Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Ertz mock trade proposal with Chargers

The Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of a roster turnover. Former franchise cornerstones are being let go, and the Eagles are, rightfully so, building anew. Doug Pederson was the first domino to fall, followed by Carson Wentz, and soon enough, Zach Ertz will likely be out of the picture as well.

If Ertz does in fact get traded, it will be the end to an illustrious career in Philadelphia. In eight years with the Eagles, Ertz recorded 561 catches for 6,078 yards and 36 touchdowns. He was the last Eagle to record a 1,000 receiving yard season and has surely cemented himself as the greatest tight end in team history.

With trade rumors surrounding his name and with the Eagles being in need of cap space, the Zach Ertz era looks to be coming to an end. Ian Rapoport reported that the team has given Zach Ertz permission to seek a trade and that several teams have been engaged. If the Eagles do move on from Ertz and trade him, they would save almost $5 million. It makes sense for both sides.

Here’s why Ertz’s value is trending upwards for the Philadelphia Eagles.

In case you missed it, the NFL free agency period has started, and many teams (namely the Patriots) have been aggressive in signing potential difference makers. New England signed TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $25 million contract and also signed TE Jonnu Smith to a four-year deal worth $50 million. Here’s why that matters.

A major concern that teams have in trading for Zach Ertz is his base salary. Per Spotrac, he’s set to make $8.25 million next year and some teams are uncomfortable giving up assets for an aging Ertz. However, Henry and Smith are both reportedly going to be making more money than Ertz is next season. With their signings, the tight end market has been slightly shifted.

Suddenly, Ertz doesn’t seem so overpaid. In addition to this, the Los Angeles Chargers lost a valuable weapon in Hunter Henry. With Donald Parham as the next best rostered tight end, the Chargers are going to need to acquire a tight end either in free agency or via trade. Enter the Philadelphia Eagles.

The trade proposal between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chargers.

Tom Pelissero reported that the Eagles are looking for a third or fourth-round pick in return for Ertz. The fact that the team hasn’t been able to find a trade suitor suggests that no team is willing to give up one of these selections. The recent tight end signings might change that, but even still, the Eagles will need to sweeten the pot and go to a tight end needy team. The mock trade goes as follows:

Philadelphia Eagles receive: Los Angeles Chargers fourth-round draft pick (pick 118)

Los Angeles Chargers receive: TE Zach Ertz and Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round pick (pick 223)

The Eagles get a fourth-round pick and unload Ertz’s salary off the books, and the Chargers are able to add a veteran weapon for Justin Herbert. They also add a late sixth-round pick in this mock trade.

After a disappointing season in 2020, the aging Ertz has significantly brought down his value. With the Eagles looking to rebuild, it makes sense for the two sides to move on from each other.