The Washington Redskins entered this off-season in dire need of an impact tight end. However, after the first week of free agency, the Redskins remain in the same situation it, in dire need of an impact tight end. That’s because an already thin tight end market dried up fast.
Vernon Davis’ retirement and oft-injured Jordan Reed being released pushed tight end near the top of Washington’s list of needs. Fans and media had their eyes set on a number of top-level tight ends.
Top-three names off market
However, the Los Angeles Chargers slapped the franchise tag on Hunter Henry just before the deadline. Then top free agent target Austin Hooper agreed to a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns just hours into the legal tampering period. Shortly afterwards, Atlanta, who lost Hooper, traded for Baltimore’s Hayden Hurst.
And just like that the top three names were off the market.
Money played a factor in the Redskins not landing Hooper. They didn’t have enough trade capital to make a move on Hurst. And never got a chance at Henry.
Redskins forced to sought through slim pickings
Throw in the fact they missed out on head coach Ron Rivera’s guy Greg Olsen to Seattle last month, and the Redskins were left standing 0-for-4. Instead of a Hooper, Olsen or Hurst, Washington has been relegated to two low-level signings of Marcus Baugh and former Virginia Tech quarterback-turned tight end Logan Thomas.
Thomas is the only one of the two to have NFL game action. Thomas caught a career-high 16 passes in 2019 and scored his first career touchdown since entering the NFL in 2014.
There still remains some low key, but risky options. Yet, Jimmy Graham signed with the Chicago Bears; Eric Ebron went with the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Nick Vannett is headed to the Denver Broncos.
An already dire situation is even worse for the Redskins. They need a reliable safety net for Dwayne Haskins or whoever else lines up under center at quarterback. Going into a season, even if it’s one of rebuilding, with Thomas, Baugh and Jeremy Sprinkle as your best tight end options is extremely disappointing.
What options are left?
According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Redskins have expressed interest in free agent Delanie Walker, who was recently released by the Tennessee Titans. The Packers, who lost Graham and missed out on Hooper, and the Colts, who lost Ebron, are also said to be interested in Walker. Both of which have a more proven quarterback and supporting cast on offense.
Washington could be turning to the draft. But, they currently don’t have a second-round pick and barring a trade, probably won’t be able to address the position need until at least the third round. There are needs at left tackle, wide receiver and cornerback as well.
Not having a capable tight end hampers an offense, especially on third down and with spreading out the defense. Last year proved as a prime example as both Haskins and Case Keenum struggled without a sure-handed receiving option at tight end.
Washington converted just 29.1% of their third downs, the worst conversion rate in the NFL.
If the Redskins cannot adequately address the need at tight end, they may be destined for a repeat of their offensive struggles.
