Zach Ertz plans to play in 2026, per report: Landing spots for three-time Pro Bowler coming off torn ACL
CBS Sports
by
Zachary Pereles
February 24, 2026
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Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end, has announced his plans to return for his 14th NFL season in 2026. Despite suffering a torn ACL during the 2025 season, Ertz is expected to make a full recovery and continue playing at age 35. A free agent this offseason, he remains a valuable asset to teams due to his experience and reliability as a short- to intermediate-range passing target. Ertz’s durability has been tested in recent years, with injuries limiting his availability in 2022 and 2023, but he bounced back with Washington in 2024 and 2025, showcasing his ability to contribute meaningfully to a team’s offense.
Ertz began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles as a second-round pick in 2013. He spent eight seasons with the Eagles before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals midway through the 2021 season. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance, Ertz signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders in 2024. There, he proved his worth as a veteran presence for then-rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, playing in all 17 games and recording 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns—a standout performance that highlighted his ability to still impact the game at a high level. Ertz’s success continued
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026