FanPost

Where will the Redskins look for help at Tight End this offseason?

The Redskins Tight End situation is one that baffles me. A position we had once hoped to bolster with the beast that is Jordan Reed, now leaves me crying like the uncomfortable sobs we saw from Vernon Davis on live television last week.

Along with the retirement of Davis and the myriad of tragedy that is Jordan Reeds tenure with the 'Skins, this week the Seattle Seahawks signed Greg Olsen to a 1-year deal worth $7 million. Olsen was amongst the top free agents at the TE position, and with the Redskins obvious need for a TE, a reunion with Rivera could’ve been electric.

But with free agent prize Greg Olsen off the market, and Jordan Reed most likely not returning, where will the Redskins look for help at tight end?

In House

Jeremy Sprinkle

While Sprinkle doesn't excite anyone, he might just be the best option on this team at the moment. Sprinkle had a disappointing year, after being thrust into a starting role with injuries to Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed. What looked to be a dream scenario for the 25 year old, turned into a disaster as he ranked 62 out of 68 graded tight ends, accumulating just 241 yards and a single touchdown. With everything to prove in week 17, he was not the one who shined, but it was Hale Hentges.

Hale Hentges

The undrafted rookie out of Alabama showed signs of promise down the stretch, but with a small sample size of just 124 yards in college and 103 in the NFL, he has only seen the field for 27 games over the last 5 years. Standing at 6’4", 245 lb’s, the 23 year old mainly serves as a blocking tight end. At Alabama this was his main role, where he helped lead the way for Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry as he ran for 2,219 yards and 22 touchdowns. Hentges brings a much needed aspect to the run game, but I don’t think he’s enough of a difference maker to keep around.

Free Agent Options

Austin Hooper

Hooper is a young reliable pass catcher who has improved over each of his 4 seasons with the falcons, including an impressive 2019 campaign where he snagged 75 catches for 787 yards along with 6 touchdowns. Hooper doesn't overwhelm anyone with his size or athleticism, but where he thrives is finding open space on the field. The Stanford alumni could be a huge contributor on this Redskins team if he could be the safety blanket for Dwayne Haskins, that he was for Matt Ryan; after an inconsistent rookie year, Haskins could certainly benefit from a target who can bolster the middle of the field.

Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry is probably the most dynamic of this group, with a 6’5", 250lb frame, he still flaunts a 4.66s 40-yard dash. The 2016 second round pick has struggled with injuries throughout his career, starting just 35 games over his 4 season tenure with the Chargers. This being said after a torn ACL in 2018, he put together a solid 2019 season, gathering 55 catches for 652 yards and 5 touchdowns. Henry brings a set of traits to this ‘Skins team similar to that of Jordan Reed; he adds big play potential that would be conducive to the exciting offense we would all love to see this season.

Eric Ebron

The former 10th overall draft pick spent 4 lousy years with the Detroit Lions, but came to life after signing with Colts in 2018, posting career highs in almost every major category, which proved enough for his first pro bowl nod. Like his first 4 years in the league, inconsistency plagued him once again in 2019, and without the same pieces around him, he struggled. Shaky Quarterback play was definitely one reason for his lack of production last season, but I just don’t think he brings the skill set needed to succeed on this Redskins squad.

Draft Options

Hunter Bryant

Hunter Bryant doesn’t have traditional NFL Tight End size, but he more than makes up for this with his athleticism and playmaking abilities. At just 6’2" and 240lb’s, the University of Washington Junior racked up nearly 1400 yards in his time with Huskies, and could potentially run a sub 4.5s 40 yard dash. The Wide Receiver like Tight End could fit into this young offense and give them a dynamic playmaker on a cheap contract.

Brycen Hopkins

Brycen Hopkins is the full package. The Purdue senior stands at 6’5" 245lb’s, and possesses speed, hands, and route running skills that compare with the best in the country. Not only does he have the intangibles, but the production is there as well; over his 4 years with the Boilermakers, he pulled in 130 catches for 1,945 yards, 16 touchdowns, and had a prolific enough final season to win Big Ten Tight End of the year. Brycen Hopkins is the safest option in this draft, and fits this team like a glove, potentially giving them the red zone threat they’ve been missing.

Thaddeus Moss

Moss is an interesting prospect. Thaddeus Moss is the son of hall of fame Wide Receiver Randy Moss, and although he is a completely different player, it doesn’t hurt to have that type of player and mentor in the family. The LSU Sophomore is primarily a blocking Tight End, but has developed a receiving game as well; throughout his 2019 campaign with LSU he didn’t contribute a ton, but came in clutch down the stretch, grabbing 4 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in their playoff game against #4 Oklahoma, and adding another 2 touchdowns in the National Championship. Moss is definitely a project, but could be a great value pick later in the draft because of his upside.

Final Take

This Redskins offense is young and exciting, no one can deny that. Their potential is off the charts, but what they lack is veteran leadership outside of Adrian Peterson, who will be returning to the team next season after the Redskins chose to exercise his team option for 2020. The Redskins have the cap room to make a splash in free agency this year and I would love to see them go get someone like Hunter Henry or Austin Hooper; a player that will keep the team grounded and provide a solid foundation for Haskins to succeed. I wish I could say we had viable options on this team at the moment, but the fact of the matter is we also need to secure some depth this offseason, and the draft would be a great place to do so in the later rounds, with someone like Thaddeus Moss.