The Washington Commanders brought in quarterback Carson Wentz. Now, they’re reportedly eyeing one of his favorite targets to pair with him.
Johnny Venerable of PHNX reported late Friday that Washington is “sniffing around” Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz and could be interested in him when the legal tampering window for free agency opens Monday. Wentz and Ertz played together for five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, and in that span, Ertz had more targets (482), receptions (332), yards (3,513) and touchdowns (24) than anyone on the roster.
Ertz, 31, is coming off a season in which he caught 74 receptions for 763 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that production came with the Arizona Cardinals after he was traded from Philadelphia in October.
Washington doesn’t have a pressing need at tight end, but the team could use help at the position as Logan Thomas is recovering from a torn ACL. The Commanders’ coaching staff is also high on 2021 fourth-rounder John Bates, though Ertz has a solid track record and his familiarity with Wentz could be appealing. With the Eagles, Ertz made the Pro Bowl three times.
The Commanders, however, don’t have a lot of salary cap room after the Wentz trade. According to Over the Cap, Washington has just $5.8 million to spend although that number is expected to increase once the team officially cuts safety Landon Collins — a move that will save an additional $6.5 million.
Venerable added that Washington is currently the Cardinals’ “biggest threat” to lure Ertz away from Arizona.
It would be in the Cardinals’ best interest to lock in a deal with impending free agent TE Zach Ertz soon.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) March 12, 2022
Washington is sniffing around Ertz’s market should he be set free on Monday.
Washington is Arizona’s biggest threat. https://t.co/QGFBB23sZN
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) March 12, 2022
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