The Arizona Cardinals, who currently own the No. 2 overall pick in next April’s NFL Draft, elected to mutually part ways with veteran tight end Zach Ertz earlier this week.
Ertz, who had missed several weeks with a quad strain, asked for and was granted his release. The news, which was initially reported by the now-retired J.J. Watt, indicated that the 33-year-old Ertz was unsurprisingly looking to sign with a contender and make a run at his second Super Bowl ring.
In Ertz’s absence, Trey McBride has seen an increased role for Arizona. McBride was selected by the Cardinals in the second round (55th overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft after winning the John Mackey Award — given to the top tight end in the country — in college at Colorado State University. He has 48 receptions for 521 yards and a touchdown this season.
As for Ertz, multiple teams have emerged as potential suitors for the three-time Pro Bowl selection — from 2017-19 with the Philadelphia Eagles — who led Arizona in touchdown receptions in 2022 with four.
According to Peter Schrager, Ertz, in addition to Shaq Leonard, are both using this weekend to observe and see how things play out before deciding on their next team. Schrager noted that while everyone is pointing to two teams — the Eagles and Baltimore Ravens — as possible suitors, the Kansas City Chiefs are a “wild card” option as they look to improve their receiving options down the stretch.
The latest around the league with @PSchrags:
▫️ Bailey Zappe will start for the Patriots today
▫️ NBA legend Jerry West spoke to the Browns on Wednesday
▫️ Shaq Leonard and Zach Ertz are expected to sign with contenders this week pic.twitter.com/1weQSxtq2H— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 3, 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid No. 1 tight end in Travis Kelce who is not going anywhere. However, Noah Gray, the backup tight end, is also doing an admirable job this season with 21 receptions for 244 yards and a touchdown. Even though Gray is performing well, the Chiefs can still consider adding Ertz to their team. This only furthers the point that most of the Chiefs’ offensive production comes from their tight end position.
Right now, it’s unclear where Ertz will end up, but the Chiefs are a potential destination.
