A 2021 fourth-round pick, Bates has recorded 500-to-519 snaps and 14-to-20 catches in each of his three NFL seasons, missing just one game out of a possible 51. He's a reliable backup tight end who mostly blocks and also plays some special teams, but there's not much reason to expect a jump forward in receiving production for the final year of his contract. The Commanders signed Zach Ertz and drafted Ben Sinnott in the second round this offseason, putting at least two tight ends ahead of Bates in the pecking order for routes and targets.

• Spencer Pulley
  OL
• Tytus Howard
  DL
• Jeremiah Trotter
  LB
• Kyle Kennard
  DL
• Tariq Castro-Fields
  DB
• Cameron Camper
  WR
• Blake Gillikin
  P
• Allen Hurns
  WR