The Arizona Cardinals were going to have a tough decision to make when Zach Ertz returned from the Injured Reserve. With the rise of second-year TE Trey McBride, who would they give more snaps to: Ertz or McBride? The former, Zach Ertz, made that decision after he requested a release per reports of J.J. Watt.
Assuming that Ertz is healthy enough to play, he is now free to choose where he would like to play. The expectation is that he’d probably like to catch on with a contending team and potentially win another ring. Though, technically not 100% free. He is still on the waiver wire for 24 hours. After his release, Zach Ertz is still owed the remainder of his $8.75 million scheduled base salary.
Ertz was in line to be a free agent after the 2024 season. This season, he has played in seven games and caught 27 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.
Ertz had joined the Cardinals prior to the 2021 season wishing Philadelphia a tearful goodbye. Many expect that the veteran tight-end will re-sign with the Eagles once the 24 hours pass by. He can offer experience and production from the TE spot to any potential suitor. Ertz underwent ACL surgery earlier this season. He’ll likely make a decision based on an understanding of a team’s future plans at TE.
The three teams that emerge as candidates to sign the veteran are the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins are probably the closest to winning a championship this season. Ertz would get lots of playing time in Miami with Durham Smythe currently listed as the starter. Though if the Chargers want to Justin Herbert a weapon, they would go after him heavily. Herbert could use both another offensive weapon and protection, both things that Ertz has been good at in his career.
***More to come. Refresh for updates***
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