Zach Ertz has been with the Eagles since 2013, and he doesn’t want things to end. In an emotional press conference with reporters, the tight end expressed his desire to stay in Philly for 2021 and beyond. 
“I want to be here, even if for some reason something were to happen, maybe I come back at the end,” Ertz said (Twitter link via NFL.com’s James Palmer). “I don’t know what’s going to happen next year. I think this city is the best city to play for…and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. This city means a lot to me and a lot to my family. And I’m thankful.”
Ertz has notched 561 catches for 6.078 yards and 36 touchdowns, all with the Eagles. The Birds would ideally like to bring him back, but their salary cap situation will make it tough to navigate. Ertz is tremendously talented, but he’s also pricey with one year to go on his five-year, $42.5MM deal. Instead of bringing him back, the Eagles could deal Ertz to restock their draft capital and clear dollars off of the books.
Injuries hampered Ertz throughout 2020, capping his 11-game season at just 36 grabs for 335 yards and one score. Still, he’d draw plenty of interest from other teams if he’s put on the block. Before the injury, Ertz was in line for a top-of-the-market extension to join the likes of George Kittle and Travis Kelce ($15MM and $14.3MM AAV, respectively). Now, he’s an intriguing one-year rental.
He is gone, as will Wentz, Peters, Jeffery, Jackson D, Jackson M, and think Cox could be moved
Don’t think Philly will want to take close to $60mill in dead cap between all those players on top of already being over the cap next yr
Patriots. He’s exactly the type of player they need, if he’s healthy. And they have cap space.
Why would you want to stay with a team that hands a division rival a playoff spot?
It’s not like Philadelphia fans like Giants fans better than Redskins fans. The team the Eagles hate is the Cowboys, then the Giants and in third place, the Redskins. Doesn’t make any difference to the Eagles really if the Redskins or Giants take the difference. 6th spot in the draft almost certainly means getting one of the top five BPA studs (one or two hare-brained teams will reach on a QB who should be at number twelve or fifteen).
Just imagine how Hurts felt being pulled during that game? Can’t wait for karma to pull a fast one on Philly.
After going 7 for 20 and 72 yards with a pick he probably knew the hook was coming. And why should a division rival be salty their rival lost with a decimated roster when they only had 6 wins themselves? Win more than a pathetic 6 games and control your own destiny.
That’s not a surprising change of tone. He didn’t do himself any favors by having a down year and being injured. Ertz knows he best path forward is to play well next year and leverage a final FA contact elsewhere.
as long as it doesnt cause cap issues id be fine with it, but he better be willing to take a serious pay cut after the year he had
Too bad. Cap casualties will be the theme.
Zach’s level of play has markedly declined. The numbers only tell part of the story, as it is clear that the result of his injuries and all those hits have taken their toll. Sometimes you need to cut a player one year too soon than one year too late.
Hasn’t been the same player since suffering the lacerated kidney last season. I was one person who said to move him before the season started, and was told I was crazy.
Ertz needs a change of scenery.
Trade away Wentz which takes away some cap pressure and resign Ertz.
Trading away Wentz does not help their 2021 cap situation and/or free up money for Ertz.
What? Yes it does… a whole 800k.
Trade Wentz and they eat cap. Cut Wentz and they eat ~60mil over two years. If he’s not here still he gets traded. Can they adjust his contract? Sure. Give him the Brady treatment with his salary all bonus money he didn’t deserve. Will he? Doubtful. Kelce probably retires. Lane could be moved if not cut. All the WRs can go honestly. One of Cox or Graham will probably be a cap cut/trade. I’ve been saying this will be harder to swallow than Chips hack job. Super Bowl party is over. Us Eagles fans are going to see a whole different team next year. If we don’t, then be prepared for the same results.