Zach Ertz to Play in 2026, Could Eagles Reunite?

The former Eagles tight end is planning to play in 2026 and could be an option to return to Philadelphia.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles are facing uncertainty at the tight end position, with several key players set to hit free agency. However, an old friend may be available - Zach Ertz, the former Eagles tight end, is planning to play in 2026 and is expected to be cleared by Week 1. Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, had a productive 2025 season with 50 catches for 504 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 13 games. If the Eagles lose Dallas Goedert, bringing back Ertz on a short-term deal could be a smart move as they look to fill the tight end void.

Why it matters

The Eagles' tight end room is in flux, with several key players potentially leaving in free agency. Bringing back Zach Ertz, a former Eagles star, could provide stability and production at the position as the team looks to fill the void left by potential departures.

The details

Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end, is planning to play in the 2026 NFL season. Ertz is currently 2 months into rehab from a torn ACL, but is expected to be cleared right around Week 1 of the 2026 season. In 2025, Ertz had 50 catches for 504 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 13 games. The Eagles are facing uncertainty at tight end, with Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson all set to hit free agency. If Goedert departs, the Eagles could look to reunite with Ertz on a short-term deal as they look to fill the void at the position.

  • Zach Ertz is planning to play in the 2026 NFL season.
  • Ertz is expected to be cleared for Week 1 of the 2026 season.

The players

Zach Ertz

A three-time Pro Bowl tight end who spent parts of nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl. Ertz is planning to play in the 2026 NFL season and is expected to be cleared by Week 1 after rehabbing a torn ACL.

Dallas Goedert

The Philadelphia Eagles' current starting tight end, who is set to hit free agency this offseason.

Grant Calcaterra

A tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles who is also set to hit free agency this offseason.

Kylen Granson

A tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles who is set to hit free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz plans to play a 14th NFL season and is expected to be cleared right around Week 1, per sources.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network reporter (X)

What’s next

If the Eagles lose Dallas Goedert in free agency, they could look to reunite with Zach Ertz on a short-term deal as they look to fill the void at tight end.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the Eagles' tight end position presents an opportunity to bring back a familiar face in Zach Ertz. If the team loses Goedert, Ertz's experience, production and familiarity with the organization could make him an appealing short-term option as the team looks to stabilize the position.