One week has passed since the 2021 NFL Draft, and Zach Ertz remains an Eagle.
Trade rumors regarding Ertz have been occurring for months now, but it seems like Philadelphia fans still can’t get an accurate answer.
As of last week, NFL experts were confident that the tight end would be traded by the end of the draft. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler even indicated that he could be part of a deal to trade up into the top ten with Adam Caplan of Inside the Birds stating, “It could happen. But it’s going to happen by the end of the draft for sure.”
Well, the three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion isn’t leaving Philadelphia just yet, and general manager Howie Roseman has finally addressed the issue.
During a post-draft press conference, Roseman stated, “You just want it to be fair. You just want to find outcomes that not necessarily are great for the team and not good for the player, but just fair. Just stuff that everyone can kind of feel like, you know what, this works for everyone. And not only in this situation with Zach, just generally I think that’s the most important thing.”
He went on to add, “We think Zach’s a good player, a good person, and he’s under contract. We’re always going to try to do what’s best for the Philadelphia Eagles, and we balance that with our relationships with players we care about. But that’s again like we started this conversation talking about our responsibility is to do what’s best for the team, and that’s what it’s about.”
WHAT AN ERTZ TRADE LOOKS LIKE
If the Eagles decide to wait until June 1 to cut or trade Ertz, they could save $8.5 million. This vacancy would promote Dallas Goedert as Philadelphia’s starter, leaving Jason Croom, Tyree Jackson, Caleb Wilson, and undrafted rookie free agent Jack Stroll competing as a second option.
Given that the Eagles were unable to draft a tight end last week, getting rid of Ertz may not be the wisest decision. Though he is coming off the worst season of his career, Ertz is one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
In 2020, he finished with 36 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown. He was able to play 11 games despite fighting off an injury.
His contract demands from last year have yet to be matched. Although there have been rumors regarding his wishes to be traded or released to the destination of his choice, Ertz’s previous desire to stay in Philadelphia may allow him to see another season.
