Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders managed to squeeze some extra juice out of Zach Ertz's career when most experts thought he was done. He immediately integrated himself within the team's culture shift, becoming a leadership presence in the locker room and a dependable outlet for quarterback Jayden Daniels in the passing game.
Washington rightfully rewarded Ertz with a new one-year extension. Interest in free agency would have been high for the tight end, but this was the only place he wanted to be. Things are not going as well for the Commanders this time around, and the three-time Pro Bowler is showing signs of regression.
Ertz is still on pace for 550 receiving yards, but it's been relatively pedestrian thus far. The Stanford product offers no real threat after the catch. He struggles as a blocker, and the routes just aren't as sharp these days. If the same trend continues, the Commanders need to find a younger, more explosive pass-catcher at the tight end spot this offseason.
Nick Bellore - Commanders LB
There is no doubt that the Commanders need to get younger during the offseason. Adam Peters moved forward with the NFL's oldest roster after several abysmal drafts under former head coach Ron Rivera, which set the franchise back. But running it back with those who achieved so much during the 2024 campaign hasn't paid off.
That's the harsh truth right now. It's not going to be easy, but almost every seasoned professional approaching the tail-end of their respective careers should be nervously looking over their shoulders once the season concludes.
Nick Bellore is one of them.
The special-teams ace signed a new two-year deal with the club this offseason. His leadership and organization have been commended almost constantly by head coach Dan Quinn, but Bellore is not getting any younger. Washington has more dynamic young players capable of filling out his duties, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him cut loose when the time comes.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders believed enough in Noah Brown to give him a new one-year deal this offseason. His production was good on the field, especially given his late arrival to the team's preparations, but an unfortunate internal injury that required kidney surgery ended his 2024 campaign early.
This became the start of a concerning trend. Brown endured a torrid run of luck on the health front this time around, which began by getting carted off at Washington's mandatory minicamp with a knee complication that never looked fully healed over the summer.
Brown was treated with caution. He managed to come back for the start of 2025. However, he lasted just two games before getting hurt. After giving him a few weeks to prove his fitness, the Commanders finally placed the former Ohio State playmaker on injured reserve.
This will take Brown out until after the bye week. It remains to be seen whether he'll get back into the fold, but the Commanders must go in a different direction next spring.