A potential reunion in Philadelphia
Zach Ertz, the veteran tight end who spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders, is preparing for a comeback that could extend his career into a 14th NFL campaign.
After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament eight months ago, the 34‑year‑old was cleared for full football activities in early August, a timeline that aligns with his ambition to sign a new deal before the preseason kicks off.
During his second year in Washington he started every game, hauling in 50 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns, and despite missing four contests he still finished among the team’s top three receivers in catches, yards and scores.
The Commanders, however, have already moved on, inking former Tennessee standout Chig Okonkwo to a three‑year, $27.5 million contract that positions him as the club’s new No. 1 tight end.
Ertz has not ruled out a return to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that drafted him in 2013 and where he earned three Pro Bowl selections, but the franchise’s willingness to bring him back remains uncertain.
Depth chart updates show Dallas Goedert at the top, with emerging talents such as Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra and Cameron Latu vying for snaps.
Having earned $6.25 million a year ago, the former Pro Bowler expects a reduced salary in 2026 after a rigorous rehab, a factor that could influence the market for his services.
If he does sign before mid‑August, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicts, Ertz will have the opportunity to climb higher on the all‑time receiving lists, currently sitting fifth in career catches (825), eighth in yards (8,592) and tenth in touchdowns (57).