The Washington Commanders have quite a few notable players hitting free agency this offseason.
Some of these players will be back to compete for spots with the team in 2026, but a large number will also sign elsewhere. Considering the Commanders' disappointing 2025 season, it won't be surprising to see a bunch of new faces on both sides of the ball.
One of the players set to be a free agent is tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz originally came to the Commanders ahead of the 2024 season and was a reliable target for Jayden Daniels over the last two seasons. Unfortunately, Ertz suffered a gruesome season-ending injury in Week 14 of the 2025 season.
There were fears that Ertz's injury would be career-ending due to his age, but that doesn't seem to be the case. NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared videos of Ertz working out on Tuesday and confirmed that the veteran plans on playing in 2026, and should be ready for Week 1.
Interesting, Pelissero noted that Ertz is slated to hit free agency and seemed to imply the tight end will be playing elsewhere.
"After playing the past two seasons in Washington, Zach Ertz will be a free agent next month," Pelissero explained.
After playing the past two seasons in Washington, Zach Ertz will be a free agent next month. https://t.co/51Sov6bWHO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2026
While Ertz and Daniels have great chemistry, it would be understandable if the Commanders didn't re-sign Ertz. The tight end will turn 36 during the 2026 season and is coming off a serious injury. The team could prefer to get younger and cheaper at the position.
In 2025, Ertz played in 13 games and ended with 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Only Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin were more involved in the pass game, so the Commanders will have to work to replace that production.
It will be interesting to see how the Commanders address the tight end spot. The Atlanta Falcons took the best option away by keeping Kyle Pitts in the fold, so the team may turn to the draft. Perhaps Ben Sinnott will get more opportunities, considering he was a second-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former Commanders' starter set to test free agency