Entering the offseason, one of the questions surrounding the Washington Commanders was what will the future look like for Zach Ertz. The veteran tight end was a productive weapon for Washington the last two seasons, but he tore his ACL near the end of the 2025 season, and is also a free agent this offseason. That left many people asking if the 35-year-old tight end will be back with the Commanders in 2026.
After Washington agreed to a deal with free agent tight end Chig Okonkwo on Wednesday, it seems like Ertz’s time in Washington is over. Okonkwo was considered the top available tight end, and he has agreed to a three-year deal with the Commanders. That commitment makes it clear that Washington is entering a new era at tight end, leaving Ertz to explore his options as he hopes to return to the NFL for his 14th season.
Commanders agreeing to deal with Chig Okonkwo hints at the end of Zach Ertz’s time in Washington
Ertz came to Washington as a 34 year old in 2024, but the three-time Pro Bowler was still effective. In year one with the Commanders, he played in all 17 games, catching 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2025, Ertz caught 50 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns, but his season was ended after just 13 games, tearing his ACL in Week 14.
Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz plans to play a 14th NFL season and is expected to be cleared right around Week 1, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2026
Ertz is 2 months into rehab from a torn ACL. He ranks 5th in catches and 8th in yards among TE in NFL history, including 50-504-4 in 13 games in 2025. pic.twitter.com/yhxB326HfB
Despite sustaining the significant injury so late in the year, the veteran tight end has already made it clear that he intends to play next season, and that he expects to be cleared in time for Week 1 of the season. While he will attack his rehab, and do his best to make sure that’s the case, it remains a question of who he’ll be playing for.
The Commanders have seemingly removed themselves from the equation with the signing of Okonkwo, unless they plan to welcome Ertz back on a small deal and a reduced role. Washington had previously said it was leaving the door open on a possible return, but that was before the team landed Okonkwo.
Considering how hard Ertz is working to get back, and how productive he was prior to his injury, the veteran tight end will probably look for a role where he can make a significant contribution. He may have to wait until he’s further in his recovery to land that role, though.