On Thursday night, Zach Ertz caught a touchdown — the 38th of his long career in an Eagles uniform — against the Buccaneers. On Friday morning, he was no longer a Philadelphia Eagle.
According to multiple reports, including that of ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles have traded away their longtime star tight end to the Arizona Cardinals in return for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 5th-round pick. The Cardinals have not discussed a new contract with Ertz, though that development may come should he mesh well with Kyler Murray and company.
Arizona later confirmed the deal.
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released a statement on the trade.
“He will always be a member of the Eagles family, not only because of what he accomplished on the field, but also because of the wonderful person, dedicated leader, and exemplary role model that he was for nine seasons in Philadelphia.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman addressed the media about the trade.
"I don't think it says anything about our outlook on the season," Roseman said when asked if this says anything about the Eagles' outlook on the season after their 2-4 start. "We are still going out to try and win every game."
The Cardinals just lost tight end Maxx Williams for the season, so the timing and fit of this move makes sense. The Eagles, on the other hand, did not have Dallas Goedert in Week 6 due to him landing on the COVID list. However, he figures to be an instrumental part of the offense going forward, and his long-term situation should be a large topic of discussion in weeks to come.
Ertz finishes his career in Philly — for now — with three Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring. He ranks second all-time in receptions and fifth all-time in receiving yards for the franchise.
In 123 regular season games with the Eagles over eight seasons and six games this year, Ertz has accumulated 579 catches, 6,267 yards, and 38 touchdowns. His best season came in 2018 when Ertz recorded 1,163 receiving yards and eight scores on 118 receptions, breaking Jason Witten's record for most receptions by a tight end in one season.
Ertz's love for Philadelphia was never in question and his relationship with the fan base was among the best for any pro athlete to ever play in Philly.
His touchdown catch late in the Eagles' Super Bowl win over the Patriots will go down as one of the all-time great plays in Philadelphia sports history.
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