Chig Okonkwo joins Commanders, targets expanded 2025 role

Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo said he expects a larger and more varied role after joining the club this offseason, following three seasons with the Tennessee Titans in which he totaled 162 receptions.

Okonkwo said early work in Washington’s offense has already offered him “so many more opportunities” to run different concepts than he did previously. He framed the move as a chance to better showcase his abilities heading into the 2025 season.

The Commanders are reshaping their offense under coordinator David Blough, and Okonkwo’s comments point to a plan that emphasizes flexibility at tight end. In practice settings, that can mean expanding the route tree and moving the position across formations to create matchups against both defensive backs and linebackers.

Okonkwo was a steady contributor in Tennessee, and his focus in Washington is on turning the added variety into week-to-week production once games begin. For the Commanders, a tight end who can align in multiple spots can help stress coverages and give the quarterback defined answers versus man and zone looks.

How Washington has featured tight ends recently

Washington leaned heavily on veteran Zach Ertz as a target during the 2024 season, giving quarterback Jayden Daniels extensive experience throwing to the tight end position. That usage provides a recent example of how the position can be integrated into the passing game.

Okonkwo’s arrival gives the staff another option as it builds the 2025 offense. Based on his early impressions, the aim is to put him in situations where he can run a broader set of routes and operate from multiple alignments rather than being limited to a narrow set of assignments.

What needs to happen before 2025 kicks off

The key test will be whether Okonkwo can quickly develop timing within the Commanders’ passing game and translate the expanded menu of responsibilities into consistent targets when the 2025 season begins.