Eagles Must Consider Potential Catch Of A Zach Ertz Reunion
Zach Ertz requested his release from the Arizona Cardinals. He will more than likely clear waivers and become an unrestricted free agent. Trying new things in retirement, so let’s steal @AdamSchefter job for a day... TE Zach Ertz has requested & been granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals. The 3-Time Pro Bowler plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring. (This is easy Adam) pic.twitter.com/pK4qCcCfay
What Value Does Zach Ertz Provide the Eagles?
Ertz cemented his legacy in the lure of Philadelphia sports history with a clutch fourth-down conversion and the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LII. He sits second in franchise history in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and seventh in receiving touchdowns.
He also avoided a potentially ugly exit from Philadelphia in 2021 in a situation that the organization might’ve been able to handle differently. However, at age 33, he isn’t the player he was during his prime years.
Ertz hasn’t played since Week 7 . He caught 27 balls for 187 yards for Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals in 2023. The 2013 second-round pick is ready to return from a quad injury, but it’s not a reasonable expectation for him to contribute in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Eagles Facing Questions At Tight End
The Eagles got good news about Dallas Goedert earlier in the week. Their starting tight end has been an excellent replacement since Howie Roseman dealt Ertz in 2021. Goedert didn’t practice on Wednesday, but he took the field on Thursday.
TE Dallas Goedert is catching footballs on the side during the special teams period. Goedert is trying to return from a fractured forearm #Eagles pic.twitter.com/7DWFhab7SJ
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) November 30, 2023
If Goedert doesn’t play in Week 13 against the 49ers, he’ll most likely return on Dec. 10 against the Dallas Cowboys. If Ertz won’t contribute before Goedert returns, it would eliminate the biggest part of the appeal of a potential reunion.
Jack Stoll isn’t an excellent option as a backup tight end. He did take advantage of his only target against the Buffalo Bills with a key 14-yard gain on a third-down conversion that set up a touchdown. He brings more value as a blocker than as a receiver.
Grant Calcaterra missed the Week 12 matchup with an ankle injury. Albert Okwuegbunam played nine offensive snaps, and Noah Togiai played seven. None of the three respective backup tight ends have caught a pass this season.
Is Ertz Worth It?
The Eagles might have a more obvious connection to Zach Ertz, but they are also a top candidate to sign free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard. The former All-Pro should be Roseman’s top priority if he’s healthy.
Ertz could provide a better backup option as a receiving tight end, especially if Calcaterra is unavailable in the coming weeks. One play can sometimes make the difference in a Super Bowl run, and a three-time Pro Bowler is more qualified than an inexperienced second-year reserve if it’s a choice between the two.
A signing, however, cannot reduce the odds of landing Shaq Leonard. The priority for help in the middle of the defense outweighs the need for a backup tight end if Goedert will return quickly.
Signing Zach Ertz wouldn’t be a bad idea, but it must be at a low cost that doesn’t limit financial options or the ability to solidify other positions.
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Philadelphia Eagles Projected 2023 Week 13 Starters
Jalen Hurts
Quarterback, #1
Oklahoma University/University of Alabama
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (53rd overall) in 2020D'Andre Swift
Running Back, #0
University of Georgia
4th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Detroit Lions (April 2023)A.J. Brown
Wide Receiver, #11
Ole Miss
5th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Tennessee Titans (April 2022)DeVonta Smith
Wide Receiver, #6
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (10th overall) in 2021Julio Jones
Wide Receiver, #80
University of Alabama
13th NFL Season, Signed in Free Agency (October 2023)Jack Stoll
Tight End, #89
University of Nebraska
3rd NFL Season- Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (May 2021)Jordan Mailata
Left Tackle, #68
Jeff Stoutland University
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 7th Round (233rd overall) in 2018Landon Dickerson
Left Guard, #69
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (37th overall) in 2021Jason Kelce
Center, #62
University of Cincinnati
13th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (191st overall) in 2011Cam Jurgens
Right Guard, #51
University of Nebraska
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (51st overall) in 2022Lane Johnson
Left Tackle, #69
Oklahoma University
11th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (4th overall) in 2013Josh Sweat
Defensive End, #94
Florida State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 4th Round (130th overall) in 2018Jordan Davis
Defensive Tackle, #90
University of Georgia
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (13th overall) in 2022Jalen Carter
Defensive Tackle, #98
University of Georgia
1st NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (9th overall) in 2023Haason Reddick
Edge Rusher/Linebacker, #7
Temple University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2022)Nicholas Morrow
Linebacker, #41
Greensville University
6th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2023)Christian Elliss
Linebacker, #53
University of Idaho
3rd NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (September 2021)Darius Slay
Cornerback, #2
Mississippi State
11th NFL Season- Acquired in trade from Detroit Lions (March 2020)James Bradberry
Cornerback, #24
University of Arkansas/Samford University
8th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (May 2022)Bradley Roby
Cornerback, #33
Ohio State University
10th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (October 2023)Kevin Byard
Safety, #31
Middle Tennessee State
8th NFL Season, Acquired in trade from Tennessee Titans (October 2023)Reed Blankenship
Safety, #32
Middle Tennessee State
2nd NFL Season- Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (May 2022)
