Tight end Zach Ertz signed with the Detroit Lions in January of last year and spent the entire season on the practice squad.
It could've been a disappointing end to the three-time Pro Bowler's career after stellar stops in Philadelphia and Arizona.
But in 2024 the Washington Commanders came calling, and Ertz inked a one-year deal to compete for a starting job in the nation's capital. In the Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, he posted six catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns including the game's winning score in overtime that clinched a postseason berth for the team.
He ended the year with 66 catches for 654 yards and seven scores. The Commanders rewarded him with a one-year, $6.25 million deal to remain in Washington for the 2025 season.
ESPN's Adam Schatz suggested Ertz is the league's most underrated tight end.
"It looked like Ertz's career might be over after he played only seven games for the Cardinals in 2023 at age 33. But he had a big comeback season with the Commanders in 2024. Ertz caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, emerging as one of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' go-to receivers. Ertz also ranked 10th among tight ends in my DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) metric. He had an 85.7% run block win rate, one of the best figures among starting tight ends, too.
"The Commanders didn't add any other tight ends in free agency or the draft, signaling that they're keeping him in the starting role."