Zach Ertz trade rumors: 5 Teams who could make deal with Eagles

The Eagles could reportedly trade tight end Zach Ertz quite soon, so which NFL teams should be ready to make a deal for the veteran pass-catcher?

The roster of the Philadelphia Eagles is going to look dramatically different in the 2021 season. Not only has Carson Wentz already been traded but the franchise has more moves to make. In severe trouble with the salary cap, they are shopping multiple pieces. Tight end Zach Ertz, however, might be the next player who is on the move.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Michael Silver, multiple teams have called the Eagles about trading for the three-time Pro Bowl tight end and a deal could be made in the coming days. To clear up cap space, it’s more than likely that Philadelphia is looking for picks in the 2021 NFL Draft or otherwise to help reshape the roster in a cheaper manner.

Ertz was hampered by injuries and the poor play of Wentz this past season, submitting his worst campaign since his rookie year. Yet, this is a player who had 20 touchdowns over the previous three seasons and has been regarded as one of the better tight ends in the NFL when healthy.

So which NFL teams should be calling about a Zach Ertz trade? We have five possible landing spots for the tight end if he’s dealt.

Zach Ertz trade landing spot No. 5: New England Patriots

When you think about the glory days of Tom Brady and the Patriots, you think about him thriving with elite tight ends. The quarterback situation is obviously in flux with Brady gone but they also are lacking at the other position as well. This could change that.

Many expect New England to make some big play at quarterback this offseason to upgrade. If they do so, the Pats need to get some quality pass-catchers in the mix. Ertz has proven to be that over his career and could definitely provide a spark to this offense.

Zach Ertz trade landing spot No. 4: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have already made a big splash this offseason with the signing of J.J. Watt but they could make another move. Arizona has DeAndre Hopkins and some nice complementary wide receivers but Kyler Murray lacks a reliable tight end to work with.

It should be noted that we don’t know how much Kliff Kingsbury would utilize Ertz but it stands to reason that it could ultimately help to have a player who is dangerous in the red zone and otherwise. Thus, if the Cards want to stay aggressive, that could be a nice addition.

Zach Ertz trade landing spot No. 3: Jacksonville Jaguars

Every fan of the Jaguars is anxiously awaiting the end of April when they can officially say that Trevor Lawrence is their quarterback. However, the Clemson quarterback’s arrival will only mean as much as the situation around him, which needs to be improved.

Jacksonville hasn’t had a reliable tight end option in some time but that can be a necessity with a young quarterback, even one as talented as Lawrence. That big checkdown option is valuable at all levels of the field and the Jaguars, flush with cap room and draft picks, could make that move.

Zach Ertz trade landing spot No. 2: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo used a third-round pick on Dawson Knox a couple years ago and the young tight end has progressed decently well. As the Bills are vaulting themselves into the Super Bowl mix, though, they could possibly get the young Ole Miss product a running mate that’s an upgrade from Tyler Kroft.

Ertz could be a wonderful weapon for the improved version of Josh Allen. His size creates matchup problems and would only make the downfield attack with Stefon Diggs that much more dangerous. If the Bills can pay the price, the addition would make a ton of sense.

Zach Ertz trade landing spot No. 1: Carolina Panthers

All the talk is that the Panthers are set to make an aggressive move this offseason. Most of that conversation is quarterback-centric but it might not be just at that spot. Carolina could also improve one of their biggest weaknesses on offense, the tight end spot.

Ertz would be a monstrous upgrade for the Panthers at the position. Carolina hasn’t had anyone make a meaningful impact from that spot since Greg Olsen left and Ertz would change that. Especially if the Panthers make a big move at quarterback, an Ertz trade would be a nice complement to that.