After two disappointing seasons at wide receiver, the Washington Commanders are working Antonio Gandy-Golden at a new position.
ESPN’s John Keim relayed on his most recent podcast, Gandy-Golden is switching to tight end.
“This is something that’s been in the works for a little while, but [the coaching staff] wanted [Gandy-Golden] to sign off on it,” Keim said. “…They wanted to get through some of the early offseason workouts to see how he took to it, see what he thought about it. Well, now it’s going to happen.”
Gandy-Golden was drafted by Washington out of Liberty in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. There were a lot of expectations surrounding his development as a big physical pass catcher, standing at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds.
Unfortunately, his rookie season was marred by a bout of COVID-19, a concussion and later a hamstring injury. He was limited to one catch for three yards and a rushing touchdown in six games during his first year.
Year 2 was just as much as struggle. Gandy-Golden was released during final cuts before being signed to Washington’s practice squad after clearing waivers. He eventually was elevated and played in four games without receiving a target.
Gandy-Golden signed a reserve/future contract with the Commanders in January. To facilitate the position move, Keim adds Gandy-Golden packed on some muscle.
“He had put on a good bit of muscle in the offseason, people had seen him,” Keim continued. “A few people told me how good he looked, how big he looked. So clearly he’s ready for such a move.”
Gandy-Golden will have to prove he can block and drive on defenders. But a switch to tight end may give him the opportunity to highlight his pass catching skills from inside the hash mark. Running a 4.60 40 time, Gandy-Golden could match up against linebackers and safeties better than some of the league’s top cornerbacks.
However, he’ll join a now crowded tight end room. Logan Thomas is coming off a torn ACL. John Bates, last year’s draft pick, looks to build off his experience in place of Thomas last season. The Commanders drafted Cole Turner of Nevada in the fifth round of last month’s draft. Don’t forget about Sammis Reyes who is viewed as a project alongside Gandy-Golden.
