On the Kelce Brothers’ New Heights Podcast, Ertz said he is doing everything he can to return this season after a torn ACL in Week 14 ended his season. The 35-year old free agent doesn’t want last season to be his final act after posting a 50-504-5 line as the Commanders’ starting TE. If a team wants the veteran, he will likely sign later in the summer.
What They're Saying
Zach Ertz: “We’re in a good spot. We’re like five, almost six months now from surgery. Just training every day, doing everything I can to get back to where I was. It’s a long process. There’s some long days, there’s some long weeks, some long months . . . it’s tough, but we’re just trying to stack these days right now.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Ertz shouldn’t be drafted in most formats right now, but he could work as a late-round flier in deep TE premium leagues, especially large tournaments where he won’t be on many squads.
A 35-year old coming off a torn ACL isn’t a great bet for production, but Ertz still ranked TE19 in PPR points per game last season. That wouldn’t make him a difference-maker, but it would make him useful in best ball if he repeated it.
Ertz was TE7 in FPTS/GM just two years ago in 2024.
We saw Darren Waller emerge as TE17 last season after being written off. TE appears to be a position where an older player, even one coming off a major injury, could make an impact.
Ertz won’t be back with the Commanders after they invested in new TE Chig Okonkwo, but other landing spots could still open up. A contender that loses a TE in camp or the preseason could show interest, and a team like the Titans could value his veteran presence for a young QB.
Dynasty Impact
Ertz doesn’t hold much dynasty value, but in a 16+ team league or one with a massive bench, he could be worth one of your last roster spots. If he lands in an attractive fantasy situation, a desperate contender might pay a late rookie pick.
