Eagles

Report: More Teams Have “Entered the Race” for Zach Ertz

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Feb 19th, 2021 · 1:43 PM EST

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Let us move ahead to non-Carson Wentz-related Eagle matters.

There is the issue of Zach Ertz, who is likely to be released or traded.

At Sports Illustrated’s “Eagle Maven,” Ertz had previously been linked to the Seahawks and Colts, and now there’s this:

Other teams have entered the race now.

A contact close to the former Pro Bowler has indicated to Eagle Maven that the Los Angeles Chargers are interested in acquiring Ertz. The Los Angeles Rams also called Philadelphia inquiring about the tight end, but the Chargers’ interest is believed to be heavier than the Rams, per a source.

The source also told Eagle Maven that Ertz would like a resolution to his future sooner rather than later, adding that if a deal does not come to fruition in the next couple of weeks, the Eagles tight end is expected to ask for his release in March.

Something feels congruent with Ertz leaving the organization in the same offseason as Wentz. Just seems to make sense. LA would be a nice landing spot, considering he’s a California native.

Ertz is owed a little more than $8.2 million this season, which is the last year of his deal. He’s also due a $4 million prorated bonus, so he’d hit the cap at around $12 million. If they go the cutting route, the Eagles would shave off $4.7 million and eat about $7.7 million in dead money, according to Over the Cap. 

The three-time Pro Bowler is 30 years old and coming off the worst season of his career. He was injured early on and only caught 36 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown. The Birds have Dallas Goedert ready to take over as TE1 and could use a cheap backup in a transitional year where they’re eating Wentz’s dead cap.