The Washington Commanders have been players in free agency again this offseason, but the franchise hasn't seen as many players walk through the door as a year ago.
A select few in Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, have been signed, while Zach Ertz, Bobby Wagner, Marcus Mariota, and others have been retained.
When looking at the Commanders' signings, it is easy to pick out the "big name" players who will push the franchise forward, but in truth, the lesser-knowns often play their role as well.
For Washington, one signing made this offseason, for ESPN's John Keim, has been an under-the-radar one, and that's tight end John Bates.
"Bates is not a dynamic pass-catcher -- he has 61 career receptions over four seasons, including eight last season," Keim wrote. "But the Commanders made it a priority to keep him around because of his blocking ability. Coaches had talked in the past about his unique ability to handle defensive ends when needed in pass protection, which is a rarity among modern tight ends. Bates might not catch more than 10 passes this season, but his value remains high."
While Bates won't be breaking out on seam routes like Ertz, but it is clear that the Commanders coaching staff value him as a key member of the offense. ... a secret weapon of sorts.
Given the rushing ability of Kliff Kingsbury's offense, having a tight end who isn't afraid to get down and dirty in the trenches to open up running lanes is like gold, and in Bates, Washington has just that.
He only caught eight passes for 84 yards in 2024, but it is clear that Bates' value goes way beyond stats, and it is due to this that his re-signing is the very definition of under the radar.
