The Washington Commanders may have finally found its quarterback of the future in Sam Howell. Howell has started a meager three games, but he’s won them all and showed promise. While the offensive line is a work in progress, the Commanders have a plethora of talent at the skill positions except at tight end.
Logan Thomas has dealt with his fair share of injuries over the past three seasons before he caught a devastating and illegal hit from Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson in Week 2. Cole Turner is in his second year as a pro, but he’s not flashed as bright as expected.
John Bates is in his third year, but he’s been a better blocker than a receiver. He had a career day in Washington’s win over Denver with three catches and 46 yards. With a relentless defense and a resilient quarterback, the Commanders may be ready to push for the playoffs in the NFC.
One thing that’s missing is giving Howell a safety net. And that answer may be on another roster.
The Commanders should go save Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons
The Commanders neglected to address the tight end position effectively this off-season. That’s despite Thomas dealing with a calf injury in the preseason and Armani Rogers going down for the year with an Achilles injury during OTAs.
As a result, one of the glaring holes on the roster remains at tight end. But the solution could be former first-round pick Kyle Pitts. Pitts entered the NFL with a lot of promise and hype. The Atlanta Falcons made Pitts the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history when they selected him fourth overall in 2021 out of Florida.
Draft experts predicted Pitts would transform the tight end position. Unfortunately, Pitts has been a shell of himself lately in Atlanta, wasted by some accounts. He showed his potential as a rookie. He had 68 catches for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, making the Pro Bowl with Matt Ryan as his quarterback.
However, Pitts was limited to ten games last season with a hamstring injury earlier in the year and a torn MCL that ended his season later. His numbers were pedestrian, and injuries weren’t the main reason. He had 28 catches for 356 yards and two touchdowns.
The drop in his production was more a byproduct of head coach Arthur Smith’s offense with Marcus Mariota at quarterback. Despite being healthy this season, Pitts is subjected to more of the same through two games with Desmond Ridder at quarterback.
The Falcons have shifted to a run-heavy offense. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the focal point. They’ve amassed 73 touches through the first two games. Pitts, on the other hand, has four catches for 59 yards.
Robinson leads the team with ten catches. Meanwhile, backup tight end Jonnu Smith has as many touches as Pitts.
And Pitts’ situation may not improve, as running back/joker Coradelle Patterson appears on the mend from his thigh injury. Patterson missed the first two games.
At the moment, Pitts’ talents are getting wasted. With Atlanta 2-0, a change of philosophy doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
Should Washington trade for Pitts? The answer is yes. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, who helps with personnel decisions, and general manager Martin Mayhew are reluctant to give up draft capital in trades.
If the Falcons were to put Pitts on the block, there may be multiple suitors flooding to make offers. That could drive up the price. But, the Commanders should strongly consider the option.
The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31. The Commanders, who are 2-0 entering Week 3, have six more games before the deadline. One of those games is against the Falcons in Atlanta.
If the Commanders continue to win and there’s no jump in production from Thomas, Turner, or Bates, and Pitts is still invisible in Smith’s offense, Rivera and Mayhew need to pick up the phone.
Howell is making pundits remember why he was a first-round prospect before his dreadful last year at North Carolina. His ball placement on his throws is near perfection. He’s cleaning up his footwork in the pocket. But a reliable safety net at tight end could drastically improve Howell’s body of work.
Kyle Pitts could be Eric Bieniemy’s new Travis Kelce
In last week’s win against the Broncos, Howell got a few safety drops to Bates. Imagine what Pitts could do. Pitts can line up wide or in the slot as well. His speed makes him a better down-the-field threat than any of the Commanders’ current tight ends.
Pitts would give offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy some of the attributes Bieniemy had with All-Pro Travis Kelce with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy’s offense is supposed to showcase the tight end. Pitts could open up the seam for Howell.
Pitts’ presence could also give wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson more freedom and chances. It’s a win-win situation, even with a steep trade price.
Given Howell may be the answer at quarterback, Washington may now have the leeway to burn some draft picks to make Howell’s job easier.
Sorry, White House and Capital Hill, the loudest campaign in Washington should be Kyle Pitts to the Commanders before the Oct. 31 trade deadline.
