The Orange are licking their wounds after the humiliation to Liberty. The Eagles are doing the same thing in the NFL. No one in Philly figured 5 weeks in there’d only be one win on the board. They’ve had it rough this season partially due to major injuries. They have struggled everywhere on the field, and are sitting at a disappointing 1-3-1 record. The division is beyond bad, so thankfully the poor start hasn’t prematurely ended their playoff hopes. But now tight end Zach Ertz’s future is in doubt. Not only is he out for the next 3-4 weeks, but he could also be headed out of town. Could he be parting ways before the NFL trade deadline? And could Buffalo be the landing spot?
The 29-year-old star will become a free agent next season. He has been pivotal for the Eagles ever since breaking through as a young pass catcher. As his contract negotiations with the club have gone sideways, Ertz might be in his last weeks with the Eagles. Philly has plenty of ACC talent on the roster, although no Syracuse players. Jamon Brown of Louisville, Avonte Maddox from Pitt, Rodney McLeod of Virginia, Josh Sweat of FSU, and K’Von Wallace from Clemson are all Eagles.
Reports have surged based on NFL insider Michael Lombardi claiming that the tight end will be available for trade all through to the November trade deadline. Is it time for Ertz to find a new home?
He’s been a force in the past and can still help a team. He broke the record for most receptions in a single season for a tight end back two years ago, snaring 116. Ertz, who has always been in the Eagles’ starting lineup. He played while battling rib and kidney injuries last year, with Virginia sports betting providing odds for that whole season. He has proven his consistency and love for the game in his willingness to fight through injuries to play.
This season, however, Ertz’s consistency has seen a dip. He has only averaged 7.3 yards per catch this season, which is currently worst in his career. He has 20 receptions for just 145 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia has also been thinking about the future of the team without Ertz and making 25-year-old Dallas Goedert their No. 1 tight end.
Despite the numbers, Ertz will still have interest around the league. Look at the Patriots, Packers, Cardinals, and Bills as possible landing spots. The Bills offense could use some depth as Josh Allen’s hot start has slowed the last two weeks. On a wet Monday night vs. the Chiefs, the Bills attack was grounded. While Allen has shown plenty of growth already this season, another reliable pass catcher could be a big addition.
The Eagles talked about a contract extension before the season started, but the negotiations went sideways. In March, the Eagles used their team option at $8 million to see if they could work out a long-term contract. But huge extensions were handed to 49ers tight end George Kittle and the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. That changed the game for salaries in that position.
To avoid him leaving as a free agent, the Eagles might have to trade Ertiz for a mid-round pick. Perhaps it’s the Bills who feel like he’s a perfect compliment to their young QB and worth the investment.
