Tight end Zach Ertz made headlines this week by signing with the Commanders, and one of the key factors behind his decision was offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Kingsbury previously coached Ertz during his time with the Arizona Cardinals. Under Kingsbury’s leadership, Ertz had a standout performance, tallying 103 receptions for 980 yards and seven touchdowns across 21 games.
However, after Kingsbury’s departure in early 2023, Ertz’s production saw a decline, leading to his eventual release from the Cardinals.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, Ertz expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with Kingsbury in Washington.
“Kliff has been a huge part of my success the past few years in Arizona,” Ertz remarked. “So when he got the job in Washington and I was a free agent, it was very easy for me to say, ‘Hey, this is a place that I would love to play for.’”
Ertz also cited the significant changes within the Washington organization as another appealing factor. With a new owner, general manager, and head coach in place, including Dan Quinn, Ertz is excited about the team’s fresh direction.
The prospect of returning to the East Coast adds to his anticipation for the upcoming season. The Commanders’ ongoing transformations, including the potential addition of a new quarterback through the draft, further enhance the team’s appeal.
A successful draft pick at quarterback could elevate Washington’s prospects, making it an attractive destination for players like Ertz looking to join the franchise in 2024 and beyond.
