Fowler: Okonkwo ‘de facto WR2' for Commanders

Zach Ertz was second on the team with 72 targets last year, but after that you have to slide all the way down to John Bates at 16 to find another tight end. Chig Okonkwo is certainly in the TE2 tier at the moment, but this would appear to give him a path to low-end TE1 upside. Keim does say it’s not only Okonkwo who will have a bigger role, and the role may shrink a bit if and when the Commanders finally bring in Brandon Aiyuk or another veteran WR2. Still, Okonkwo’s range of outcomes is much better than it was last year in Tennessee.

Keim went as far as to say that a league source was confused when the Commanders drafted Sinnott at No. 53 overall a year ago because he didn’t think the tight end was a fit for Kingsbury’s system. That source was spot on. Sinnott managed just 16 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns through two seasons. Kingbury has since been fired and replaced by Blough, who previously held the title of assistant quarterbacks coach. Keim called out a deep shot and an intermediate throw over the middle to Sinnott as plays that are indicative of how Blough will use his tight ends in the regular season. Though free agent addition Chig Okonkwo is penciled in as the starter, Sinnott should get more run in his third season. Dynasty managers can leave the light on for him, even if he isn’t a consideration in redraft leagues.

Okonkwo, who in March signed a three-year deal worth up to $30 million, has been an offensive highlight for Washington under first-year OC David Blough. “He has rare speed and versatility, and his knack for collecting yards after the catch only adds to his appeal,” Jhabvala said, adding that the Commanders could “use a heavy dose of multiple tight end sets” under Blough this season. While last year in Tennessee was a down season for Okonkwo — he ranked 30th among tight ends in yards per route run — he has proven to be efficient in the past. Over four seasons with the Titans he was targeted on 19 percent of his pass routes. Okonkwo could be a 12-team fantasy option in 2026 if Jayden Daniels stays healthy.

It’s possible depending on how deep the Commanders wideout room is and how the (seemingly inevitable) Brandon Aiyuk signing works out that Okonkwo could be a featured player for the pass offense in 2026. But after four years failing to crack 600 yards, we’re skeptical that it will happen in a new arena. He’ll likely remain at least a mid-range fantasy TE2 for the Commanders. It’s a good real-life signing given the fact that Zach Ertz hit free agency with an ACL tear regardless of how his fantasy status ultimately plays out.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that the team is seeking “difference-makers” in free agency this offseason. Keim notes that the Commanders are expected to aggressively pursue players at edge rusher, wide receiver and cornerback before singling out Okonkwo as a potential target at tight end. Commanders TE Zach Ertz tore an ACL last year and is scheduled to hit free agency, freeing up the primary receiving tight end role.

He did, however, say that he wants to stay in Tennessee. Okonkwo turned his three grabs into 55 yards and a score last week. That put him at a 54/558/3 receiving line on the year. All three of those numbers are either new career-highs for Okonkwo or at least tie his previous high-water mark. Okonkwo may never hit the next gear for fantasy purposes, but he’s a capable start who works well with the ball in his hands. He should have no issues finding a multi-year contract as a free agent in the spring.

Okonkwo broke free for a 43-yard score at the top of the second quarter by bull-rushing through Saints corner Kool-Aid McKinstry after securing a short toss from Cam Ward. The one play alone put him over 40 yards with a score for the second week in a row. Backup tight end Gunnar Helm was only targeted twice. He caught just one pass. Okonkwo will remain in the TE2 mix for his Week 18 date with the Jags.

Okonkwo led the Titans in catches on an afternoon where Cam Ward took another modest but legitimate step forward. His score was a seven-yarder on a shovel pass. The Titans’ most consistent compiler this season, Okonkwo has now caught at least four passes three of the past four weeks, but spiked weeks have not been a thing. This is a low-ceiling offense, one where Ward is really spreading the ball around. That means Okonkwo will keep maxing out as a low-upside TE2 for the fantasy finals against the Saints.

Okonkwo led the team in targets, but that’s mainly because the Titans seem to only want to run screen passes, which leads to plenty of targets for their tight ends and running backs. Okonkwo did have a nice 17-yard catch and run in the first half, where he broke a few tackles, but this is not a role that provides consistent fantasy value.

Still yet to score this season, Okonkwo continues to pair the most modest of floors with the most nonexistent of ceilings. That will not change during the fantasy playoffs, leaving Okonkwo out of sight, out of mind in both re-draft and DFS fantasy.