Commanders Reaction In On Major 'Zero-Risk' Signing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 8:58 AM ET

The Washington Commanders have handled their free agency business with aplomb this offseason, adding several key pieces to fill roster holes (hello, Mr. Tunsil) and re-signing key veterans.

One such signing was tight end Zach Ertz, who, at the ripe old age of 34, still appears to have plenty of juice in the tank. Ertz signed a one-year deal last offseason, and gets the same this go around, with his $6.25 million deal that could move up to $9 million with incentives now signed.

Given what Ertz was able to do last season for Daniels and the offense, it is a no-brainer to bring him back, and for ESPN's Seth Walder doing the grading here, the move has zero risk.

"None," Walder wrote. "It's a one-year deal and Ertz produced last season. But he will turn 35 this season and it's hard to maintain a certain level of performance. The risk, though, was greater if they didn't re-sign him, as Ben Sinnott, a second-round pick last season, did not yet show enough signs of growth to replace him.

"Washington needed Ertz back."

Among other offensive players on the Commanders' roster, Ertz was second in yards (654), touchdowns (seven), targets (91), and receptions (66), and he trailed only Terry McLaurin in those categories.

Plus, when Daniels was under heavy duress in the NFC Championship, he looked Ertz's way often, with the tight end targeted a whopping 16 times for 11 receptions and 104 yards.

So, Jayden gets his reliable tight end back for another year as the Commanders' offense also added Deebo Samuel to the mix.

Ertz is still a solid contributor, and having him return will only mean good things for Daniels and the offense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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