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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Zach Ertz story may not be over just yet, and it could come full circle in Philadelphia.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the three-time Pro Bowl tight end “plans to play a 14th NFL season.” Ertz is expected to be cleared right around Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2025 season.

At age 35, Ertz is roughly two months into rehab from the injury he sustained on Dec. 7 while playing for the Washington Commanders. He is targeting a return close to nine months after the injury, putting him on track for the start of the 2026 campaign.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, that update matters.

Philadelphia is staring at real uncertainty at tight end with Dallas Goedert heading toward free agency. If Goedert walks, the Eagles will need a dependable veteran option. Ertz is available and already knows the building, the expectations and what it means to play in Philadelphia.

Eagles History Makes Reunion Logical

Before the knee injury, Ertz was still a steady contributor in Washington. In 13 games during the 2025 season, he totaled 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns.

He is not the same explosive player he was earlier in his career, but he has always relied on sharp routes, good instincts and dependable hands. Even last season, he showed he can still pick up first downs and give his quarterback a reliable option underneath.

That profile could appeal to Philadelphia if the team wants stability rather than splash at the position. A one year deal would likely be the expectation given his age and rehab timeline, but if he is cleared by Week 1 as reported, he could provide immediate value.

Ertz spent parts of nine seasons in Philadelphia after being drafted in the second round in 2013. He became one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history and delivered one of the biggest plays the organization has ever seen with his touchdown reception in Super Bowl LII.

Beyond the championship moment, he was a foundational piece of the offense for years. He understood how to operate in high pressure situations and built trust within the locker room and Philly fan base.

Goedert’s Free Agency Creates Real Question for Eagles

Dallas Goedert is coming off a strong 2025 campaign and is expected to draw legitimate interest on the open market. He caught 60 passes for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

If his price climbs beyond what Philadelphia is comfortable paying, the Eagles may have to let him go.

Tight end has been a key part of the offense for years, so it is not a position the front office can afford to leave thin.

Ertz would not solve the position for multiple seasons, but he would give the Eagles experience, leadership and dependable production in the short term.

Bringing him back on a one-year deal would help the team stay competitive at the position right away. It would also give the front office flexibility to draft and develop a younger long-term option.

If Ertz truly intends to play in 2026, a return to Philadelphia may be more realistic than it first appeared.

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