Washington's decision to bring in Anthony Firkser may not turn heads, but it does fit a clear need. The Commanders are looking to strengthen their tight end group, and Firkser brings just the kind of experience that should help him settle in quickly.
The Commanders made the move official during OTAs, signing Firkser while waiving receiver Ja'Corey Brooks. The tight end spot is expected to play a key role in David Blough 's new offensive scheme, and this signing gives the team another option to consider as they shape their final roster.
After letting Kliff Kingsbury go following a 5-12 campaign, the Commanders gave the offensive coordinator role to Blough in January.
At 30, and with just two years of coaching under his belt, he's already started reshaping the system by moving away from Kingsbury's shotgun-heavy approach, which led the NFL in usage. Instead, he's shifting towards a more conventional setup that puts Jayden Daniels under centre more often and incorporates frequent multiple-tight-end looks.
The new approach relies on tight ends not just for blocking but also as play-action threats, so it makes sense that they'd want to add depth there during OTAs. The signing lines up well with what Blough seems to be putting together.
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Firkser, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard, has been around the NFL since 2018. He spent his most productive years with Tennessee , especially in 2020, when he recorded 39 catches for 387 yards. More recently, he's had shorter stops with Atlanta , the Jets, Kansas City and Detroit , where he made eight catches over seven games last season.
What stands out about him is his blocking. That aspect of his game reportedly caught GM Adam Peters' eye. A tight end who can block well enough, contribute on special teams and fill in as a receiver when needed fits the profile of someone who could round out a depth chart.
Chig Okonkwo, a new arrival this offseason, joins returning players John Bates and Ben Sinnott as the likely top three on the depth chart. Firkser isn't expected to break into that group, but he does add competition for spots further down the line.
Blough's plans for frequent two and three-tight end formations could give added importance to those reserve roles. Firkser's presence could make things trickier for Colson Yankoff , who was already on the fringe, and might also lead to Sinnott seeing more time in an H-back or fullback capacity.
It's a minor move, but it gives away something about the direction of David Blough's first offence. They're swapping out a surplus receiver in Ja'Corey Brooks for a blocking tight end whose resume fits exactly where the scheme is headed.
The Commanders plan to run more two-tight-end looks under Blough, who has replaced Kliff Kingsbury's spread system with heavier personnel and play-action principles. The signing reflects the shape of that shift.
Firkser's shot at a roster spot depends on whether he can provide enough blocking, short-yardage reliability, and special teams value to warrant carrying a fourth tight end. In an offence now built around the position, that's more than just a formality – it's a genuine competition.
The signing indicates Washington is still gauging exactly how much depth they'll need to fully support Blough's system.
