Zach Ertz back for another season with the Washington Commanders

WASHINGTON (7News) — Zach Ertz is like the Energizer bunny. He keeps going and going.

Year 13 in the NFL for the Commanders' tight end. Last season, his first season in Washington, Ertz found the fountain of youth.

The three-time Pro Bowler was a dependable target for Jayden Daniels. He caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns -- his most scoring receptions since he had eight in 2018 with the Eagles.

Those numbers were hard to ignore, so Washington rewarded Ertz with a new one-year deal.

"I love the process. I think that is the secret sauce. Is the work. I have an eagerness to learn and get better," Ertz said. "Ultimately, it's not about me. It's not how I view things. It's about how Jayden views things and how the coaches view things. So for me, it's not about ego. I'm just trying to be here and win."

Since joining the league in 2013, Ertz ranks second in receiving yards and receptions and fourth in touchdowns by a tight end. He is one of five tight ends in NFL history to have at least six seasons with 70-plus receptions and one of six tight ends with at least seven seasons with 700-plus receiving yards.

Ertz is hoping to add to those numbers with Daniels under center.

"He's just so comfortable. It doesn't seem like he's ever surprised. He's in complete command of the offense," Ertz said about Daniels. " He's also a guy that's had so much success in this league already, but he wants to get better. He wants to learn. I feel like that's why a lot of guys love playing for him."

Ertz needs 34 receptions to pass Shannon Sharpe and move into fifth among tight ends on the career receptions list.