Three potential trade partners for TE Zach Ertz

Earlier this week it was reported that Zach Ertz was growing “increasingly impatient” with the Eagles as they continue to find a trade partner for his services. With the Patriots handing generous contracts to tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, Ertz’ value has only gone up on the market. Here are three possible landing spots for the three-time Pro Bowler:
And New England strikes again: The Patriots are signing former Chargers’ TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, including $25 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
Free agency’s top two tight ends, Henry and Jonnu Smith, wind up in New England.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers lost Hunter Henry to the Patriots in free agency, so they’ll need to replace the 60 catches and 613 yards he provided last season. Justin Herbert showed tremendous promise in his rookie campaign and having a reliable target in Henry only helped his progression.
Zach Ertz would give the 23-year-old QB a veteran security blanket underneath to complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Ertz also was drafted out of Stanford, so a return to California would be a gratifying ending to his career.
Patriots, TE Hunter Henry agree to three-year, $37.5 million deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/VM8QJW0JAp
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars signed TE Chris Manhertz in free agency, but they still need a reliable pass-catcher for their presumed franchise QB in Trevor Lawrence. The team’s two tight end options last season were Tyler Eifert and James O’Shaughnessy. They combined for 64 catches, 601 yards, and just two touchdowns.
On top of that, O’Shaughnessy is headed to the open market while Eifert can be cut to save the team $5M. Ertz is a much appealing option than both and his leadership would only be beneficial for their shiny new QB.
Former Panthers’ TE Chris Manhertz reached agreement on a two-year, $7.25 million deal, including $4.25 million guaranteed, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, per his agent @seanstellato.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
Seattle Seahawks
The Eagles reportedly had talks with the Seahawks last month about a potential Ertz deal. With Greg Olsen retiring and Luke Willson hitting free agency, Seattle is left with Will Dissly as their #1 option at tight end.
Ertz would undoubtedly be an upgrade over the middle to take some attention away from Metcalf and Lockett. I’m sure adding the single-season receptions record holder amongst tight ends would go a long way in retaining Russell Wilson as well.
SOURCE: #Eagles have talked to Seahawks, Colts about trade for Zach Ertz. While it may prove difficult from a salary cap standpoint to make Carson Wentz and Ertz a package deal to Indy, maybe Ertz and Andre Dillard go in same deal. Here’s a closer look:https://t.co/haiHjEPkUU
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) February 14, 2021
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images