Commanders' Zach Ertz recognized by Pro Football Focus analyst

In this story:
The Washington Commanders are enjoying the most successful one-year turnaround after going from a four-win team in 2023 to an 11-win team in 2024 that made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
No. 2 overall pick and Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels was a big reason for that change, but he had some supporting cast members help him out as well.
Among those pieces was veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who was named the most underrated player on the roster by Pro Football Focus writer Jonathon Macri.
READ MORE: Commanders' non-divisional home game dubbed one of 10 best in 2025

Ertz named most underrated on Commanders
"Ertz enjoyed some stellar seasons with the Eagles and was in no way underrated at that time, but as a 34-year-old tight end nearing the end of his career, it appeared his best seasons were behind him," Macri wrote.
"However, Ertz delivered more than 80 receptions in 2024 for the first time since 2019, which led to his best PFF receiving grade (72.5) and yardage total (809) in that same stretch. He ranked in the top 10 in targets for his position in the regular season, an impressive feat at this stage of his career."
Ertz re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year, $6.25 million contract this offseason to help build what the team had started last year with Daniels under center.
Ertz has a much more dynamic offense around him now with Deebo Samuel in the receiver corps, so that may lead to less targets, but he will do whatever is needed to get Washington over the top.
READ MORE: Commanders’ Jayden Daniels gets honest take on sophomore slump concern
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
• Commanders set for rare international game after nine years
• Commanders potential trade target not happy at all with Bengals

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Follow @JeremyBrener