It’s been a week and a half since veteran tight end Zach Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. A superstar on and off the field, Ertz will be greatly missed in Philadelphia, and though many of us still haven’t processed seeing him in red, fans are wondering what the Eagles got out of the deal in return.
The answer: 23-year-old rookie cornerback, Tay Gowan.
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— Tay Gowan (@focused_4) October 17, 2021
ABOUT TAY GOWAN
Gowan began his collegiate career at Miami University, redshirting as a true freshman, before transferring to Butler Community College. He played one season, intercepting six passes, then committed to the University of Central Florida.
In his first season, he became a starter, finishing with 31 tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. Gowan opted out of his final year, declaring for the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the sixth round with the 223rd overall pick, signing a four-year rookie contract with the team.
A TURN OF EVENTS
Philadelphia, however, had plans to take Gowan, but with the 224th pick, the Eagles missed their mark.
Gowan stated, “I was happy about the trade. This is where I was supposed to be originally, so I’m very happy. I talked to the Eagles before the draft. Before the pick, I already had all my Eagles stuff ready to go, and I was set to come play for the Philadelphia Eagles, and then the Cardinals took me a pick before the Eagles.”
In reality, the Eagles could have chosen Gowan in the two rounds before Arizona made their selection. But he’s here now, and the rest his history.
Gowan, who was in contact with cornerback Darius Slay during the pre-draft process, is now enjoying being his teammate.
He stated, “Everybody has been showing me a lot of love and helping me out any way they can. It’s just been a blessing being here.”
The 23-year-old cornerback did make Arizona’s active roster but didn’t see any game time. Along with Gowan, the Eagles also obtained a 2022 fifth-round pick.
Tay Gowan will now likely be a developmental piece used for the future as the Eagles already have Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, and Steven Nelson. His 4.44 second-40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine will certainly add a wealth of speed to the Eagles’ defense.
