Commanders’ pending free agent leaves door open on potential return, but also possibly reuniting with NFC East rival
The Washington Commanders could make a late free agency signing by bringing back a key veteran with one major injury concern, but there’s also a high chance he goes back to an NFC East rival as well.
The Washington Commanders were active in free agency, and their attention is now focused on the 2026 NFL Draft.
There are still plenty of free agents the Commanders could sign before or after the draft, including one of their own. The Commanders brought back a select few of their own free agents after testing the market, while others still look for a new home.
One of those players is a veteran free agent who saw his season come to an unfortunate end, and he’s not ready to call it quits yet. The door is still open on a return to Washington, but also one last run with an NFC East rival.
TE Zach Ertz is keeping his options open on a return to the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles
The Commanders still have plenty of free agents they could bring back, but there might not be room after adding outside talent before the NFL Draft. Veteran TE Zach Ertz is one of those players looking to continue playing, even after a season-ending injury.
Ertz suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2025 season, and many doubted his return to the NFL at 35 years old. After the season, Ertz said he’s not done playing yet, and he’s open to returning to the Commanders, where he was very productive. Recently, he spoke with Jeff McLane with The Inquirer and said he’s well ahead of schedule.
McLane reports that Ertz has had conversations with both the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles about a potential return in 2026. Should the Commanders make it happen or move on with their younger TE room?
The Washington Commanders need to let the young TE room thrive
Ertz produced more than anyone expected in his two seasons with the Commanders, and he became a top target for Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Now, someone has to pick up the workload, and that’s what the Commanders should do.
They added TE Chig Okonkwo to the offense, and he’s going to be their top receiving threat to stretch the field in Ertz’s place. The Commanders also need to see Ben Sinnott continue to develop as a balanced weapon, and year three is massive for him. Jon Bates has been a top blocking TE over the last few years, and David Blough can run more 3TE sets in 2026.
Bringing Ertz back shouldn’t be an option, and he’s likely going to the Eagles after the draft, and the Commanders will let the young players grow.