Tag: Zach Ertz

Commanders are better at tight end but don’t forget Armani Rogers

The Commanders have some new faces, but don’t forget about Armani Rogers.

When discussing Washington’s rebuilt tight end room, much of the discussion centers around veteran Zach Ertz and second-round pick Ben Sinnott. John Bates enters his fourth NFL season in 2024 but is used mainly for his outstanding blocking.

Next is Cole Turner and Armani Rogers, both of whom are entering their third NFL season.

Did you forget about Rogers? At this time last offseason, the Commanders got the difficult news that Rogers tore his Achilles and was lost for the season. It was tough news because Rogers received rave reviews for his work at tight end after playing quarterback in college.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Rogers made Washington’s roster as an undrafted free agent in 2022. When he received opportunities, he flashed his elite physical talent.

Don’t you think Kliff Kingsbury can find a way to use this type of athleticism?

Rogers, of course, must win a spot on Washington’s roster. Ertz and Sinnott are locks, while Bates’ blocking should give him a leg up. The Commanders will choose between Turner and Rogers for the fourth tight end. Sure, Washington may not keep four tight ends, but Kingsbury plans to use plenty of 12 personnel, so you’d think the Commanders would keep four tight ends.

Zach Selby of commanders.com observed the following regarding Rogers during Wednesday’s minicamp action.

Armani Rogers spent the past year recovering from a season-ending injury, but he’s fully healthy now and ready to prove that he deserves a roster spot with the new regime. He made an impressive catch at the start of 11-on-11 drills fighting through some contact to haul in a grab near the middle of the field.

The coaches who signed Rogers are no longer here. General manager Adam Peters is looking for talent, though. Rogers has the talent, and he seems to have taken quickly to the tight end position. This should be a fun battle to watch this summer.

 

LOOK: Photos from Commanders’ minicamp, including QB Jayden Daniels

Some of the best images from Commanders’ OTAs.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was back on the practice field Wednesday as we get one day closer to training camp.

As offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury continues to install the new offense, he’s worked closely with his new quarterback. Daniels has used the Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) to get more work in with his receivers, including tight end Zach Ertz and running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.

During Wednesday’s practice, the intensity was ramped up as Washington did some 11-on-11 work and while things didn’t always go their way, that’s not what this time of the year is for. Head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged this part of the offseason is more about players learning and communicating.

We have photos of Wednesday’s action. Here are some of the top images:

WATCH: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels connects with Zach Ertz at OTAs

Zach Ertz has already become a favorite target of Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz in free agency to not only bring stability to the tight end room but also serve as a safety valve for their eventual young quarterback.

That young quarterback turned out to be Jayden Daniels. During Washington’s Offseason Training Activities two weeks ago, Daniels quickly recognized what a weapon Ertz could be for him, connecting multiple times during the open portion of practice.

The Commanders were back in Ashburn for their final week of OTAs on Wednesday and, again Daniels was looking for his tight end.

If Ertz can stay healthy, he should have a big season. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury expects to run a lot of 12 personnel this season, keeping multiple tight ends on the field.

Daniels and Ertz are off to a good start.

49ers working to finalize deal with former Commanders TE Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas on the verge of signing with a contender.

Former Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas could soon be playing for one of the NFL’s best teams. According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a deal with Thomas.

Thomas, who turns 33 next month, was released by Washington on March 1 after four seasons with the team. Originally signed to a two-year contract in March 2020, the Commanders signed Thomas to a three-year extension in July 2021.

Thomas was outstanding in 2020, catching 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns — all career highs.

Unfortunately, in 2021, Thomas battled injuries. A hamstring injury cost him several weeks early in the season. When he returned, a dirty hit from Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue ended Thomas’ season in early December with a torn ACL. He played in only six games that season.

Thomas played in 30 games over the past two seasons, finishing with 94 receptions for 819 yards and five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came in 2023.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Thomas entered the NFL as a quarterback. After a record-setting career at Virginia Tech, Thomas was a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2014 NFL draft. Arizona released him after one season and the Miami Dolphins claimed him.

He spent one year with Miami and didn’t play in a game. The Giants claimed him and moved him back and forth between the roster and practice squad before releasing him. He’d sign with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in November and transitioned to tight end. However, the Buffalo Bills signed him to their active roster where he’d remain for the next seasons.

He signed a one-year deal with the Lions in 2019. Thomas finally received his chance to be a full-time starter at tight end for the Commanders and immediately thrived.

Thomas would be George Kittle’s backup with the 49ers.

The Commanders signed Zach Ertz and drafted Ben Sinnott in the second round of April’s NFL draft.

 

Commanders tight end Zach Ertz impressed with Jayden Daniels

Zach Ertz is the latest veteran with positive impressions of Jayden Daniels.

Washington tight end Zach Ertz has seen a lot throughout his 11 NFL seasons. Ertz played for the Philadelphia Eagles for the first 8.5 seasons of his career before he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.

During his time in Philadelphia, Ertz worked with young quarterbacks such as Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts before playing with Kyler Murray in Arizona. That experience is one of the many reasons new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn wanted Ertz in Washington. Oh, that and Ertz can still play.

With the Commanders, Ertz has the chance to help another young quarterback: Jayden Daniels. While they’ve only been together for a short time, Ertz is already impressed with the Heisman Trophy winner.

“He really, really cares about this thing,” Ertz said per commanders.com. “He wants to be as good as he can possibly be. He’s working his butt off.

This echoes the comments defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen made about Daniels last week. Allen noted that he’s always early to the team facility, and Daniels is there before him.

It’s easy for veterans to say good things about rookies. However, what we’ve heard about Daniels lines up with what others said about him ahead of the draft. He will not be outworked. And when you possess the kind of talent that Daniels does have, that bodes well for the Commanders in 2024 and beyond.

 

WATCH: Commanders TE Zach Ertz still has hops

Zach Ertz already connecting with Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz this offseason because they still believe he can play. Ertz, 33, is coming off back-to-back seasons shortened by injuries but has experience playing for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Washington fans know Ertz well from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, where he enjoyed plenty of success against Washington.

However, another reason GM Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn and Kingsbury wanted Ertz is for his veteran leadership. Ertz has spoken about being a leader for the Commanders but made it clear he still plans on being on the field.

Ertz will be counted on to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. During Wednesday’s OTAs, Ertz was already helping his young quarterback.

Here’s the play:

Ertz proves he still has hops.

The Commanders are counting on Ertz this season to make plays on the field and help transition Daniels and rookie tight end Ben Sinnott to the NFL.

Commanders Zach Ertz ‘extremely excited to be here’

Zach Ertz talks leadership, and his excitement to be in Washington.

“The best teams I have been on have been the hardest working teams.”

Commanders’ new tight end Zach Ertz displayed a businesslike approach Tuesdayas he met with the media on the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTA).

He spoke of head coach Dan Quinn taking ownership of this team from the players, conveying that they would mold this team into their image.

Ertz expressed that Dan Quinn has set a standard and the players will need to hold each other accountable to meet that standard.

Speaking of which, Ertz complimented rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, stating Daniels is working hard behind the scenes to prepare himself for the season.

The 33-year-old tight end made it clear he was not out there holding the hands of the other tight ends. Yet, he also understands he can’t simply be barking out orders either.

“First, you got to have a personal relationship with someone…….I’m just trying to help them in any way I can. It’s something that at this stage of my career, I have taken a lot more pride in now than maybe I did when younger.”

The three-time pro bowler knows he might not have much longer in the NFL. “I am just trying to maximize this team, anyone I can help, not only tight ends, but any skill position.”

Highlights of touchdowns as an Eagle

“The vets have to set the leadership, how this thing is going to go. We’re going to push each other to be the best version of ourselves that we can.”

Nine years as an Eagle and three as a Cardinal have matured Ertz. On Tuesday, he spoke of communication and leadership as the result of interacting with people.

“I want to be as open as possible,” Ertz said. “That is what guys are going to remember. (These) people are not going to remember my stats, my yards, my catches. When I’m done, hopefully, they remember the relationship I have with them. So, that’s what I’m trying to develop.”

The Commanders’ younger tight ends could certainly learn from Ertz entering his 13th season. The tight ends on the current Commanders roster are Ertz, John Bates, Armani Rogers, Cole Turner, Colson Yankoff, and the newly drafted Ben Sinnott.

Commanders host Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders on a top 30 visit

One of the draft’s top tight ends visiting Washington.

The Washington Commanders could use a young tight end in the 2024 NFL draft. Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas is arguably the second-best tight end in the draft, behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers.

The Commanders like Sanders and will host him on a top-30 visit, according to Josh Newman of LoneStarLive.com and GulfLive.com.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Sanders was a two-time All-Big-12 selection at tight end over the past two seasons. Sanders is considered a likely day-two selection, meaning he could go in the second or third round. Washington has five selections on day two, with two second-round picks and three third-round selections.

The Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz to start in 2024. However, it is just a one-year deal, and Washington will likely draft a tight end at some point during the draft.

The Commanders currently have John Bates, Armani Rogers and Cole Turner on the roster. Rogers is coming off an  Achilles injury, and Bates is primarily a blocking tight end. Turner faces a make-or-break summer entering year three of his career.

Commanders to host TCU tight end Jared Wiley on top 30 visit

Wiley caught 12 touchdown passes over the past two seasons.

The Washington Commanders released starting tight end Logan Thomas this offseason and signed veteran Zach Ertz to replace him. Ertz joins John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers as tight ends on Washington’s roster.

Ertz was signed to a one-year deal, meaning the Commanders likely still view tight end as a need heading into the 2024 NFL draft.

Washington brought in Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders on a top-30 visit. Saunders is widely viewed as the second-best tight end in the draft behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. We can now add another tight end to the Commanders’ visit list.

According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, TCU tight end Jared Wiley will visit Washington.

Wiley is a 6-foot-6, 249-pound prospect from Temple, Texas, and began his career at the University of Texas. After three seasons in Austin, Wiley transferred to TCU, where he played his final two seasons. In three years at Texas, Wiley had 19 receptions. Over the past two seasons, Wiley caught 71 passes for 765 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Wiley would be a good day-three pick for the Commanders.

USWNT great Ertz announces she’s expecting second child

The two-time World Cup winner announced her retirement last fall

Former U.S. women’s national team star Julie Ertz has announced that she and her husband Zach Ertz are expecting their second child.

The couple already has a son, Madden, who was born in August 2022. In an Instagram post on Saturday, Zach Ertz announced that the pair is expecting again this summer.

“Happy Birthday Mama! We love you! Adding to the family Summer 2024!” Zach Ertz wrote.

After an illustrious career with the USWNT, Julie Ertz announced last fall that she was retiring from the game at age 31. In explaining her decision, the two-time World Cup winner said that she was hoping to spend more time with her family.

“This sport takes sacrifice,” Julie Ertz said. “And I think time with my family is just irreplaceable, especially with where Madden is and his age.”

Zach Ertz, who is entering his 12th NFL season, signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders last month.

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