The Washington Commanders are prioritizing the re-signing of tight end Zach Ertz as they possess ample cap space. This mutual desire signals a significant move for the team, as NBC Sports insider Matthew Berry predicts that a deal will take shape. Ertz, 34, had an impressive season with 66 receptions, 654 yards, and seven touchdowns, showcasing a resurgence reminiscent of his peak days. The prospect of Ertz returning alongside talents like Terry McLaurin and new acquisition Deebo Samuel positions the Commanders as potential contenders for the NFC Championship and beyond.

The fantasy football landscape is ripe for emerging tight ends, and several players are poised to leap into TE1 status for the upcoming season.

Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens has shown potential, backed by impressive performances, including a standout game with nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. With Mark Andrews’ declining output, Likely could see increased targets, especially if Andrews is traded or cut, making him a sleeper TE1 candidate.

Chig Okonkwo of the Tennessee Titans also made waves with his late-season surge, scoring double-digit PPR points in crucial playoff weeks. His emergence as a reliable second option in the passing game suggests he could thrive further, especially if the Titans bolster their roster.

Lastly, Tyler Warren, a 2025 draft prospect who showcased remarkable stats at Penn State, could become a noteworthy fantasy asset depending on his landing spot. His elite skills could see him become a significant contributor in the NFL, particularly if drafted by a team with a need for a dynamic tight end.

Dynasty fantasy football continues to rise in popularity, with players searching for undervalued talent to dominate their leagues. Notable undervalued players across the NFC are highlighted, including the Dallas Cowboys' Rico Dowdle, who showed promise last season, and the New York Giants' Tyrone Tracy Jr., who surprisingly finished strong despite a poor offensive setup. The Philadelphia Eagles' DeVonta Smith is suggested as a sleeper among the star-studded roster, while the Washington Commanders' Zach Ertz is poised for a comeback. In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears' Cole Kmet is expected to rebound, and Detroit's David Montgomery is touted as a solid pick. The NFC South has rookies like Michael Penix Jr. gaining attention and the NFC West features exciting prospects like Zach Charbonnet.

In an unprecedented turn of events in the 2024 NFL season, tight ends defied expectations, with rookies and underperformers rising to the challenge. Brock Bowers, a standout rookie with the Las Vegas Raiders, emerged as the top tight end (TE1), showcasing versatility and reliability. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins delivered a career-best season, finishing as TE4. Zach Ertz, now with the Washington Commanders, demonstrated he still has gas left in the tank, bouncing back from injury to post impressive stats. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers made noise despite fierce competition, while Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed flashes of promise. Lastly, Mike Gesicki reinvented himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, proving doubters wrong. This year's tight end landscape was anything but predictable.

The NFL offseason is heating up as teams prepare for the upcoming free agent negotiating period starting March 10, followed by the official start of the new league year on March 12. This year’s free agency headlines promise to be dominated by intriguing quarterbacks and wide receivers, but fantasy enthusiasts should also keep an eye on tight ends ready to hit the market. Veterans like Austin Hooper, Tyler Conklin, and Zach Ertz are among notable names whose performances last season have positioned them well for lucrative contracts.

Hooper, for example, displayed consistent production with the New England Patriots, catching 45 passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns, signaling he could become a reliable No. 2 tight end in a more explosive offense. Conklin and Ertz also had productive seasons, with both players likely to attract interest from teams looking to bolster their tight end depth. The upcoming free agency period may drastically reshape fantasy rosters, especially in leagues that emphasize tight end performance.