Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Jonnu Smith

Sunday, March 9, 7:04 AM

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Washington Commanders on Saturday. The deal includes up to $9 million in incentives. Ertz returns to the Commanders after a productive season in 2024 as quarterback Jayden Daniels' safety valve, owning 18% of Washington's target share. The three-time Pro Bowler caught 66 of 91 targets for 674 yards and seven touchdowns over 17 games. It was the first time since 2018 that Ertz played an entire season. With the emergence of Dyami Brown in the postseason and the Commanders trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in March, Ertz will have more competition for targets in 2025. Despite competing for targets with Terry McLaurin, Samuel, and Brown, Ertz remains a decent fantasy option at the tight end position. As Daniels' primary middle-of-the-field option, Ertz is a high-end TE2 heading into early best-ball drafts.

Thursday, May 29, 3:13 PM

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have discussed a trade involving Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. These trade talks came after Smith hinted at wanting a new deal following his career season. The 29-year-old is due $4.8 million this season after catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with Miami. Smith is outside the top 20 highest-paid players at the position, so asking for a raise is warranted. Smith spent the 2023 season with current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta after spending four seasons with him in Tennessee from 2017 to 2020. That said, he would have instant familiarity with his system if he's dealt to Pittsburgh. If this trade materializes, the fantasy stocks of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would rise, while Pat Freiermuth could be at risk of falling off the fantasy radar.