Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has been one of the subjects of trade speculations during the 2021 NFL offseason. After failing to reach a mutual agreement regarding a contract extension, rumors are circulating that Ertz is no longer happy and wants his way out of the City of Brotherly Love.
The rumors surrounding the veteran tight end somehow died down when he said before the start of the 2021 NFL season that he intends to spend his entire NFL career with the Eagles.
Zach Ertz’s Name Expected To ‘Resurface’ On Trade Rumors
Instead of finding him a new home, the Eagles decided to let Ertz remain an integral part of their rotation in the 2021 NFL offseason. However, a few weeks before the November 2 NFL trade deadline, rumors have once again started to swirl around Ertz and his future with the Eagles. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Ertz’s name is highly expected to "resurface" on the trading block, with the Buffalo Bills and the Indiana Colts as his potential landing spots.
Why A Zach Ertz Trade Is Still Likely To Happen
It wouldn’t really be a surprise if the Eagles end up parting ways with Ertz before the 2021 NFL trade deadline. As Fowler noted, the veteran tight end is playing well in a contract year, with 14 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown. Though he expressed his desire to retire as an Eagle, it is less likely for him to take a pay cut when he signs a new deal in the 2022 free agency.
As much as they want to re-sign Ertz, the Eagles also need money to give their other tight end, Dallas Goedert, a contract extension.
Zach Ertz Trade Would Give Eagles Trade Capital & Maximize Dallas Goedert’s Playing Time
If they aren’t willing to throw away a huge amount of money to bring him back, it would be best for the Eagles to trade Ertz now than lose him in the 2022 free agency without getting anything in return. Also, Adam Hermann of NBC Sports Philadelphia believes that moving Ertz would enable the Eagles to keep Goedert happy in the City of Brotherly Love.
With Ertz gone, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni could give Goedert more playing time and a significant role on the offensive end of the field.
Does Trading For Zach Ertz Make Sense For The Bills & The Colts?
With the emergence of veteran tight end Dawson Knox, Hermann doesn’t think that it would still be wise for the Bills to give up valuable assets to acquire Ertz. However, he believes that bringing Ertz to Indiana would make a lot of sense for the Colts.
"I’m not sure the Bills make a ton of sense for Ertz, considering Dawson Knox is playing out of his mind in Buffalo right now," Hermann wrote. "The Colts could be a fit, both because Ertz has a good relationship with Carson Wentz and Frank Reich, and because neither Jack Doyle nor Mo Alie-Cox are particularly good."
