The Washington Commanders’ Underrated Free Agency Move: Keeping Zach Ertz. The Washington Commanders are all about bringing in new talent this offseason, but one player they managed to keep could do wonders for Jayden Daniels.
As expected, the Commanders have been active in free agency, with Deebo Samuel coming to the nation’s capital. But beyond the splashy moves, Washington has also re-signed linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz—two veterans who played key roles in establishing the culture and standards that new head coach Dan Quinn wants for this regime.
And it’s here that Washington has conducted a very underrated piece of business: bringing back Ertz.
Why Is This Underrated?
Jayden Daniels and Ertz developed real chemistry last season. The veteran tight end finished second among Commanders players in yards (654), touchdowns (seven), receptions (66), and targets (91). Only Terry McLaurin posted better numbers.
That tells us Ertz’s value, but this little nugget of information does, too:
In the postseason (three games), Ertz had 25 targets, 18 receptions, 155 yards, and a touchdown. In the NFC Championship Game, when Daniels was under constant pressure, he looked Ertz’s way often. The tight end responded with 11 receptions on 16 targets for 104 yards—a true security blanket in high-stakes moments.
Ertz’s Value in 2025
While Deebo Samuel’s arrival will boost the Commanders’ receiving corps on the outside and in the slot, a quarterback’s best friend is often a reliable tight end. In Ertz, Daniels has just that.
Now, with another offseason to build on their chemistry, this duo could elevate Washington’s passing attack even further. Daniels is expected to continue his upward trajectory, and having a dependable target like Ertz over the middle will be crucial to his development.
Yes, the Samuel signing grabbed headlines, but bringing back Ertz was a smart, under-the-radar move that could pay just as many dividends for Daniels and the Commanders’ offense in 2025.
