Getty
The Washington Commanders are the “best team fit” for a dynamic replacement for tight end Zach Ertz in free agency.
Putting more dynamic pass-catchers at the disposal of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is a process the Washington Commanders can start in 2026 NFL free agency, by replacing ageing tight end Zach Ertz with a younger, “middle-of-the-field target.”
It’s an idea from ESPN’s Matt Bowen, who named the Commanders the “best team fit” for Baltimore Ravens roving playmaker Isaiah Likely. Bowen explained how “with the Commanders making the transition to new offensive coordinator David Blough, Likely could replace free agent Zach Ertz as the middle-of-the-field target for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Likely would bring more upside with his catch-and-run ability. A move player in the formation, Likely would also be schemed to create underneath one-on-ones. He had 27 catches for 301 yards and a touchdown with Baltimore last season.”
This is a strong argument, and Likely is certainly talented enough to bring more big plays to Washington’s Daniels-led passing game. Provided the Commanders and their first-time play-caller could unlock the obvious potential Likely didn’t always reach with the Ravens.
Ertz is 35, but he’s less erratic than Likely and provided a stabilizing influence during Daniels’ spectacular 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. His contributions were invaluable, but the Commanders may need to be ruthless about moving on from holdovers like Ertz, is they’re going to help Daniels take his game up a level after a difficult second season.
Isaiah Likely a Potential Game-Changer for Commanders
New OC David Blough assumes the headset with a lofty reputation as a rising star in coaching circles. Getting Likely to deliver on his promise would go a long way toward helping Blough justify the hype.
When Likely has been good, he’s looked every inch the proverbial matchup nightmare. A tight end able to line up and beat coverage from anywhere on a formation.
The problem has been establishing consistency. Likely has always promised more than he’s delivered, while injuries and critical errors have potential buyers being warned off signing the gifted 25-year-old.
Yet for all the warning signs, it’s close to impossible to ignore what a fully focused Likely can do for any offense. He’s a 6-foot-4, 245-pound mismatch in space, able to muscle coverage and high-point the football, just like he did on this memorable fourth-down play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.
Outside of five-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the Commanders don’t have another pass-catcher on the roster who makes this play. Not even decorated three-time Pro Bowler Ertz, who is nearing the end of the line.
Zach Ertz Future in Doubt
The torn ACL he suffered against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 has naturally led to increased doubts about Ertz’s future in the pros. He’s achieved more than most as a Super Bowl champion who also has 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdown catches to his credit.
Unfortunately, the Commanders don’t exactly have a natural replacement in house if Ertz decides he’s done. Not when 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott has struggled to establish himself as a viable receiving threat.
Incumbent John Bates has long been a stellar niche player as a powerful blocker, but he’s not going to scare anybody catching passes. What’s missing from the depth chart is a skilled receiver able to take over from Ertz and even expand on what he brought to Daniels’ development.
Likely fits the bill, despite already expressing a home state allegiance ahead of free agency. The chance to play with Daniels and succeed a probable Hall of Famer at his position may still convince Likely the Commanders are indeed his best fit.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
More Heavy on Commanders
Loading more stories