Due to salary cap restrictions, the Philadelphia Eagles are cutting ties with many expensive veterans. Carson Wentz regressed heavily throughout the 2020 season, leading towards a dismantling of the Eagles’ Super Bowl core from 2017. Among these current cap casualties is Philadelphia Eagles’ tight end Zach Ertz.
Ertz is a former all-pro known for his immaculate route running and catch radius. While he hasn’t been officially cut, teams can technically trade for the 31-year-old. Numerous NFL teams will be interested in the dominant tight end, despite a down year.
When Zach Ertz isn’t dealing with a variety of injuries, his ability to find creases in a zone defense and seemingly catch anything chucked near him will lead towards a natural fit in any NFL scheme.
He is at his best when lining up against linebackers out of the slot. Although he has also improved his blocking in recent seasons making him a more versatile tight end than the dominant receiving threat he was throughout his Eagles career.
Reuniting With Frank Reich?
With Moe Allie-Cox set to hit Free Agency, the Indianapolis Colts have a chance to recreate a similar set of personal as the 2017 Eagles. Jack Doyle can replicate Brent Celek‘s role as the primary blocking tight end, while Zach Ertz is free to effectively function as a slot receiver in the middle.
With the Colts’ dominant offensive line, deep running back stable, and a potential pairing between two quality tight ends Carson Wentz would be an ideal situation to rebound after his disastrous 2020 season.
It doesn’t hurt that the Colts have the fourth most cap space available, so regardless of the potential salary cap woes of the 2021 free agency period, the Colts will be in a great position to have their pick of the litter.
Safety Valve For A Young QB?
There are rumors about the Chargers showing interest in signing Zach Ertz to potentially replace Hunter Henry, which is a lateral move when considering Ertz’s age. While Justin Herbert connecting with Zach Ertz sounds like an exciting combo, it could be interesting to see Zach Ertz paired with an even younger quarterback. Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields could use a tight end who has such a large catch radius who manages to find the soft spots in zones so often.
Scrambling to find a wide-open receiver is far more effective with a dominant tight end such as Travis Kelce or Zach Ertz. They have a Jason Witten-Esque knack for getting open. Having a reliable tight end helps young quarterbacks find a rhythm when adjusting to the NFL. For quarterbacks who prefer to scramble players open, a tight end like Zach Ertz can be a godsend.
New England Needs Weapons
In 2011, Josh McDaniels schemed one of the most dominant offenses in history through abusing two tight-end sets with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Perhaps, New England could draft an elite talent like Kyle Pitts to pair with Zach Ertz. That will definitely be a dynamic tight end tandem.
To revitalize the Patriots’ offense, Bill Belichick needs to make some big moves this off-season. Thankfully, for Belichick, he will have the third most cap space to play around with during this cap-strapped off-season.
Belichick, time and time again, makes shrewd and brilliant moves as the Patriots general manager. With 10 teams above the salary cap and an abundance of quality free agents, a team like the Patriots could sweep up more quality players than expected.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of who signs Zach Ertz, they’ll be receiving a tight end who has a history of phenomenal route running and ridiculously sure hands. The main question in his future is his recurring injury problems. Not to mention, that he is on the wrong side of 30.
Does Zach Ertz continue his phenomenal career in his new home? Let us know in the comments.
Awesome article! I like the idea of Ertz being a safety value for a young QB like Herbert or a rookie that’s coming into the league. But if the Colts need a TE and the Eagles part ways with him, then I’d put my money on seeing him play for Indianapolis next year.