More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz in free agency. The veteran tight end didn't find a new home quickly following his release by the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. Many wondered if this would be the end of an outstanding NFL career.
The Commanders had other ideas. Ertz got a one-year, $3 million deal and reunited with his former head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who replaced Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator once Dan Quinn took charge. The pair developed a close relationship in Arizona. This smoothed the transition over early workouts and raised hope that the once-productive pass-catcher still has some juice left.
Washington didn't leave anything to chance. Ertz might be a short-term option, but Ben Sinnott is the future after the Commanders selected the promising prospect at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The three-time Pro Bowler knows this and is willing to assist in his important integration from the collegiate level.
Commanders TE Zach Ertz could be entering his NFL swansong in 2024
Could this be Ertz's last act before riding off into the proverbial sunset? Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus believes so, especially if the second-round selection out of Stanford's recent problems staying healthy continue.
"Even on a more limited target share, [Zach] Ertz can still be a solid deep threat, as evidenced by having a top-18 average depth of target among tight ends in 2022 and 2023. Ertz elected this offseason to reunite with former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury in Washington. With very limited depth at the tight end position on the Commanders’ roster, Ertz could earn the bulk of TE1 snaps early in the season. At the same time, with promising rookie Ben Sinnott behind him and considering Ertz’s inability to stay on the field, the 35-year-old could also witness his swan song in D.C."
- Bradley Locker, PFF
Ertz will be 34 years old during the 2024 season. The last time he accumulated elite-caliber numbers was in 2019 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Expecting something similar in the nation's capital is asking for trouble, but that doesn't mean he cannot make an impression in some capacity.
His shrewd route-running and ability to create separation in the red zone could be of use. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs every security blanket he can get during his pivotal first season under center. The rapport he develops with Ertz could be integral over the opening few games.
This is all about momentum. If Ertz hits the ground running and becomes an assured presence over short-to-intermediate routes, a profitable campaign could be in the offing with targets plentiful.
There's a flip side to this coin. If Ertz loses some sharpness and endures more bad luck on the injury front, it won't be long before Sinnott unseats him as the No. 1 option. That would see his time with the Commanders come to an end in 2025, potentially spelling the end of his NFL journey along the way.
The Commanders feel like they extract something extra from Ertz. His role off the field will be equally as important, but age and recent regression mean nothing is guaranteed between the white lines.
Kingsbury trusts him fully, but Father Time is undefeated.
