The Commanders spent a second-round pick (53rd overall) on TE Ben Sinnott last spring, and then they tossed him just 5 targets across 17 games. He caught them all but managed only 28 yards (5.6 per catch). And Sinnott's lackluster playing time dwindled at the end of the year. He played no more than eight snaps in any of the final six contests, including the three playoff games. There's some 2025 hope for Sinnott with TE Zach Ertz and TE John Bates both set to hit free agency this month. But ESPN's John Keim says he "knows" Washington wants both guys back.
OC Kliff Kingsbury on Sinnott in late December: "He's a very skilled football player, there's no doubt. I think the blocking aspect is something that we're continuing to work on with him. It's a different speed, different level of play, but he's made big strides in that area and we'll continue to bring him along. He is behind one of the greatest pass-catching tight ends in the history of the league, and so that keeps a few reps off his plate, but we're very pleased with his progress so far."
Logan Paulsen, former Washington TE and current team commentator: "I think it would be unfair of me to say that [Sinnott] would step in and fill the role that Zach [Ertz] has done. He’s a very different player. What I mean by that is that he runs routes differently. ... I think you’re bringing Ben in to be your 'move' chess piece, 'F' tight end, and that’s what Zach does right now. And, I just think it’s unrealistic to expect [Sinnott], after what he’s shown this year, to fill that. I’m not saying he’ll never fill that, but Zach was tremendous this year. Like, really, outstanding."
More from Paulsen: "But I’ve seen guys have really quick turnarounds and developmental periods in an offseason before too, so I’m not ruling that out."
There's a lot to break down here ...
First of all, wanting Ertz and Bates back is obviously different than actually having either guy signed for 2025. Free agency opens next week, so we'll see what happens.
Kingsbury clearly loves Ertz. He was the Arizona HC when the Cardinals acquired the TE. He was no longer the coach when the 2023 Cardinals facilitated Trey McBride's breakout and released Ertz.
I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Washington re-signs the veteran. But Ertz will turn 35 in November. And he was on the team when McBride (a former second-round pick) broke out.
Ertz's return would present a hurdle for Sinnott but not necessarily block the youngster if he's ready to contribute.
Paulsen also praised Bates' work as an inline TE, but Bates' strong suit is blocking. It's possible for him and Sinnott to co-exist, just as Bates and Ertz did for the 2024 Commanders.
Ertz ranked second on the team in targets last year, at 91. He and WR Terry McLaurin were the only Commanders to exceed 64.
Washington ranked just 25th in the league in pass attempts, with a rookie QB. I'd bet they'll throw at least a little more in 2025. But Kingsbury's four Arizona offenses ranked 18th, 15th, 18th, and fourth in pass attempts.
Add WR Deebo Samuel, and Washington TEs might have trouble matching last year's No. 18 ranking in total receptions.
If Washington doesn't bring back Ertz and doesn't add anyone else significant, then Sinnott could make sense this summer as a late TE2 with upside.
I'd bet on him remaining more of a waiver-wire guy to watch, however.
That said, the second-year TE still holds intrigue for some other formats ...
Sinnott's debut season was obviously disappointing. But it's too early to totally give up on a 22-year-old (23 in mid-June) who was the clear second TE in last year's draft.
Sinnott followed only Brock Bowers (40 picks behind) and saw just one other TE (Tip Reiman) go before Round 4.
He hit college as a FB and spent just two years at TE before getting drafted. So it's not surprising that Sinnott still has some developing to do.
He's a decent cheap stash in dynasty right now -- and worth holding (at reasonable cost) if you already have him.
Sinnott's actually been a key late-round target for me in early best ball drafting, landing on 25% of my Drafters rosters so far.
That's not because I have some strong belief that he'll break through this season, though I do like the talent and ultimate upside.
I also believe strongly in Jayden Daniels. And Sinnott's best ball ADP carries basically no downside risk.
He's intriguing as a TE3 right now. And we'll see where the offseason goes.
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