The Philadelphia Eagles were on the verge of handing the Indianapolis Colts another huge boost to their passing game. Already in need of a replacement for Jack Doyle at tight end, a disgruntled Zach Ertz was almost cut loose by Philadelphia, which could’ve prompted Indianapolis to make a run at him.
Ertz had his worst season in years, as his inability to remain healthy and struggles when he was healthy, some of which were admittedly Carson Wentz-induced, could have expedited his exit from Philly. Instead of waiting for that, the Colts passed and addressed their situation in the draft.
The Colts used a fourth-round pick on SMU tight end Kylen Granson, who offers little as a blocker but has tremendous potential as a receiver. The Colts have their tight end, but did they ruin their chance at potentially upgrading in a more serious way by adding Ertz?
Ertz is reportedly not participating in Philadelphia’s offseason workouts. His contract situation is a problem and the presence of Dallas Goedert isn’t helping matters.
Report: Zach Ertz not participating in Eagles offseason work. https://t.co/HfQZXC9Ptl
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 17, 2021
Kylen Granson must play well enough for the Colts to forget Zach Ertz.
Ertz in his prime was as good as a tight end as there is in the NFL. He had five straight seasons of at least 800 yards receiving, making him Wentz’s top target over the middle. If a player like Eric Ebron can star in Reich’s offense, just imagine if Ertz had returned to that scheme that brought him so much statistical prowess.
This latest development proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ertz and Philly are not on good terms. The Colts are basically locked into the Doyle-Granson-Mo Alie-Cox trio, which isn’t exactly the most experienced in the world.
If the Colts are willing to assume that the toxicity of Philly last year was so bad that a potential franchise quarterback in Wentz was unable to completely escape it, then why didn’t they feel the same about Ertz? Or did they, but they didn’t want to wait? Remember, the Eagles reportedly didn’t have a friendly asking price in trade talks.
Unless Nick Sirianni decides to help out his mentor in Reich, it appears unlikely that Ertz is going to be putting on blue and white in the near future. Granson better develop quickly, as struggling to adapt to the pro game could hit the Colts with some serious buyer’s remorse.
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