Zach Ertz signs one-year deal with the Commanders

Photo Credit: Ross Franklin/Associated Press

Tight end Zach Ertz finds himself back in the NFC East, signing a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Washington Commanders. He had begun his career with the Commanders’ division rival Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the better part of his first 8 full seasons and became a Super Bowl champion, before getting traded to the Arizona Cardinals just about midway through the 2021 season.

His Eagles’ career was great, being voted to the Pro Bowl three times. He would win his first and only championship in 2017, and even holds the NFL record for most catches in a season by a tight end, bringing in 116 receptions in 2018.

His tenure in Arizona would have a good start, as in 2021, the Cardinals would have an 11-6 record, making the playoffs in the process. However, in his last season and a half on the team, Arizona would unfortunately revert to being at the bottom of the NFC West.

He would request his release from the team, being waved on November 30th. Ertz would sign with the Lions on January 22nd, ahead of their NFC Championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. His contract would expire immediately following the 34-31 loss.

Ertz joins a Washington team in flux. New coaching, new front office personnel, still fairly new ownership, and an offense that was ranked just 24th in the NFL this past season & seems to have no clear and obvious direction. Washington is looking to draft their quarterback of the future in this year’s draft, which all signs point to being Drake Maye. Ertz is a veteran that will look to prove himself and contribute. When healthy, he has proven that he can be one of the best tight ends in the game. Only time will tell if he will be able to create his past success.