One of the NFL's most respected blocking tight ends, rewarded with a $21 million extension to stay in Washington.
John Bates has made his living as an old-school in-line tight end, using his size and technique to become one of the league's premier blockers at the position. The Boise State product's steady, unglamorous production has kept him a fixture in Washington's offense for half a decade.
Path to the league
Bates finished his Boise State career with 47 receptions for 579 yards and two touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West honors twice for his blocking. Washington selected him in the fourth round, 124th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted tight end in Boise State history.
Career highlights
Bates has developed into one of the NFL's better blocking tight ends, valued more for his run-blocking than his receiving numbers. His steady play earned him a three-year, $21 million contract extension with the Commanders, signed on March 11, 2025.
2025 season recap
Bates played 15 games in 2025 as the top backup tight end behind Zach Ertz in Washington's offense, recording 11 receptions for 103 yards. His role remained centered on blocking, with his receiving totals reflecting a complementary part in the passing game rather than a featured one.
Sources
- Wikipedia: John Bates (American football)
- Pro Football Reference: John Bates
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Receiving
15 games played▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | commanders | 15 | 11 | 103 | 9.4 | 1 | 22 |
| 2024 | commanders | 17 | 8 | 84 | 10.5 | 0 | 20 |
| 2023 | commanders | 17 | 19 | 151 | 7.9 | 0 | 35 |
| 2022 | commanders | 16 | 14 | 108 | 7.7 | 1 | 20 |
| 2021 | washington | 17 | 20 | 249 | 12.4 | 1 | 32 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- Boise State
- Hometown
- Lebanon, OR, USA
- Age
- 28
- Status
- active
