Zach Ertz remains an intriguing midseason free agent. The veteran tight end has yet to find a new home after being let go by the Cardinals, but he seems to have a number of suitors.
Ertz has had ” serious conversations” with a total of six teams, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. To no surprise, Pelissero notes the potential destinations are comprised of postseason contenders as the three-time Pro Bowler seeks another Super Bowl title. Ertz is still weighing his options, per the report, so the Week 14 slate of Sunday games will likely take place without his future being decided.
The Eagles quickly emerged as a team to watch with respect to an Ertz reunion. The 33-year-old spent the first eight-plus years of his career in Philadelphia, a team which appears poised to make another deep playoff run. Other teams have also been mentioned as suitors to land Ertz as a depth addition, however, including the Chiefs, Bills and Ravens.
The latter is set to be without Mark Andrews for the rest of the season, which would make Baltimore a logical landing spot or Ertz. In spite of that, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh recently expressed confidence in the team’s incumbent TE options. The 49ers have recently become a suitor, with backup Ross Dwelley set to miss significant time due to an ankle sprain. San Francisco is obviously set atop the tight end depth chart with George Kittle, but Ertz would represent a luxury add to arguably the league’s best array of skill-position players.
Ertz was attached to a lucrative Cardinals pact before his request to be waived was granted. Arizona appears to have a long-term answer at the position in the form of 2022 second-rounder Trey McBride, leaving Ertz free to boost his free-agent stock by joining a playoff-bound team. His 27-187-1 stat line for 2023 leaves plenty to be desired relative to his past production, but Ertz could still be a valuable addition for a contending team. The five aforementioned squads could each find themselves in the postseason, giving them plenty of reason to favor a low-cost Ertz deal.
Assuming the Eagles, Chiefs, Bills, Ravens and 49ers are amongst the team’s Ertz has spoken with, it will be interesting to learn the identity of the sixth squad. In any case, Ertz’s future will remain a notable storyline through the stretch run of the regular season.
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