It looks like the Philadelphia Eagles are sour about the return they received in the trade for Carson Wentz, because they’re once again over-shooting in reported talks for tight end Zach Ertz.
According to the latest buzz, Philly is looking for a third- or fourth-round pick in return for the three-time Pro Bowler, but no team has yet to bite.
While Ertz is a great player and could change the complexion of most offenses, there are too many factors riding against him at the moment.
Ertz is dissatisfied with his contract and is entering his age-31 season after having been hampered by injuries in 2020.
Those two factors don’t bode well for someone on the back nine of their career, making it a lot less worthwhile to part with something as high as a third-round pick.
Perhaps this is why nothing’s materialized on the Indianapolis Colts‘ end. Every fan knows Chris Ballard won’t be overpaying if he doesn’t feel comfortable. Though the Colts have been rumored to be involved in these talks, Ballard isn’t making the deal just to make it.
#Eagles TE Zach Ertz is growing "increasingly impatient" with the team to get something done, per NFL Network. The #Eagles have been looking for something in the 3rd or 4th round range and it doesn't sound like teams are budging. Ertz's base salary for 2021 is $8.5M.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 14, 2021
The Eagles are having trouble trading Zach Ertz and the Colts aren’t biting.
Teams are also aware the Eagles can save $4.5 million in cap space by releasing Ertz, so they know Philly stands to benefit whether they trade him or outright cut ties. Plus, they know the relationship is souring, just like how it all transpired with Wentz, who ended up being dealt for a third-rounder and a conditional second-rounder.
The only difference here is that Wentz is young with notable upside (and of course, plays the most position on the field) and doesn’t require a new contract. Ertz, who’s been vocal about how unhappy he is with his deal, will likely need an extension upon his arrival to a new team.
The #Eagles insist they won’t release three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz, and with multiple teams interested in a trade, Ertz is getting antsy for Philadelphia to get a deal done. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/W5T4skOlIR
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2021
Though the Colts are in a window where trading their assets over the next two seasons would probably be a smart idea to maximize their Super Bowl hopes, exercising restraint here given the asking price and what they would be inheriting is likely the shrewd decision.
Not to mention, Ertz wouldn’t exactly be filling a much-needed void, either. The Colts still have Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox in their tight ends room, and that was way more than enough to help them get by in 2020.
So, we’ll tell you one more time, Philly. Either lower your asking price, or there will not be a deal.
Colts: Does reuniting Carson Wentz with Zach Ertz make any sense?
Does reuniting Zach Ertz and Carson Wentz on the Indianapolis Colts make any sense for Indy? What if a trade doesn't need to be part of the equation?