Washington Commanders sign veteran tight end Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders sign veteran tight end Zach Ertz, with deal to be worth up to $5 million

The Washington Commanders have made a strategic move in bolstering their roster by signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the media on Wednesday under the condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.

After playing for the Arizona Cardinals, where Kliff Kingsbury was the offensive coordinator, Ertz, 33, offers a plethora of knowledge to the Commanders. According to reports, his deal might be worth up to $5 million for the next season.

Ertz is a seasoned player in the league who has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped them win a Super Bowl, and most recently the Cardinals, until he was cut in late November. With his appointment, the Commanders have made their first significant move under new general manager Adam Peters’ direction.

Ertz’s acquisition takes up a key role that was left empty by Logan Thomas’s release last week, along with offensive lineman Nick Gates and Charles Leno.

Since making his debut in 2013, Ertz has accumulated excellent numbers throughout 159 NFL regular-season and postseason games, demonstrating his reliability as a target on the field throughout his career. The Commanders’ offensive squad gains depth and experience with Ertz’s arrival. He has 745 catches, 7,815 yards, and 48 touchdowns to his credit.

It’s unclear who will be hitting passes to Ertz in the next season. Given that the Commanders have the second pick in the draft, there is a lot of conjecture around their possible choice of quarterback or their participation in the free agency market. It is anticipated that established players like Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson will be accessible.

Source: AP