First, it seemed Zach Ertz wouldn't make it into the new league year on the Eagles' roster. Then it seemed they would release him shortly into free agency. When he survived into the NFL Draft, it seemed a lock he wouldn't make it out of the draft still on the team.
Yet there Howie Roseman sat on Saturday explaining how much the team values Ertz.
"Zach's a really good player and a really good person, and he's under contract with the Eagles. At the same time, we have a lot of respect for him and what kind of player he is and what he's done for our team. But this isn't a guy in the twilight of his career. He's a guy still in his prime," Roseman said. "A year ago at this time everyone was talking about where he ranked with the top tight ends in the league. So we feel really good about the kind of player he is and we have to do what's best for our team as well and again we have a lot of respect for him and continue to remain a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, if something changes, we'll update you guys."
Roseman is right that Ertz is still in his prime. He can still be one of the best tight ends in the NFL and his down year was caused by poor play from the quarterback, not a decline in his ability. In an ideal world, the Eagles and Ertz would be able to work something out, and Ertz would return to the team as a culture setter for Nick Sirianni and a weapon for Jalen Hurts.
The bottom line is, however, that won't be happening. Ertz won't be back on the Eagles. The question is when and how, not if, he will be gone.
So instead of wondering when it will happen, the real question is, where will Ertz play next — and what team could still trade for him?
Here are three teams that would be wise to make a move for Ertz:
Jets: The Jets are not a win-now team, but they are a team that could use Ertz on their roster as they start their rebuild around a rookie quarterback. Ertz was a valuable player for Carson Wentz in 2016 when he was a rookie, providing a security blanket over the middle, something that was especially crucial on third downs. The Jets are clearly emphasizing their offense this offseason, not only drafting Zach Wilson, but adding Corey Davis and Elijah Moore at receiver. The last piece missing is an elite tight end. Add in that Jets general manager Joe Douglas is very familiar with Ertz from his days with the Eagles, and the Jets should be at the top of the list of teams waiting to make a deal.
Titans: The Titans lost Jonnu Smith in free agency and have yet to re-sign MyCole Pruitt, leaving them without their two of their top tight ends from last season. By losing Smith they lost a player that last season accounted for 65 targets, 448 yards and eight touchdowns. Their decision to not draft one this past weekend was noteworthy, considering they are a win-now team that has a major hole at the position. Ertz could step in right away and give them better tight end play than they got last season, turning a hole into their offense into an upgrade.
Colts: This is an obvious one, but as was the case with Carson Wentz, it is obvious for a reason — it makes a ton of sense. The Colts are all-in on trying to win a Super Bowl next season and are loaded on offense, but have a hole at the tight end position. The Colts had 118 targets to tight ends last season, mostly getting the job done by a committee. Their top tight end, Trey Burton, however, remains unsigned. They did draft a tight end, selecting Kylen Granson, but he was a fourth-round pick and shouldn't be expected to contribute right away. Ertz would settle the tight end position, and would give Wentz a player to work with on offense that he already as a ton of chemistry with.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
