How Chig Okonkwo fits Commanders' TE need perfectly from Titans free agency

Sep 14, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) before the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders needed a first-string tight end with Zach Ertz not under contract anymore.

They found one in Chigoziem "Chig" Okonkwo, who signed a three-year deal with the Commanders on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport added that Okonkwo was "the best TE available."

That makes it seem like a particularly good get for Washington, and he's right.

The cost is expected to be $30 million total over three years, for $10 million a year, writes Rapoport.

Chiggy was originally a fourth-round pick of the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Maryland, and his athleticism has always been his most intriguing trait.

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At 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, Okonkwo is a lot like a big receiver, and he's quick.

In his rookie season, he had 32 catches for 450 yards.

That rose to 54 catches for 528 yards in 2023.

He kept it close in 2024 with 52 grabs for 479 yards.

Then he had career highs with both 56 catches and 560 yards in 2025.

Okonkwo has caught eight touchdowns in 68 career games with the Titans.

They've also given him six career carries for 25 yards.

Now, Chiggy is moving on to an offense with an immensely talented quarterback, Jayden Daniels, and he'll get a chance at a lot of targets as one of the best options behind Terry McLaurin.

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