Former Eagles Star Announces Retirement Decision Entering Offseason

There's still over a week to go before the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59.

In the meantime, it's officially the offseason for the other 30 NFL teams, meaning a plethora of players are debating whether or not they'll continue playing football next season — including one former Eagles fan favorite.

Eagles News: TE Zach Ertz Announces Retirement Decision

Zack Ertz is one ex-Philadelphia player whose playing future has been up for debate. The former Eagles tight end — who's currently with the rival Washington Commanders — is 34 years old with 12 seasons and a Super Bowl ring under his belt, meaning no one would blame him if he decided to hang up his cleats.

As it turns out, though, the veteran pass-catcher believes that he still has some juice left in the tank.

"I still want to play football next year," Ertz told reports on Monday, per NFL.com's Grant Gordon. "I just want to make that clear that I'm not retiring."

Ertz revealed that having "fun" with the Commanders is a big reason why he plans to play a 13th NFL season this fall. Even though his team ultimately lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, the experience helped the former Stanford Cardinal turn back the clock.

"I feel rejuvenated, I feel young," Ertz said. "I felt like I played good football this year. So, for me, it's just figuring out everything going forward. (The Commanders) know how I feel about this place."

Ertz's consistency is a big reason why Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had a successful rookie campaign. The veteran TE showed flashes of his old self as he converted 66 catches into 654 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games before posting an 18-155-1 stat line in three postseason appearances.

Having said that, Ertz is set to hit free agency in March and it remains to be seen if the Commanders will want a reunion. As much as he'd love to return to Washington, he knows it isn't a guarantee.

"It's a two-way street," Ertz admitted. "I can bang down the door saying I want to be here, but if they don't want me here, then it's a moot point."

If he does become a free agent, Ertz will likely garner plenty of attention from TE-needy teams. The three-time Pro Bowl playmaker oozes experience with over 8,000 yards and 53 TDs in 168 career games split between the Eagles, Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals.

Whether it's with the Commanders or another team, Ertz will have to wait a bit to see where his NFL career will continue. The 2025 free agency period officially begins on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

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