The Commanders were on the clock at No. 53 last April in the NFL draft.
They chose Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.
Owner Josh Harris was clearly surprised and asked about Zach Ertz, whom the Commanders had signed earlier in free agency.
GM Adam Peters must have thought TE Zach Ertz was likely to play only one more season, seeing the Cardinals and Lions released Ertz.
Ertz was healthy enough to gain the confidence of Washington quarterbacks to finish second in targets, receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receiving first downs.
Ertz may play again for Washington in 2025, and if he does, what does it mean for Sinnott? Oh, being chosen 53rd overall, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will not give up on him next season. However, some analysts say the 2025 NFL draft has several good tight ends. Could Peters use a round 3 pick on another tight end because he does not believe in Sinnott?
There is always the possibility / the odds that Ertz at his age and wear and tear may not go through another season as well as he did this past 2024 season.
Ertz was the most effective receiver for the Commanders in 2024 when he got open on third and fourth downs. If he is healthy enough in 2025, you can bet Daniels will want Ertz in the lineup and will often go to him again on those money downs.
The other side of the coin is that Peters and Quinn will also want to see enough from Sinnott in 2025 other than him using his toughness on special teams. The Commanders need to see the development of Sinnott’s game as a route runner. Daniels, as well, will need to see that route-running development, or he won’t look to Sinnott often in 2025.
Ertz, having such a terrific year and returning for 2025 could also be a blessing for Sinnott to learn one more season from Ertz in practice, games, and the meeting rooms.
Yet, the Commanders’ brass will need him to show more in 2025.