Veteran Zach Ertz Revives Career, Leads Commanders to Playoff Success

LANDOVER, Md. — Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has defied expectations, becoming a key player for the Washington Commanders in their most successful season in over three decades. Signed to a one-year, $3 million deal in March 2024, Ertz has revitalized his career, helping the Commanders to a 12-5 regular-season record and their first playoff victory since 2005.

Ertz, 34, finished second on the team with 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, filling a critical void as a reliable target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His performance has sparked discussions about a potential contract extension as the Commanders prepare for their NFC Divisional Round matchup against the No. 1 seed on January 18.

“The Commanders have to be happy with the returns on their one-year, $3 million investment into Ertz,” said Alex Kay of Bleacher Report. “While he’ll likely earn a raise on his next deal, retaining the 34-year-old should be a priority for a team that has the third-most projected cap space in the league.”

Ertz’s resurgence comes after a tumultuous period in his career. Following nine standout seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections and helped the team win Super Bowl LII, Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. Injuries limited his productivity over the next two seasons, leading to his release in 2023 and a brief stint on the Detroit Lions’ practice squad.

Despite skepticism about his ability to contribute at a high level, Ertz has proven his critics wrong. “Zach Ertz has reliable hands,” noted analyst Kenyon. “For rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, that will be a positive in a safety outlet. At this point of Ertz’s career, however, that’s about as positive as it gets. He hardly generates any yards after the catch and is no longer a high-volume target.”

Ertz’s career highlights include setting an NFL record for tight ends with 116 receptions in 2018 and holding Philadelphia Eagles franchise records for most receptions in a single game (15) and season (116). His leadership and experience have been invaluable to a young Commanders team aiming for a deep playoff run.

As the Commanders gear up for their next challenge, Ertz remains a focal point of their offense. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has solidified his place as one of the team’s most important players this season.