Ertz knew he was going to be traded before loss to Bucs?

Zach Ertz Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Ertz knew Eagles were going to trade him before loss to Buccaneers?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/15/21

It was believed throughout the spring and summer months that the Philadelphia Eagles would trade three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz before the start of the season, but no transaction materialized. That changed on Friday, however, when Philadelphia shipped Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round draft pick.

Less than 24 hours before that trade was confirmed, the Eagles made Ertz a team captain for Thursday's prime-time matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that Philly lost 28-22 to fall to 2-4 on the season. According to The Athletic's Zach Berman, Ertz knew what was coming before he entered the lineup to face Tampa Bay.

Zach Ertz knew last night the trade was going to happen. "We agreed that was special for him." Eagles were willing to risk injury for Ertz to play one more time in Philly, be a captain (and play a major role in offense).
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) October 15, 2021

The 30-year-old who had been with the Eagles since they selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft finished his last Philadelphia outing with four catches for 29 yards and the team's first score of the evening.

Ertz and the @Eagles get the TD right back! #Eagles are on the board! pic.twitter.com/2WeSbsKwJY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 15, 2021

He admitted to feeling emotional about the process while speaking with the media Friday.

Zach Ertz: “I’ll try not to cry like I did last January when I thought it was the last one. …What an amazing journey. What an amazing nine years here.” pic.twitter.com/EFDtdoWmA7
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) October 15, 2021

Because Ertz played Thursday night, he's ineligible to take the field for the unbeaten Cardinals in Sunday's game at the 3-2 Cleveland Browns.

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