5 vulnerable Commanders starters who could lose their spots in 2024
By Dean Jones
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz was an intriguing addition to the Washington Commanders this offseason. The veteran tight end is linking up with Kliff Kingsbury once again, so hopes are high that this relationship can bring about improved fortunes with quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge.
This is nothing more than a short-term solution for the Commanders. Ertz is firmly in his career twilight and didn't play much football last season after he mutually parted ways with the Arizona Cardinals. He's looked the part throughout early workouts, but the jury is still out as to whether to not this move will provide an upgrade over Logan Thomas, who became a salary-cap casualty with savings of more than $6 million attached.
Fortunately for the Commanders, they also managed to secure the services of a tight end with long-term prospects. Ben Sinnott - the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft - has been compared to George Kittle coming out of college. Some additional refinement is needed, but there's a chance he can be the complete package as an outstanding blocker who can also become a mismatch in the passing game.
Ertz will be on hand to guide Sinnott every step of the way. The rookie will be breathing down his neck for playing time almost immediately. It's nothing the veteran hasn't experienced before, but whether there's enough juice left in his aging legs to keep the incoming college recruit from taking his starting spot at some stage in 2024 remains to be seen.
This is a good spot for the Commanders to be in. There's also some intrigue remaining in players such as Armani Rogers and Cole Turner. But it seems as if they have their work cut out thanks to the arrivals of Ertz and Sinnott.
Kingsbury's pre-existing trust in Ertz should stand him in good stead initially. How he performs over the first few weeks of the campaign will lay a marker for what's to come.