The Washington Commanders were not going to stay still after losing veteran tight end Zach Ertz to injury. They swiftly filled the hole by signing Tyree Jackson, a converted quarterback from NFC East rivals the New York Giants.
He will join the practice squad, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who confirmed the news on Tuesday, December 17.
Jackson is a fascinating physical specimen with inherent positional flexibility. These characteristics could enable the 27-year-old break into a senior depth chart that is still dominated by blocker John Bates and solid rookie Ben Sinnott.
Jackson’s playing time will be determined by how long Ertz is in concussion protocol after taking a big hit during the 20-19 win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
Tyree Jackson, an intriguing addition.
Jackson has failed to make an impact as a pass-catcher and to remain healthy, but he is an intriguing addition to the Commanders’ roster. Partly because he played quarterback in college and started his professional career as a signal-caller after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2019.
Jackson possesses the athletic profile to succeed as a tight end. A string of serious ailments has hampered the 6-foot-7, 249-pounder’s chances.
In 2021, he fractured a bone in his back while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, among other illnesses. He even ruptured his ACL in early 2022. Jackson was also waived with an injury settlement by the Giants in August of this year.
Big Blue released Jackson despite the fact that he had “intrigued” observers such as CBS Sports’ Dan Schneier. He praised Jackson’s “4.59 speed and near-90th percentile arm length, wingspan, and hands.” And he moves quite smoothly in space. “I would rather develop him and keep him on the roster for red zone packages.”
The Commanders should get more of this out of Jackson. Jackson’s viewpoint as a quarterback, combined with his size and speed, make him a valuable target over the middle for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniel.
Ertz had performed brilliantly in the role.
Zach Ertz has played a key role.
His numbers aren’t particularly outstanding, but Ertz has 54 receptions for 526 yards and four touchdowns. That’s above-average performance for a 34-year-old in his 12th professional season.
More significant than his output, Ertz has been someone Daniels has relied on in critical occasions. The third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft has looked at No. 86 77 times. Only marquee wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been targeted more frequently (92 times) among Daniels’ supporting cast.
McLaurin is Daniels’ go-to target, but the wideout room is nearly devoid of other credible playmakers. This is why offensive coach Kliff Kingsbury has leaned extensively on various tight end options this season.
Pro Football Reference lists Ertz, Bates, and Sinnott as the team’s snap count leaders. Kingsbury’s emphasis on tight ends made it logical for the Commanders to act immediately and bring Jackson on board.
This is also why the team must plan for Ertz’s succession. A 28-year-old Saints starter meets the criteria, but in the meantime, fringe guys like Bates and Jackson may fill the need while Ertz is out.
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