Philadelphia Eagles trade Zach Ertz: 3 Things to know, immediate responses
Sometimes, two statements can seem like they’re in direct contradiction with one another and still be true. That happens all of the time in the Philadelphia Eagles fan base. Take everything that’s happened in terms of Zach Ertz’s last few months as a member of the Birds for instance.
Fans were both relieved and confused when he returned after months of rumors that he wouldn’t. There were both feelings of confusion about why he was still here as well as relief that he was. There are feelings of anger and empathy about the rapid rate at which he had declined.
Welcome to life as an Eagles fan because, on October 15th of 2021, the greatest tight end in Eagles history left the only team he’s ever known thanks to a trade many were expecting after rumors, again, began circulating again about his departure.
Zach Ertz is no longer an Eagle. According to multiple sources, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and the Philadelphia Eagles themselves, he’ll trade the midnight green of the Eagles for that blood-red Arizona Cardinals jersey.
Take a look:
For everything you contributed on and off the field, thank you @ZERTZ_86. pic.twitter.com/fBJLnkCUQn
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2021
As you might expect, there were some immediate reactions.
“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.” - Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 15, 2021
According to multiple sources, Zach Ertz is being traded to the Cardinals.
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) October 15, 2021
He scored the ONLY Super Bowl winning TD in Eagles history. Legend.pic.twitter.com/YgvrtHIEtG
Most catches in Eagles history
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) October 15, 2021
589 … Harold Carmichael
579 … Zach Ertz
452 … Pete Retzlaff
426 … Brian Westbrook
398 … Brent Celek
379 … DeSean Jackson
373 … Pete Pihos
371 … Keith Byars
363 … Mike Quick
343 … Jeremy Maclin
Three things to know as the Philadelphia Eagles say farewell to Zach Ertz.
As everyone tries to regroup, here’s the skinny.
- According to Rapoport (and Mike Garafolo), the Philadelphia Eagles receive cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 5th-round draft choice
- As we all know, Ertz wanted a new deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he and the Cardinals haven’t discussed trade talks yet.
- The rich get richer in Arizona. Ertz’s debut, however, will have to wait a week. He’s ineligible to play on Sunday.
According to Eagles vice president/general manager Howie Roseman, this move was “about opportunity, (an) opportunity for us (and) opportunity for Zach Ertz”.
Trending. Arguments against drafting another QB in Round 1. light
Tay Gowan is someone the Philadelphia Eagles have had their eye on for a while. He was a sixth-round draft choice in the most recent NFL Draft, but as Roseman put it, Arizona got to him before Philly had a chance to snag him.
He adds another long, lean cornerback to Philadelphia’s secondary. We’ll see how much he’s involved in the defensive scheme going forward.