​Change can be good, and the Washington Commanders are banking on that this offseason by moving on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and elevating former assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to lead the unit. The team has made clear how highly they value Blough, and even though the Detroit Lions were interested in signing him, Washington has bigger plans for the former NFL quarterback. While the spotlight often centers on quarterback Jayden Daniels and the goal of being under center more frequently, other players could benefit too. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin remains a standout, but Blough intends to move him around the formation to create favorable matchups.
Third-year tight end Ben Sinnott, the 2024 second-round pick who drew doubt from some Washington fans after just two seasons, could benefit as much as anyone besides Daniels. Former Commanders tight end Logan Paulsen, now an analyst for the team, echoed that sentiment on his Take Command podcast with Grant Paulsen, saying Sinnott presents a natural fit given how his usage could unfold.
Some speculated Sinnott’s role would shrink after Washington signed free agent Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal in March, but Okonkwo’s role shouldn’t limit Sinnott, who brings a different skill set. Sinnott, during his time at Kansas State, flashed versatility by running routes from multiple areas—corners, posts, high crosses, and seams. His strengths lie in vertical stems with varied top ends, rather than short-area, quick-route bursts that the current offense emphasizes in the middle of the field. Paulsen compared Sinnott’s situation in part to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who struggled early under Kingsbury behind Zach Ertz but found his stride after Kingsbury departed. Sinnott’s path mirrors that dynamic: not an ideal fit for Kingsbury’s system, but potentially perfect for Blough’s approach.
Paulsen, who played tight end in the NFL for a decade and now analyzes the position for the Commanders, believes Sinnott has potential, though it’s still early. In two NFL seasons, Sinnott has posted 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 18 targets. Washington plans to employ multiple tight end sets under Blough, especially with John Bates, one of the league’s better blocking tight ends, on the roster as well. While 2026 looms large for Sinnott, he shouldn’t be counted out yet.
This piece originally appeared on Commanders Wire.