Watt states that “The 3-Time Pro Bowler plans to sign with a contender and try to win a Super Bowl for the second time.”
This reduces the field of candidates to a smaller number of teams. Two other birds are the focus of one insider.
“Keep an eye on the #Ravens (Mark Andrews out for the season) and possible #Eagles reunion (still missing Dallas Goedert) as potential landing spots for Zach Ertz—should he clear waivers,” tweeted NFL insider Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
JJ Watt, a former player for the Arizona Cardinals, tweeted on November 30 that tight end Zach Ertz had been “granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals.”
According to The 33rd Team insider Ari Meirov, it would be surprising if a team claimed the remaining $2.5 million of Ertz’s salary. Ertz will need to clear waivers before he can sign with any team of his choosing.
The Ravens, who have been using journeymen tight ends in practice to cover for Andrews, would be ideal for Ertz.
It would give quarterback Lamar Jackson another weapon and relieve some of the pressure on Isaiah Likely.
Since Ertz played for the Philadelphia Eagles for nine years prior to joining the Cardinals, Schultz notes that the Eagles will probably present the biggest competition for his services.
Veteran Presence Could Be Beneficial in the Ravens Tight End Room
All eyes were on the remaining tight ends on the depth chart, especially fellow tight end Charlie Kolar, after Andrews was sidelined for the season.
The Ravens selected both players in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
has only had five catches for 62 yards in his career, compared to Likely’s 49 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns. Going into the playoffs, the Ravens will want the position to be occupied by someone with a slightly stronger pedigree.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12, Likely recorded four receptions for forty yards.
In contrast, over the course of his 12-year career, Ertz has pulled down 709 receptions for 7434 yards and 46 touchdowns. Even though the 33-year-old is getting on in years, he is still capable of playing.
The tight end would also provide this team with much-needed playoff winning experience, including a Super Bowl triumph over the Los Angeles Rams.
Even though Ertz isn’t as explosive as he once was, he has always been reliable at moving the chains, and at six feet five, he poses a serious threat in the red zone.
The Veteran Would Be Warmly Received by Ravens Supporters
When it was announced that Andrews would miss the entire season, Ravens supporters were alarmed. The team’s ability to fill the void he left was the main concern.
Following the announcement of Ertz’s release, supporters flocked to X (previously Twitter) to voice their wishes for the addition of the seasoned tight end.
“Zach Erdz to Baltimore with Andrews out?” a user tweeted. I’m curious.”Zach Erz is googling: Where is a good place to live in Baltimore?” another person commented.
With one tweet stating, “Please don’t let Baltimore get Erdz,” it appears that even Eagles supporters are worried about Baltimore adding the tight end. Howie, bring him home.
On Friday, December 1, Ertz must clear waivers as the first step. The Ravens brass and coaching staff will then have to decide whether to stick with their current tight ends or add another “bird” to Ertz’s resume.