for a team-leading 560 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games, including 12 starts, accounting for 666 offensive snaps. Okonkwo lined up in-line 44% of his snaps, while 32% of his total snaps were spent blocking, including 35 pass-blocking reps per PFF.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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