Cardinals release Zach Ertz; would a return to Eagles make sense?
After spending just one season with the Arizona Cardinals, tight end Zach Ertz has been released by the team. This move has sparked speculation about a potential return to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that Ertz spent the majority of his career with. In this article, we will delve into whether a reunion with the Eagles would make sense for both Ertz and the team.
The Ertz-Eagles connection
Zach Ertz was a key member of the Philadelphia Eagles for eight seasons, from 2013 to 2020. During his time with the Eagles, he established himself as one of the league’s top tight ends, forming a formidable connection with quarterback Carson Wentz. Ertz played a vital role in the team’s Super Bowl win in the 2017 season and was often a reliable target in crucial moments.
Understanding the reasons behind the release
The Cardinals’ decision to release Ertz comes as a surprise to many. With a talented young quarterback in Kyler Murray and a strong receiving core, it was expected that Ertz would play a key role in their offense. However, it’s worth noting that Ertz’s numbers in Arizona were not as impressive as they were during his time with the Eagles. He struggled to find his place in the Cardinals’ system and had a relatively low production rate.
A familiar environment
If Zach Ertz were to return to the Eagles, he would be reuniting with familiar faces in both the coaching staff and the locker room. Head coach Nick Sirianni, who was the offensive coordinator during Ertz’s time in Philadelphia, has a deep understanding of Ertz’s strengths and how to utilize him effectively. Additionally, several players who were his teammates during his time with the Eagles, such as tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver Jalen Reagor, are still with the team.
Rekindling the Wentz-Ertz connection?
Another intriguing aspect of a potential Eagles reunion is the possibility of Ertz reconnecting with former teammate Carson Wentz. Although Wentz has had his ups and downs since leaving the Eagles, the quarterback still holds a strong rapport with Ertz. Their chemistry on the field was undeniable, and it could provide a boost to both players’ performances if they were to play together once again.
Evaluating the Eagles’ tight end situation
While the Eagles have shown promise in their young tight end Dallas Goedert, they lack a reliable secondary option at the position. Ertz’s return would provide the team with a veteran presence and a proven playmaker, which could prove invaluable to quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the offense.
Salary cap implications
One hurdle that the Eagles would need to overcome is the salary cap impact of bringing back Zach Ertz. The team already has several high-priced contracts on their roster, and maneuvering the finances to accommodate Ertz’s return could be a challenge. However, if both parties are motivated to make a reunion happen, creative solutions can often be found.
The emotional factor
Lastly, one cannot ignore the emotional aspect of a potential return to the Eagles for Zach Ertz. Philadelphia holds a special place in his heart, and the opportunity to return to the city and the fanbase that embraced him for so many years might be too enticing to pass up. The Eagles’ organization and fans also hold Ertz in high regard, making a return a sentimental move that could benefit both parties.
Conclusion
While Zach Ertz’s release from the Cardinals was unexpected, a return to the Philadelphia Eagles could make sense for both the player and the team. The familiarity, the potential to rekindle the Wentz-Ertz connection, and the Eagles’ need for a reliable tight end all point towards a potential reunion. However, with salary cap implications and other factors at play, it remains to be seen whether the two parties can come to an agreement. Only time will tell if Ertz will don the green and white once again, but the possibility certainly exists.
*Source www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com
