Ex-Washington TE believes Luke McCaffrey could have 'sneaky big year'

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This is a big year for the Washington Commanders' 2024 NFL Draft class. Quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to bounce back from a disappointing, injury-filled second season. Cornerback Mike Sainristil hopes to put a miserable 2025 behind him, while defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton is looking for a breakout year.

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Tight end Ben Sinnott is in the same boat as Newton. Sinnott hopes the change at offensive coordinator can benefit him. There's also wide receiver Luke McCaffrey.

The son of longtime NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey and the younger brother of 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey, Luke began his college career as a quarterback before moving to wide receiver in his final two collegiate seasons. A third-round pick in 2024, McCaffrey was still a bit raw as a receiver. He played in all 17 games as a rookie, catching 18 passes for 168 yards.

McCaffrey took a step forward in 2025, appearing in nine games, recording 11 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 18.5 yards per reception, doubling his rookie average. He also developed into one of the NFL's better kickoff returners, averaging 30 yards per return. Unfortunately, McCaffrey broke his collarbone in Week 9, ending his season.

Now, McCaffrey looks to get back on track after a promising start to last season. Former Washington tight end and current NFL analyst Logan Paulsen has high hopes for McCaffrey.

"Luke, to me, again in OTAs and minicamp, he hasn't really splashed a ton in the two days of camp; I thought actually looked pretty good playing receiver," Paulsen said in a recent appearance on the "Redzone in the Lab" podcast.

"I think he's developed his skill set, his craft as a receiver. And has this ability as a return guy and has done a good job blocking in certain situations, which I think is valuable to this offense. He had a great block on a screen today- tough, really tough in space. He's going to find a way to make this team because he does the little things the right way. And I'm very confident. He's one of my dark-horse candidates to kind of have a sneaky big year. You know, I'm not saying he's going to have 1,000 yards or anything like that, but 35-40 catches, something like that would be in the cards for him."

Not everyone will catch 100 passes. Terry McLaurin is Washington's leading receiver, but there are plenty of opportunities for others to step up. Rookie receiver Antonio Williams, Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, tight ends Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott will all vie for catches.

McCaffrey doesn't need to catch 100 passes to have what would be considered a good year. Making plays when he has the opportunities and doing the little things, as Paulsen suggested, could go a long way in McCaffrey having his breakout season in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Ex-Washington TE believes Luke McCaffrey could have 'sneaky big year'

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