Tight End Zach Ertz, 33, agreed to a one-year $5 million contract with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday. Ertz had 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown last season for the Arizona Cardinals. He returns to the NFC East after spending the first nine years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2021). Ertz was a crucial part of the Philadelphia Eagles team that defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.
New Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury coached Ertz during the tight end’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. Kingsbury was the Cardinals Head Coach in 2021 and 2022. Ertz had seven receiving touchdowns under Kingsbury in Arizona.
Zach Ertz: What Will He Bring To A New-Look Commanders Team
Commanders signing TE Zach Ertz to one-year deal worth up to $5M. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/hCC1s0Xtdw
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2024
Ertz’s injury-riddled 2023 campaign limited the veteran to only seven games. He was waived by the Arizona Cardinals and signed with the Detroit Lions in January for the NFL Playoffs. Ertz never played a down for the Lions.
It has been an offseason full of changes in the “Nation’s Capital” for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders hired Dan Quinn to be their head coach and Adam Peters to be their General Manager. Washington also holds the No. 2 overall pick in this April’s NFL Draft. The Commanders have nine total picks in the 2024 NFL Draft as they look to replenish a team roster that went 4-13 last season.
New Quarterback In Washington
Washington is expected to take a quarterback in the upcoming draft, and Ertz will be a veteran presence for the rookie to lean on as the team builds toward the future.
Ertz joins a Commanders offense that includes Running back Brian Robinson Jr. and Wide Receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Washington has the makings of a solid offense on paper, but as is the case for many teams, the franchise’s success depends upon drafting the right quarterback.
Ertz is not the player he was when he was with the Eagles, but he could be a solid pass catcher for an offensive coordinator who knows how to get the most out of the veteran tight end.
Ertz has 709 career receptions and 46 career touchdowns in his 11-year NFL career.
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Justin has always loved sports. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated and 247Sports.
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