Zach Ertz Cleared For Football Activities

Ertz, who is aiming to play a 14th season in 2026, remained productive before going down for the year last December. Playing his second season with the Commanders, Ertz started in all 13 appearances and hauled in 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing four games, the 35-year-old finished top three on the team in all three categories.

Although Ertz is coming off a productive two-year, 30-game run in Washington, where he totaled 163 receptions, 1,158 yards and 11 scores, his time there may be done. The Commanders have a new No. 1 tight end in former Titan Chig Okonkwo, whom they added on a three-year, $27.5MM deal in free agency.

In mid-April, a few weeks after the Commanders signed Okonkwo, Ertz expressed interest in rejoining the Eagles. He has spent the majority of his career in Philadelphia, where he played from 2013-20 and made three Pro Bowls, though it is unclear if the team is open to a reunion. Dallas Goedert remains atop a depth chart that also includes second-round rookie Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra and Cameron Latu.

While it is unknown which teams (if any) are considering Ertz, Schefter reports he should be ready to sign by mid-August. Ertz played on a $6.25MM salary last season, but he should come at a cheaper cost this year after rehabbing from a serious injury. If he plays in 2026, Ertz will continue climbing up the all-time receiving list for tight ends. He currently ranks fifth at his position in catches (825), eighth in yards (8,592) and 10th in TDs (57).