Tag: Zach Ertz

2025 NFL draft: Who is the perfect prospect for the Commanders in Round 1?

Who is the perfect prospect for the Commanders in the 2025 NFL draft?

Despite finishing 12-5 in the regular season, winning two playoff games and making it to the NFC championship, the Washington Commanders have multiple needs to address this offseason.

Fortunately for Washington, it has $90 million in salary cap room and seven draft picks. General manager Adam Peters’s primary goals this offseason are to improve the defense and continue to develop more weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels.

While Washington needs to add a top wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, the Commanders just need more good players. That could also mean another tight end. The 2025 NFL draft is loaded at tight end, and Penn State’s Tyler Warren is at the top of that list.

Pro Football Focus recently named the perfect first-round prospect for all 32 NFL teams. Warren was the pick for the Commanders.

The ageless Zach Ertz has been a useful weapon for Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels this year, as he has contributed 70 catches and seven scores, but Washington would do well to start stockpiling youthful weaponry for its new franchise signal caller.

Tyler Warren has proved to be one of the best physical mismatches in college football this season, amassing 100 receptions for 1,178 yards and eight scores with 63 first downs (before Penn State‘s semifinal matchup against Notre Dame). Warren has also been excellent on contested balls, hauling in 13 of 21 such targets this season.

Even if Zach Ertz returns for one more year, he’s not a long-term solution. The key here is the development of 2024 second-pick Ben Sinnott. How do the Commanders feel about Sinnott? Do they think he could be Ertz’s replacement? The goal is to add the best players. Warren is one of the draft’s top players and unlikely to be around when the Commanders select 29th.

 

Who is one free agent the Commanders cannot afford to lose?

The Commanders have a lot of free agents.

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters will have another busy offseason. Last year, Peters just took the job and immediately began flipping Washington’s roster, signing over 20 free agents in the spring and nine draft picks.

This year, Peters’ job is different. He will use Washington’s salary cap room to build a potential Super Bowl roster around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. But before Peters looks elsewhere, he must determine which of the Commanders’ 31 free agents he wants to retain in 2025.

Some of the more notable Washington free agents are linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, safety Jeremy Chinn, punter Tress Way and wide receiver Dyami Brown. Ertz let it be known he wants to keep playing and in Washington.

What about Wagner? Many believe he’ll return for a 14th season in 2025. Will that be with the Commanders?

Pro Football Focus recently revealed one free agent for every NFL team that it cannot afford to lose. Wagner was the choice for Washington.

If Wagner is willing to give it a go for another year, the Commanders shouldn’t hesitate to let him. The ageless wonder has had another incredible season, boasting an 88.3 PFF overall grade that ranks third among qualified linebackers. He is the leader of the Commanders’ defense — and its best player — and his departure would be a huge loss for the team.

You could debate Wagner being Washington’s best defensive player. That honor likely goes to fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu, but Wagner is still excellent, even if he has lost a step.

You could make the same argument for Ertz. Both 34 and outstanding locker-room leaders, Ertz and Wagner proved they could play at a high level. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn know a lot of faces will change next season, so they want to keep that “brotherhood” in the locker room. Wagner and Ertz played a significant part in helping rebuild the culture in only one year.

So, while they were great on the field, they were even better in the locker room, and that’s why Wagner (and Ertz) will likely be back for another run in Washington.

 

Commanders TE Zach Ertz says he’s not retiring

Zach Ertz plans to keep playing and he wants it to be with the Commanders.

Zach Ertz says he’s not done. One day after the Washington Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, ending their dream season in the NFC championship, players were in Ashburn to clean out lockers. And the 34-year-old tight end made it clear he’s ready for next season.

“I think just being able to be here with the group of guys, the people, the quarterback, Kliff (Kingsbury), DQ (Dan Quinn), it just really allowed me enjoy it, every single day, a lot of times when you’re in a tough spot, the weight of just everything is heavy,” Ertz said. “So this year felt freeing to just go out there and just be myself every day. People that build me up in a way that they believe in me, they have confidence in me to go do what I do.”

After Sunday’s game, Ertz praised rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, saying he wished he was 22 so he could play with Daniels for years to come. He continued to praise Daniels on Monday.

“Obviously, playing with Jayden was extremely fun, you know,” Ertz said. “It was one year so far, but I feel like we’re scratching the surface as a quarterback and tight end combination.”

This led Ertz to talk about his future.

“I don’t know what the future holds; I still wanna play football next year, I just want to make that clear that I’m not retiring,” he said with a smile. “Just because I had so much fun this year. I feel rejuvenated; I feel young. It’s the most amount of games I’ve played in a season at 34 and I felt like I played good football this year. So, for me, it’s just figuring out everything going forward, and they know how I feel about this place.”

One day ago, you wondered if Ertz’s locker-room session was him saying goodbye. But the veteran tight end made it clear Monday that he plans to play next year, and he’d prefer to be back in Washington with Daniels, Kingsbury, and Quinn.

Of Washington’s top three tight ends, two are free agents. Ertz and John Bates are unrestricted free agents, while rookie Ben Sinnott could have an expanded role next season.

Ertz started all 17 games for the Commanders in 2024, recording 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. In the NFC championship, Ertz had 11 receptions for 104 yards.

Will Zach Ertz return to the Commanders in 2025?

Zach Ertz enjoyed his first season with the Commanders, Dan Quinn, and Jayden Daniels.

Zach Ertz was terrific for the Washington Commanders in their NFC championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The longtime former Eagle caught 11 passes for 104 yards against his former team. It was his first 100-yard game of the season.

From the offseason throughout the season, Ertz praised rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Although Daniels’ physical tools were evident, Ertz most appreciated his poise, leadership, and humble nature.

Ertz started every game for Washington and proved to be a valuable weapon for Daniels while mentoring the rookie passer and other young players.

After the loss, Ertz reflected on the season and wished he was significantly younger.

“Obviously, I’m going to be disappointed we didn’t win this one,” Ertz said. “I’ve only played in two of these NFC championship games in 12 years, so I understand how difficult it is to get here. But the thing I’ll take away is just the bond that I had, the guys that I met, playing with Jayden, you know, I wish I was 22 playing with him, had my whole career in front of me with them. So, it’s just….that’s tough. But overall, just what an amazing group of guys. Amazing coaching staff, DQ (Dan Quinn), I’ve loved every minute of being here with him. He just sets such a good foundation every day, so when times get tough, or things get tough, we just kept going back to our foundation. So I’ve loved every bit of it.”

Ertz and Bobby Wagner’s impact on the 2024 Commanders will be remembered for years to come. Two veteran players who came to Washington to help reset a culture — a winning culture — and did it in only one year.

It almost sounded like the 34-year-old Ertz was unsure whether he would return next season. When you’re an older player, you take things year by year. Perhaps Ertz is considering retirement or hasn’t discussed any plans with the front office beyond his one-year contract.

If Ertz wants to return, it’s difficult to imagine Washington not wanting him back next season.

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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WATCH: Zach Ertz shares a heartfelt moment with Fletcher Cox following loss to Eagles

Zach Ertz shares a heartfelt moment with Fletcher Cox following loss to Eagles

Zach Ertz is an Eagles legend and future Hall of Famer, but he was sent away in a trade, allowing Dallas Goedert to become Philadelphia’s No. 1 tight end.

Fast forward almost four years, and Ertz regained his love for the game while playing with the Commanders.

Philadelphia and Washington met for a shot to advance to the Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, and Ertz did his part for the Commanders, catching 11 passes for 104 yards to lead all players in both categories.  Afterward, Ertz had a special moment with former teammate and friend Fletcher Cox.

Ertz has been the glue of the passing game, logging 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, his most since 2018, the last time he played an entire season before this one.

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Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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Commanders’ Zach Ertz defends Jayden Daniels while mic’d up

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is caught defending Jayden Daniels to the Detroit Lions while mic’d up during the playoffs.

During the divisional round of the playoffs last weekend, Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was mic’d up for the event. Ertz is the consummate team player and will always defend his quarterback, so when Detroit Lions defensive end Jon Paschal hit Daniels in the head with his helmet, Ertz wasn’t shy about his feelings.

We won’t repeat what is already written above, but if you watch the video, you can hear the passion and anger in Ertz’s voice as he berates Paschal for hitting his quarterback in the head.

During the regular season, Ertz was Daniels’ second favorite target to throw to, with Terry McLaurin receiving the most targets and receptions. Ertz recorded 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns.

For the full video of Ertz’s mic’d up highlights, click here.

The Commanders suit up this Sunday when they head north to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

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Mics picked up Zach Ertz furiously standing up for Jayden Daniels after a dirty hit from Lions DE Josh Paschal

That’s having your teammate’s back.

The Washington Commanders are off to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1992, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is a major reason for that turnaround.

So, you best believe that a leader like Zach Ertz isn’t going to let a dirty hit on Daniels go unpunished.

During Saturday’s NFC divisional round win over the Lions, Detroit defensive end Josh Paschal was flagged for unnecessary roughness after he went up high on a hit to Daniels’ helmet. The Commanders quarterback was fine despite the penalty, but Ertz immediately came to the rookie’s defense.

Mic’d-up footage from the Commanders showed what Ertz said as he confronted Paschal.

Ertz said … with plenty of NSFW language:

“Hey, don’t you do that (expletive) to my guy! Don’t do that (expletive) to my guy. You ain’t (expletive) for that!”

Ertz would have the last laugh as he caught a touchdown in the Commanders’ upset of the No. 1 seed. That’s what having your teammate’s back looks like.

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Zach Ertz fell back in love with the game thanks to opportunity with Commanders

Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz says the Washington Commanders helped him “fall back in love with the game again.”

Zach Ertz is an Eagles legend, but he was sent away in trade, allowing Dallas Goedert to become Philadelphia’s No. 1 tight end.

Fast forward almost four years, and Ertz has played with the Cardinals and Commanders, with the latter allowing the future Hall of Fame tight end to regain his love for the game.

Philadelphia and Washington will meet for a shot to advance to the Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.   Ertz is one of the biggest storylines, and he’s regained his clutch gene playing security blanket to ascending rookie Jayden Daniels.

During a sitdown with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ertz gave insight into regaining “his love for the game.”

“It was really an opportunity for me to just fall back in love with the game again,” Ertz said, “and really just enjoy the process again and just be around people that know how to use me and allow me to be at my best. It’s just been so much fun. It’s exceeded all my expectations. Obviously playing with a quarterback like Jayden has helped a ton and just his humility and eagerness to grow.”

Daniels threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions while leading the team in rushing with 891 yards and another six touchdowns during the regular season.

Terry McLaurin is the big play mechanism for Washington, but Ertz has been the glue of the passing game, logging 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, his most since 2018, the last time he played an entire season before this one. During Saturday’s win in Detroit, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards, including a touchdown before halftime that extended the Commanders’ lead to 10 points before halftime.

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