The Washington Commanders are going to the playoffs after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found veteran tight end Zach Ertz in the end zone for a walk-off overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night.
Ertz hauled six catches for 72 yards and two of Daniels’ three touchdown passes. The game-winning touchdown not only put Washington into the playoffs but also earned Ertz a nice chunk of change in incentives.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ertz earned a $250,000 bonus for having six touchdown receptions this season. He grabbed an additional $250,000 Sunday by surpassing 600 receiving yards this season. He now has over 60 catches on the season, which garnered another $250,000 bonus.
In total, Ertz obtained $750,000 in bonuses all Sunday night.
Zach Ertz redefining end of career
The 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Commanders in the offseason. Ertz arrived in Washington looking to extend his career after two dreadful seasons with the Arizona Cardinals marred by injuries.
Ertz’s relationship with Washington’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals’ head coach during Ertz’s time there, played a massive part in his signing in D.C. He played nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ertz’s veteran presence has been tremendous with Daniels’ development. In turn, he’s been Daniels’ second option behind star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Ertz is second on the Commanders in every significant receiving category with 61 catches, 610 yards, and six touchdowns.
Once considered on the last leg of his career, Ertz has had the most catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns since being traded from Philadelphia to Arizona in the 2021 season.
The Commanders have one more game left in the regular season. They’ll travel to play the Dallas Cowboys. Ertz could earn even more money, depending on his performance in the season finale. His contract states he will earn another $250,000 bonus if he reaches 70 catches, another for 700 yards, and another $250,000 if he reaches eight touchdowns, according to Spotrac.
It’s not farfetched for Ertz to grab nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns after his game against the Falcons. Nonetheless, Ertz and his wife, former Team USA soccer star Julie, will enjoy the $750,000 extra he earned and the revitalizing of his career.
