Zach Ertz was one of Jayden Daniels’ favorite targets for the past two seasons with the Washington Commanders. However, last December, Ertz tore his ACL, and the Commanders did not re-sign him after the 2025 season. Ertz, who turns 36 in November, made it clear he planned to play in 2026 and didn't want his career to end on that note; he’s back — but not with Washington.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Monday that Ertz was signing with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Ertz, who spent his first 8.5 seasons with the Eagles, provides depth at tight end with starter Dallas Goedert dealing with a sprained MCL.
During his two seasons with the Commanders, Ertz started 30 games, caught 116 passes for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a key
part of Washington’s 2024 playoff run, too.
Three-time Pro-Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who played in Philadelphia from 2013-‘21 and helped the team win its first Super Bowl, is returning to the city and signing with the Eagles practice squad, per sources. The Eagles lost TE Dallas Goedert to a sprained MCL and now are… pic.twitter.com/535cB3Kaio
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2026
Over his 13-year NFL career, Ertz has caught 825 passes for 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns. Ertz was a part of the Eagles’ first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2017, including catching the go-ahead touchdown pass in the win over the New England Patriots.
Washington signed tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal in March to be its No. 1 tight end. The Commanders also have John Bates, Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff. The Commanders and Eagles faced off in Week 1 and will meet again in Week 8.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former Commanders' starting TE heads back to Eagles
