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NFL analyst names Commanders star among most underrated players

The Washington Commanders have one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
Darius Hayes|
Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders may have found one of the NFL’s most valuable veteran contributors in tight end Zach Ertz.

After signing with the team ahead of the 2024 season, Ertz proved he still had plenty left in the tank with a strong season, helping quarterback Jayden Daniels reach new heights.

This was enough to earn recognition from ESPN’s Aaron Schatz as the most underrated player on the Commanders' roster.

READ MORE: Commanders pass rusher signing with Cowboys will have big impact

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86)
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates after making a catch against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Commanders signed Ertz following a down year with the Arizona Cardinals, and the veteran responded with a bounce-back campaign that made him a key part of the offense.

"It looked like Ertz's career might be over after he played only seven games for the Cardinals in 2023 at age 33," Schatz wrote. "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."

Washington also benefited from Ertz’s all-around skill set, including his blocking and efficiency metrics, which ranked among the league’s best.

"Ertz also ranked 10th among tight ends in my DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) metric," Schatz wrote. "He had an 85.7% run block win rate, one of the best figures among starting tight ends, too. The Commanders re-signed Ertz to a one-year, $6.25 million contract for 2025. They didn't add any other tight ends in free agency or the draft, signaling that they're keeping him in the starting role."

Ertz’s presence has given the Commanders a trusted weapon as they continue to develop their offense around Jayden Daniels for his second season.

READ MORE: Commanders head coach Dan Quinn honored by alma mater

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

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• Commanders' Jayden Daniels praised as one of NFL's best young stars

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Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

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