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Everyone keeps talking about who will be the Washington Commanders' WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin in 2026. Will it be Brandon Aiyuk if the 49ers eventually release him? Could it be four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs? What about some in-house options, such as rookie Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, or Luke McCaffrey?
What if Washington's WR2 is already on the roster and is none of the aforementioned players?
That's right. The Commanders signed 26-year-old tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal worth $30 million in March. By virtue of that contract, Washington has big plans for Okonkwo. While the Commanders also have Ben Sinnott and John Bates at tight end, Okonkwo was signed to replace Zach Ertz as Jayden Daniels' primary receiving option at tight end.
Daniels loves throwing to the tight end. He and Ertz had a special connection over the last two years. Okonkwo is a different player than Ertz. He's far more athletic and better after the catch. Ertz ran precise routes, earning the trust of Daniels and his teammates. Okonkwo's dynamic ability after the catch could be key to David Blough's offense in 2026.
The Commanders released some select highlights on social media this week from OTAs. One of those highlights was Daniels connecting with Okonkwo.
Sure, it's only practice, and there are no players in pads. Still, this part of the offseason is where quarterbacks can begin to build trust with their new targets. Okonkwo has been steady throughout his four-year NFL career, catching at least 52 passes in each of the last three seasons. He's never played with a quarterback like Daniels or with a top receiver like McLaurin.
It will be interesting to watch Daniels and Okonkwo throughout training camp. You knew early with Ertz in 2024 that he'd be a top target for Daniels. Could the same happen with Okonkwo ahead of the 2026 season? It appears they are off to a fast start.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels connects with Chig Okonkwo
Continue reading...
What if Washington's WR2 is already on the roster and is none of the aforementioned players?
That's right. The Commanders signed 26-year-old tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal worth $30 million in March. By virtue of that contract, Washington has big plans for Okonkwo. While the Commanders also have Ben Sinnott and John Bates at tight end, Okonkwo was signed to replace Zach Ertz as Jayden Daniels' primary receiving option at tight end.
Daniels loves throwing to the tight end. He and Ertz had a special connection over the last two years. Okonkwo is a different player than Ertz. He's far more athletic and better after the catch. Ertz ran precise routes, earning the trust of Daniels and his teammates. Okonkwo's dynamic ability after the catch could be key to David Blough's offense in 2026.
The Commanders released some select highlights on social media this week from OTAs. One of those highlights was Daniels connecting with Okonkwo.
Sure, it's only practice, and there are no players in pads. Still, this part of the offseason is where quarterbacks can begin to build trust with their new targets. Okonkwo has been steady throughout his four-year NFL career, catching at least 52 passes in each of the last three seasons. He's never played with a quarterback like Daniels or with a top receiver like McLaurin.
It will be interesting to watch Daniels and Okonkwo throughout training camp. You knew early with Ertz in 2024 that he'd be a top target for Daniels. Could the same happen with Okonkwo ahead of the 2026 season? It appears they are off to a fast start.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels connects with Chig Okonkwo
Continue reading...
