Commanders 2024 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings
But a source told ESPN that the Washington Commanders reached an agreement on a one-year contract with veteran tight end Zach Ertz.
The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Commanders and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The Commanders signed Ertz to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.
What it means: Washington needed a veteran tight end after releasing Logan Thomas last week. The Commanders have no proven pass-catcher — John Bates caught 53 passes in his first three years combined but is more of a run-blocker.
• Team-by-team offseason guide (ESPN+)
• Tracking deals, cuts, trades | Key dates
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• NFL draft order | Top draft prospects
Ertz knows offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system from their days with the Arizona Cardinals, and he can be an effective option as a tight end operating in the slot. He’ll be helpful to others who will need to learn a new offense. Ertz can also provide a security blanket for a rookie quarterback, assuming Washington drafts one with the second overall pick.
What’s the risk: Because it’s a low-cost signing there’s no real risk. Ertz has been hit impacted by injuries each of the last two seasons — a quadriceps injury in 2023 and a knee the previous year.
When healthy he can still be effective. The risk would be if Washington fails to add more players at this position. Cole Turner, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has not been productive with 13 career catches. Armani Rogers, who caught five passes in 11 games as a rookie in 2022, missed last season with an Achilles injury. Rogers showed some flashes two years ago after converting from quarterback, but the Commanders should look to draft another tight end.