Eagles Unlikely to Reunite with 35-Year-Old Super Bowl-Winning TE

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz recovering from ACL tear, making Eagles reunion unlikely

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles have no interest in bringing back 35-year-old tight end Zach Ertz in free agency this offseason, according to NFL reporter Derrick Gunn. Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler who helped the Eagles win Super Bowl 52, is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last season with the Washington Commanders, making a reunion with the Eagles unrealistic at this time.

Why it matters

The Eagles could have used Ertz's experience and talent at tight end, especially with the likely departure of Dallas Goedert this offseason. However, Ertz's injury status and age make a reunion an unrealistic option for the team as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

Gunn reported that "as much as they love and respect him, the Eagles have no interest in bringing Zach Ertz back" in free agency. The reporter added that Ertz's recovery from a December ACL tear with the Commanders means "he would have to be healthy before the Eagles would even consider a reunion."

  • Ertz suffered an ACL tear in December 2025 while playing for the Washington Commanders.

The players

Zach Ertz

A 35-year-old tight end who is a three-time Pro Bowler and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl 52.

Dallas Goedert

The Eagles' current starting tight end who is likely to depart the team in free agency this offseason.

Derrick Gunn

An NFL reporter who broke the news that the Eagles have no interest in reuniting with Zach Ertz in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“As much as they love and respect him, the Eagles have no interest in bringing Zach Ertz back.”

— Derrick Gunn, NFL Reporter (X/Twitter)

“Where Ertz is concerned, it's not about age or performance, but with him still recovering from an ACL tear, he would have to be healthy before the Eagles would even consider a reunion.”

— Derrick Gunn, NFL Reporter (X/Twitter)

The takeaway

The Eagles' decision not to pursue a reunion with veteran tight end Zach Ertz highlights the team's pragmatic approach to free agency, prioritizing health and fit over nostalgia. While Ertz's experience and success with the team would have been valuable, his injury status and age make him an unrealistic target as the Eagles look to build on their recent success.