Three potential trade destinations for Zach Ertz
After a lengthy career with the Eagles, Zach Ertz now seems to be on the outside looking in. The eight-year NFL vet’s contract is running up and wants a hefty extension. With the rise of Dallas Goedert and Ertz’s declining play, he no longer seems like a fit in Philadelphia. There are already several teams interested in Ertz, so here are some possibilities on where he might land.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts are the latest team to show interest in Ertz and provide a suitable home for the tight end. Former Eagles coach Frank Reich runs 12 personnel often like Doug Pederson did in Philadelphia. Ertz could fit in seamlessly in these formations and be a valuable second TE for the Colts.
Starting tight end Jack Doyle has two years remaining on his contract, but Trey Burton is now heading into free agency. If Burton walks, it opens a spot up for Ertz. In 2019 the Colts ran a 12 formation with Eric Ebron and Doyle before Ebron left for Pittsburgh last offseason.
Green Bay Packers:
Ertz was almost a Packer not too long ago. When the Eagles were shopping him, Green Bay had made an offer for Zach, but he was hurt and placed on IR shortly after, killing any trade from happening. Green Bay has always lacked a prominent tight end for a long time and never found the right answer.
Marcedes Lewis is already 36 and entering his 16th season in the league and is heading into free agency. After a disappointing exit in the NFC championship, the Packers will likely be scrambling to provide Aaron Rodgers with new targets to make another title push. If Zach can bounce back from this season, he could be the best tight end Rodgers will ever have.
Atlanta Falcons:
Recently Nick Sirianni hired Jason Michael to be his new tight ends coach. Michael replaced long-time TE coach Justin Peelle. Peelle has been Ertz’s coach in Philadelphia for the last six seasons and developed him into one of the league’s best tight ends during that time.
Ertz would likely want to reunite with Peelle in Atlanta. The Falcons did recently sign Hayden Hurst last season, but Atlanta’s depth behind him is slim. Under new coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons could use some veteran leadership to help instill a new culture during their rebuild. Atlanta would provide the perfect environment for Ertz to get the right coaching and restore his value.
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[…] the cuts of Alshon Jeffery, Desean Jackson, and now Malik Jackson, the next likely move will be trading tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz has a pretty decent trade market and will likely be on the move very […]