It was announced on Thursday that Zach Ertz would be released by the Arizona Cardinals. It was J.J Watt of all people who broke the news, stating that Ertz requested his release with the aim of joining a contender to win his second Super Bowl ring.
If only there was an ideal suitor lacking in Tight End depth…
Zach Ertz is a Philadelphia legend
Ertz left Philadelphia in the heart of the 2021 season as a three-time Pro Bowler and someone who shattered just about every franchise record he could. He set the NFL single-season record for receptions by a TE, cruising past Jason Witten as he amassed 116 receptions in 2018, second only to Michael Thomas. This was also the most single-season receptions by any player in Eagles history.
Of course, his most memorable moment came just a few months prior in Minneapolis, where his athletic dive across the endzone plane acted as the game-winning touchdown in the team’s first and only Super Bowl win. Ertz ended that season with a career-high 8 touchdowns.
While things didn’t end as he’d originally hoped, Ertz was very vocally upset about having to leave the City of Brotherly Love, memorably approaching his final press conference with tears in his eyes, just as he did at the end of a disappointing 2020 season where many assumed he had played his final game as an Eagle. His love for the City was obvious.
Life after Philly
While Zach Ertz enjoyed most of his success in Philadelphia, he wasn’t exactly bad in Arizona. He played in 28 games during his stint with the Cardinals, putting up 1,167 yards and 8 touchdowns in that span.
The 2023 season was a miserable one for the Cards, who have seemingly passed the torch to Trey McBride. Ertz amassed 187 yards and a touchdown prior to requesting his release from the lowly 2-win team, with it being obvious that a rebuild was needed and aging players would be likely pushed out in the offseason anyway.
A reunion between the Eagles and Zach Ertz?
So, where does this leave the Eagles? Well, Dallas Goedert has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and this season has been no exception. While the Eagles TE has put up 410 yards at this stage in the season, he’s also missed valuable time and there is a huge drop-off in talent whenever he ends up away from the offense.
On top of that, Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra have both appeared on the injury report in recent weeks, leaving the Eagles with very little optionality at the position. With the gauntlet coming to an end and the postseason on the horizon, the Eagles cannot afford to be sorely missing a starter in the event of an injury.
Ertz might not be the elite pass-catcher he was, but he’s experienced, familiar with what it takes to win in Philly, and is still better than any option the team currently has to backup Dallas Goedert.
Zach Ertz wants to join a contender. The Eagles are 10-2.
Zach Ertz wants to win a Super Bowl, the Eagles reached it last year and are primed to do so again this season.
Zach Ertz loves Philadelphia, Philadelphia loves him too.
Bring him home, Howie.
Photo by Nicole Fridling/Icon Sportswire
