The Washington Commanders have emphasized getting younger this offseason. General manager Adam Peters had no other choice, but the franchise has not closed the door on some aging veterans returning at some stage this offseason.
With the dust now settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, head coach Dan Quinn once again pointed out that windows are open for the likes of linebacker Bobby Waner, edge rusher Von Miller, and tight end Zach Ertz if they feel like it can benefit the organization's chances of bouncing back.
But in Ertz's case, a Commanders analyst doesn't believe it makes much sense anymore.
Commanders analyst doesn't think Zach Ertz fits into new tight end dynamic
Denton Day of The Team 980 struggled to see where Ertz would fit into Washington's new tight end dynamic. The Commanders spent decent money on Chig Okonkwo, and John Bates is an elite in-line blocker. That would leave the TE3 spot, which means throwing in the towel on 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott.
"The problem that I would have with bringing Zach Ertz back into this particular scenario is where exactly does he fit?
"You have [Chig] Okonkwo, who's going to be tight end number one. You have John Bates, who is likely going to be the tight end number two. And John Bates has the great ability to block his a-- off while also being a factor in the pass game. It's all about that third tight end spot. And that's where it comes down to Ben Sinnott and Zach Ertz, and you could throw Colson Yankoff in there as well."
It's a fair argument. Ertz's contribution over the last two years in Washington became a core component behind their rise. Even when the team capitulated last season, he remained a useful weapon until tearing his ACL in a brutal mid-air collision against the Minnesota Vikings.
But it's time to move on.
Ertz is working hard to get back. He doesn't want the unfortunate incident to be the last thing anyone remembers about his prolific career. Just when he'll get the all clear to resume football activities is debatable, but the former Stanford standout is hoping to be back in time for training camp.
The Commanders' staff has a deep respect for Ertz. They probably don't want to publicly say he's got no chance of coming back, but actions speak much louder than words.
Okonkwo is the guy, Bates is the blocker, and Washington isn't ready to give up on Sinnott. That alone puts the three-time Pro Bowler on the outside looking in.
It'll be interesting to see where Ertz lands. But it would be surprising if that were in Washington.
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