One year ago, the Washington Commanders were excited about tight end Sammis Reyes. Reyes, a part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, was signed in the spring after he wowed NFL teams during a workout.
On Tuesday, the Commanders moved on from Reyes, releasing him from injured reserve. Washington initially placed Reyes on IR last week with what was believed to be a hamstring injury, but it was clear the Commanders liked some of their other young tight ends more than Reyes.
When Washington signed Reyes, the team knew he was a longshot. A former college basketball player, Reyes had never played football before signing up for the NFL program.
Despite his inexperience, Reyes was a physical presence when it came to run blocking. However, he wasn’t a natural receiver, and it showed. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have improved, but the Commanders have a trio of young tight ends they like better in John Bates and rookies Cole Turner and Armani Rogers.
As for Reyes’ future, he is free to sign with any team now and could re-sign with Washington later in the season if the team is interested in a reunion.
By Bryan Manning