NFL free agency: Predicting where top 25 projected players land in 2022
By Peter Panacy
47. . Tight End. New England Patriots. Zach Ertz. 20. player
2022 NFL free agency: Zach Ertz to New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and the Patriots have been seeking a tight end to replace Rob Gronkowski for some time now, and the lack of other bona fide receiving options could force the Pats to mix in both veterans and NFL Draft picks to address such needs.
There are some likable options at tight end in this year’s draft, which is good. Yet it’s a steep drop from Florida’s Kyle Pitts, and Belichick might want to use his first pick on a quarterback anyway.
Interestingly enough, New England could bolster its receiving core by adding Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz.
Ertz, like much of Philadelphia’s offense, had a down year in 2020. But that looks more like an anomaly compared to the three-time Pro Bowler’s years leading up to last season:
- 2017: 74 receptions, 824 yards, eight touchdowns
- 2018: 116 receptions, 1,163 yards, eight touchdowns
- 2019: 88 receptions, 916 yards, six touchdowns
- 2020: 36 receptions, 335 yards, one touchdown
The Eagles’ situation in 2021 will be one of interest, particularly with a new era under center in quarterback Jalen Hurts. Philly will want to ensure he has weapons around him, and there was a clear lack of receiving options at the Eagles disposal the last two years.
Currently at 30 years old, though, Ertz might not be someone the Eagles invest in, leaving him wide open for Belichick to grab.