You won't see John Bates as a focal point of the Washington Commanders' passing attack anytime soon. He's not going to be among the leaders in receiving yards among tight ends around the league. However, the unheralded workhorse is quietly turning into a potential breakout star.
The Commanders recognized Bates' overlooked contribution to the team's meteoric rise to the NFC Championship game in 2024. He was out of contract with his future hanging in the balance, but those in power gave him a supreme vote of confidence with a three-year, $21 million contract that included a $7 million signing bonus and $11.