The Washington Commanders made their first major offseason signing, reuniting offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with one of his former players. The Chiefs have signed veteran Zach Ertz to a one-year contract, confirmed to ESPN.
Ertz, entering his 13th season, agreed to a $5 million contract. NFL Network first reported the move.
Ertz played parts of three seasons in Arizona, including 21 games with Kingsbury in 2021 and '22.
He spent seven games with the Cardinals last season, catching 27 passes with one touchdown. He asked to be released after a month. He was signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad a week before the NFC Championship Game, but was not elevated to the active roster for that game.
The Cardinals traded for Ertz in October 2021. Under Kingsbury, Ertz caught 103 passes for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. Ertz missed the final seven games of 22 with a knee injury.
Washington had a need at tight end after releasing senior Logan Thomas on Friday. The Chiefs have a tight end in John Bates, but no proven pass-catcher. They also have Cole Turner, who has caught a combined 13 passes in his first two seasons, and Armani Rogers, who missed last year's spring practice with an Achilles injury. He caught five passes in 11 games as a freshman after switching from playing quarterback in college.
Ertz spent his first nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, catching 579 passes with 38 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl every season from 2017-19.
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