Grading the signing: Commanders add an explosive weapon for Jayden Daniels and fill a massive void

The Commanders finally answer the biggest question regarding the TE room after adding a new playmaker to stretch the field.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Dec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (85) celebrates his touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Nissan Stadium. © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

After spending all of their free agent money on the defense, we finally saw the Washington Commanders address the offense and give QB Jayden Daniels a new weapon.

There were a lot of questions regarding the TE room and if veteran Zach Ertz would return, and we finally have an answer. The Commanders are getting younger and faster at the position by signing TE Chigoziem Okonkwo to create fireworks on offense.

They passed on Isaiah Likely and others, so was the Okonkwo swing the right move?

Commanders sign TE Chigoziem Okonkwo to open up offense

There was speculation of where the Commanders would turn, and it was reported that they liked Okonkwo more than Likely, and they landed him on a three-year, $30 million deal in free agency.

Okonkwo is just 26 years old, and he’s bringing the juice to the tight end room, which has been missing for a while in Washington. He’s the complete opposite of Ertz, and a much-needed upgrade at the position. Ertz was dead last in yards after the catch, while Okonkwo was the seventh best in 2025 as he averaged 6.2 yards after the catch.

Okonkwo plays with great speed and contact balance, and he’s dangerous with the ball in his hands. He also still has plenty of room to continue to grow, and Washington is keeping him around for three years to develop.

Grading the free agency signing of TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

Money-wise, Peters paid Okonkwo right around his market value of $10 million per year, which is rare in this free agency period, so I love the numbers. When it comes to his fit in the scheme, there wasn’t a better option than him. The Titans played him primarily in the slot, but he can also play in-line and out wide as a receiving threat.

He isn’t the best blocker, so that will dock him slightly on my grade, but that also isn’t his role. The Commanders have Ben Sinnott and Jon Bates for the dirty work at the line of scrimmage, and Okonkwo will stretch the field and give Daniels a new target for explosive plays. I love the signing; this was my guy.

Grade: A-

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