While the Washington Commanders seemed to never stop wheeling and dealing to retool their roster in 2025, one move that seemed to go under the radar was the 3-year, $21 million contract signed by tight end John Bates on March 10.
While not a massive deal by NFL standards, the fact Bates, 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds, was able to get that type of money should have raised some eyebrows. Bates had just 8 receptions for 84 yards in 17 games in 2024 and hasn’t scored a touchdown since 2022. He’s not even Washington’s starting tight end. That’s Zach Ertz.
Somehow, no one blinked an eye.
That’s because Bates’ value goes beyond the typical stat lines we look at for tight ends.
Bates’ value comes almost exclusively in his unique talent blocking and setting the edge for the run game. That’s why he got the money he did and why The Athletic’s Jordan Rodrique singled Bates out as one of a handful of NFL players who seem headed for breakout seasons in 2025.
“As a No. 2 tight end, Bates is still well under the radar to the larger public — although he’s certainly not underrated by his teammates and coaches,” Rodrique wrote on September 1. “Bates might be the best blocking No. 2 tight end in the NFL right now. Watch him from snap to snap, and thank me later.”
Path From Small Town Oregon To NFL Riches
Bates came from rural Eastern Oregon at Class 3A Nyssa High School and transferred to Class 5A Lebanon High School, where he originally committed to play for Oregon State before landing at Boise State.
With the Broncos, Bates never jumped off the page catching the ball but made enough of an impression on the Commanders in the pre-draft process he was selected in the fourth round (No. 124 overall) of the 2021 NFL draft.
Projections for Bates had him targeted as either a seventh round pick or priority undrafted free agent.
Over his first 4 seasons, Bates has been a valuable asset to the offense in terms of reliability. He’s only missed one regular season game in his career and has 25 starts in 67 games. While his numbers in the receiving game have been almost negligible — 17-game averages of 15 receptions for 150 yards — in the run game he’s been invaluable.
Never was that more on display than in 2024 as the Commanders went 12-5 and Jayden Daniels set the NFL rookie quarterback rushing record with 891 yards and 6 touchdowns.
In the Commanders‘ offense, that means Bates not only sets the edge but is a valuable downfield blocker. That’s a critical skill with an electric athlete like Daniels running the ball.
Bates Turns Blocking Into Highlight Reel Plays
It’s kind of incredible to watch someone with Bates’ size and athleticism block like he does — to the point he actually turns blocking into their own set of highlight reel plays.
“John Bates is the best blocking Tight-End in the NFL,” Commanders fan Chris Bryant wrote on his official X account.
“John Bates deserves so much more recognition for his elite blocking,” Commanders reporter Jordan Asri wrote on their official X account. “Genuinely the best blocking TE in the game.”
Commanders 6-foot-6, 256- Pound $21 Million TE Called NFL’s ‘Best Secret Weapon’