Earlier this year, rumors regarding a Zach Ertz trade ran rampant through Philadelphia. However, after the realization that a trade would result in minimal return, speculations regarding his departure have since settled.
But discussions are back, and Ertz may only have a few days left in Philly as he is now linked to a possible draft trade.
PLANS TO TRADE UP
Less than a month after the Eagles traded their No. 6 overall pick to the Miami Dolphins, The Athletic reported that the team was considering a move back into the top ten. Yesterday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated that in order to make this happen, a deal may include tight end Zach Ertz.
Fowler stated, “I’m told that [Zach Ertz]’s been waiting, bracing for a change, a trade, a release, for the better part of the last two months. It has not happened yet, but Philly sits as 12 overall. It’s not an overly deep tight end class after Kyle Pitts. So if they move back, or down, or wherever they want to move in the three days of the draft, perhaps Zach Ertz could be a part of that deal. And Howie Roseman has been making a lot of calls. The GM of the Eagles has been active. A source told me that ‘Philly’s up to something with that 12 pick.’ Maybe Ertz will be involved in that.”
The possibility of a trade was also discussed by Adam Caplan of Inside the Birds. Caplan stating, “It could happen Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday leading up. It could happen. But it’s going to happen by the end of the draft for sure.”
WHAT A ZACH ERTZ DRAFT TRADE WOULD MEAN FOR THE BIRDS
Ertz, who has played for Philadelphia for the last eight years (after being drafted by the Eagles in 2013), had an unusual season in 2020. The three-time Pro Bowler finished with 36 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown.
After a year wrecked by contract disputes, injury, and his lowest regular season stats since his career began, trade destinations included the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Minnesota Vikings.
Though those trades have fizzled, a deal linked to Zach Ertz now could potentially happen before the draft is over.
Getting rid of one of the best tight ends in the NFL would certainly be the end of an era for Philadelphia. It would also ensure that Dallas Goedert would be the Eagles leading man moving forward. Goedert joined the team in 2018. He has 137 career receptions, 1,465 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Though Ertz and many fans alike aren’t ready for the tight end’s departure, a trade could save the Eagles (who have struggled with salary cap issues) $4.95 million, according to Spotrac. Only time will tell; the 2021 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 29.
