The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday that they have traded Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl tight-end, to the Arizona Cardinals for cornerback TayGowan and a draft pick in the 2022 fifth round.
Arizona plans to acquire Ertz in order to make him a key part of its offense. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Ertz had previously stated to others that the Cardinals appealed.
Schefter reported that the Cardinals have not entered into any contract negotiations for Ertz. Ertz wanted a new deal with Eagles. Sources said Schefter.
Ertz moves from the Eagles (2-4), to the NFL's only undefeated team, Arizona at 5-0.
Maxx Williams, the Cardinals' primary tight end, was injured this week and he was out for the season. According to ESPN Stats and Information research, the Cardinals target tight ends at the third lowest level in the NFL. However, Williams was still on pace for career highs with catches, yards, touchdowns, and more.
Ertz caught four passes for 29 yards, a touchdown and another in Thursday's 28-22 loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He could fill this role and possibly more. This season, he has 18 receptions totaling 189 yards and 2 TDs.
Williams and Ertz have similar stats, but Ertz has a career production that exceeds Williams's, making Ertz's acquisition an interesting move for the Cardinals, NFC West leader.
Ertz adds to the Cardinals' seventh-ranked passing offense, allowing them to play alongside A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore. He is also responsible for Arizona's eighth-ranked run defense, which has been a major reason for the Cardinals' undefeated start.
Ertz and Eagles had a difficult relationship last offseason, when they couldn't agree on a contract extension. Ertz and Travis Kelce, their counterparts, were locked into long-term contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers respectively. However, talks between Ertz and the Eagles failed to gain traction.
Since 2013, when he was drafted second in the draft, the 30-year-old tight ends had been with the Eagles his entire career. He caught 579 passes for 6,267 yard and 38 touchdowns. He was the one who scored the game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, helping Philadelphia to win its first Super Bowl title.
Ertz stated in September 2020 that he wanted to stay in Philadelphia for the rest of his career, but he wasn't sure if the feelings were mutual.
He was allowed to trade in this offseason. There were many occasions when a deal looked close. However, Howie Roseman, general manager, declined to grant permission. This indicated that the offers didn't reflect Ertz’s value.
The Eagles will continue with Dallas Goedert as their primary tight end. He was a second-round pick in 2018. He is currently in the last year of his rookie contract. Both sides had been discussing a contract extension, but they put off those discussions when Ertz was brought back to the 2021 season.
Gowan was a sixth-round draft pick by the Cardinals but has not yet played in a game this season as a rookie.
