While the NFL is waiting patiently for an early replacement from Carson Wentz, the Philadelphia Eagles are soon set to part ways with another franchise icon. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Zach Ertz, three times the Pro Bowl’s tight end, is “preparing for a change of scenery via trade or release”, perhaps even as part of a package involving Wentz. The 30-year-old Ertz gave a tearful speech to Philly’s media at the end of the 2020 season, admitting he was unsure of his future with the team. Now it looks like he was actually saying goodbye early.
Ertz has long been a speculated wage drop for 2021, entering the final year of a $ 42.5 million five-year extension signed in 2016. In fact, the eagles reportedly attempted to replace the former Super Bowl champion before the term of the 2020 season, but the tight end’s ankle sprain, which kept him off the pitch for more than a month, prevented the club from reaching a deal. It’s not clear what the commercial value of Ertz would be entering his 30-year campaign, but the Eagles, who are due to start a major rebuild with a new team, would save at least $ 4.7 million in 2021 with a cap, cutting or trading from it.
Before 2020, Ertz campaigned unsuccessfully for a new deal with the Eagles, who intend to continue with number 2, Dallas Goedert, as their primary tight end. A team choice in the second round in 2013, Ertz suffered several serious injuries throughout his career, suffering a lacerated kidney in 2019 and losing a record five games in 2020. When healthy, however, he was one of the most productive in the NFL in your position. Stanford’s product had five consecutive seasons, from 2014-2019, with at least 75 receptions and 800 reception yards, posting the best 116 receptions of the career to 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018.