Trading Zach Ertz this season still seems unlikely for this Eagles team

One of the questions that has been on everyone’s mind for a while now revolves around whether or not the Philadelphia Eagles would move on from one of the biggest fan favorites of the last ten years, tight end Zach Ertz. They haven’t so far. Might they do so this season at the trade deadline? What does Howie Roseman have in store?

It appears that Dallas Goedert has taken over the mantle as the primary tight end in Philadelphia. Zach Ertz has proven to be a nice tutor as former Eagles tight end Brent Celek was for him. It’s also no secret that both Ertz and Goedert are in contract seasons.

So here we are contemplating the possibility of Ertz being traded. If he is, it stands to reason that he’ll be exchanged for picks, and we aren’t talking about a first rounder either.

What’s fair compensation for Zach Ertz’s services? Will he even be traded?

How about a third-round pick? Would that be enough? It probably wouldn’t be unless Howie could get a productive offensive lineman and or a solid linebacker. That probably isn’t happening either.

With that being said, conventional thinking states that Ertz stays in Philadelphia to finish the season. Ertz may not be as productive as he once was, but his leadership and work ethic are invaluable, especially for a new head coach (Nick Sirianni) and his offensive coordinator (Shane Steichen).

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Here’s a look at some of the resume Ertz has constructed prior to joining the Birds as well as some of what he’s done during his time in the City of Brotherly Love.

Ertz was a unanimous All American at Stanford and was drafted in 2013 with the 35th overall selection. Some of his accolades include the following:

• Super Bowl Champion (LII)
• Most receptions by a tight end in a single season (116)
• Three-time Pro Bowl nod

Ertz also has some impressive career stats with the Eagles that include.

• 6,238 receiving yards
• 37 touchdowns
• 575 receptions

Furthermore Ertz has made some fantastic plays for the Birds, but none were any bigger than the catch he made on the go-ahead score in Super Bowl 52 that helped the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Ertz has also left his imprint on the community with his Ertz family Foundation, one he and his wife started. Their mission is to “Empower others by sharing faith, learning through sports, and advancing education to build supportive communities”.

Their biggest project to date is the House of Hope, a center for the surrounding community to gain support as well as restoration and development that will serve for decades to come in the North Philadelphia area. If Zach does end up being traded after this season, his legacy will forever be remembered in the City of Brotherly Love. His contributions on the field will be missed as well.

In Week 6, the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. Dallas Goedert is on the COVID-19 list. Might we see a significant increase in playing time for Zach Ertz? Might this be one of his last games at the Linc?

No one knows for sure. Everyone is speculating, but for now, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.