Commanders Sign TE Zach Ertz: How Can He Improve Washington's Offense?

The Washington Commanders made their first signing of the offseason, agreeing to a one-year deal with tight end Zach Ertz.

The first move of free agency for the Washington Commanders is in the books, as they signed tight end Zach Ertz to a one-year deal that's worth up to $5 million on Wednesday. 

While this isn't the Ertz of old who terrorized the Commanders and the rest of the NFC East during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, he can add plenty of value to a team that has struggled to get production from that position. Ertz played in seven games in 2023 for the Arizona Cardinals and had 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown in seven games before getting cut. 

Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates his touchdown reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at State Farm Stadium :: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ertz played the first eight-plus years of his career with the Eagles before he was traded to the Cardinals. There, he enjoyed a bit of a resurgence playing for Commanders offensive coordinator and former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. 

In the 11 games Ertz played for Arizona in 2021, he had 56 catches for 574 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Ertz got off to a good start in 2022, as he had 47 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games before a torn ACL and MCL in Week 10 ended his season.

Commanders Sign Eagles Ex Zach Ertz: Details

At 33, Ertz's best days are behind him, but that doesn't mean he can't be reliable target for whoever is playing quarterback for Washington next season. A dependable tight end can do wonders for a quarterback, and the fact that Ertz has familiarity with Kingsbury could bode well for him and the Commanders. 

It's been a long time since the Commanders had a reliable tight end. If Ertz can stay healthy and continue his success with Kingsbury, he could be exactly what Washington needs for its offense.