3 trade targets who would make Saints Super Bowl-ready
By Kristen Wong
Players who would make Saints Super Bowl-ready – No. 3: Zach Ertz
End the drama already, Philly.
Zach Ertz has made it clear he doesn’t want to be an Eagle anymore given multiple offseason reports, his personal trade request, and his absence from voluntary OTAs with the team. The feeling seems mutual since the Eagles already have his heir in Dallas Goedert and don’t want to spend $12.7 million in cap on a player who will be gone after this season (Ertz is a free agent in March of 2022).
Zach Ertz, understandably, wasn’t one of the #Eagles veterans to report today for the start of the voluntary Phase 2, a source said. He isn’t expected to report for the remainder of the offseason program or until his situation is resolved (read: he’s traded or released). https://t.co/ZxeVP5JzTD
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 17, 2021
It’s an easy-peasy cut or trade deal for Philly that could save them millions. So what’s the hold-up?
Money, as always. Philadelphia likely wants a better offer for their premier tight end and won’t let him go scot-free. Ertz remains one of the top ten tight ends in the league despite a statistical poor showing last season.
An ankle injury limited him to 11 games for the Eagles, but he still recorded 36 receptions, 335 yards, and a touchdown. In his three Pro Bowl seasons before 2020, he averaged 93 receptions, 968 yards, and seven touchdowns per year. Yeah, he could give ex-Saints man Jared Cook a run for his money.
At 30, Ertz is on the decline, and he won’t be as efficient as he was before his injury. Still, he’s a valuable pass target who’s got steady numbers (and hands) to back him up. Compared to Trautman and Vannett, who are better at blocking than catching, Ertz would be a welcome addition to a Saints offense that’s going to need dependable pass catchers to complement the newly initiated Hill or Winston.
The Saints aren’t as desperate to buy a new tight end as other teams are (Bills, Chargers), but the ones they have may become huge disappointments this season. Picking up Ertz would be a nice bow on top of their messy tight end issue and keep the Saints in the running for the Super Bowl.