Philadelphia Eagles trade tight end Zach Ertz to Arizona Cardinals

The morning after the Philadelphia Eagles lost 28-22 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, the Eagles traded away tight end Zach Ertz. Philadelphia is trading Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

With tight end Dallas Goedert emerging last season for the Eagles, questions about the future of Ertz emerged. Ertz had the worst statistical season of his career last year with 36 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown. This year, Ertz has 18 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns through six games. He caught four passes for 29 yards and a touchdown on Thursday night against the Buccaneers.

Ertz, Cardinals have not discussed a new contract

Ertz has wanted a new contract with the Eagles for a while now. But Schefter also reports that the two sides have yet to discuss potential terms.

“Though Zach Ertz has wanted a new contract, he and the Cardinals have not discussed one yet, per sources,” Schefter tweeted. “But Arizona is acquiring Ertz with the idea of making him a regular featured part of its offense and Ertz has told others in the past the Arizona appealed to him.”

The Cardinals just lost tight end Maxx Williams for the season with a knee injury. Ertz should have a great opportunity to see a consistent role in the high powered Cardinals’ offense. The Cardinals officially announced the acquisition of Ertz shortly after reports of the deal emerged. Ertz will not be eligible to participate in the Cardinals’ game on Sunday due to NFL rules since he already played in a game this week.

In his career, Ertz has played in 123 games over nine seasons with 579 receptions for 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns for the Eagles. Ertz was selected 35th overall in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Stanford. A three time pro bowler, Ertz will be looking to re-establish himself as a dangerous offensive threat in Arizona.

The Cardinals are currently a perfect 5-0 on the season and sit atop the NFC West division. Arizona will travel to Cleveland on Sunday before returning home for two games in five days against the Texans and Packers.