Larry Henry JrZach Ertz’s time with the Philadelphia Eagles is over.
The Eagles announced Friday they traded away Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals, ending a nine-year stay in Philadelphia. In exchange, Arizona sent Philadelphia a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and rookie cornerback Tay Gowan.
“Zach Ertz built a special legacy in Philadelphia. Talented, tough, and passionate, he helped to establish our team’s culture and played a vital role in our success over the years,” Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said.
“Zach created so many memories that will live on forever, from setting numerous franchise and league records, to reaching across the end zone for the game-winning touchdown in our first-ever Super Bowl Championship. He will always be a member of the Eagles family, not only because of what he accomplished on the field, but also because of the wonderful person, dedicated leader, and exemplary role model that he was for nine seasons in Philadelphia. We wish Zach and Julie nothing but the best.”
Ertz was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and went on to become one of the top receiving targets in Eagles history. His catch total is second only to Harold Carmichael in franchise history and his 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns rank fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Eagles’ record books.
He established a franchise record and NFL record for tight ends with 116 receptions in 2018, and became one of the most productive pass catchers in the entire league over the last decade. Ertz was reportedly linked with a move away from the Eagles last offseason after requesting a new and improved contract, but a move at the time never came to fruition.
The 30-year-old was a fan favorite in Philadelphia, but now embarks on a new chapter in Arizona with an offense that features quarterback Kyler Murray, wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, and Christian Kirk, and fellow tight end Maxx Williams.
“It’s all about winning,” Ertz said previously. “This is such a short chapter of your life that I’m putting everything I have into this basket right now whether it’d be on the field or off the field, in the weight room or on the practice field, so when I’m done, I can look back and say I put everything into that. I have no regrets. There’s nothing I could have done more to further my career or make me a better player. You always hear those stories of, ‘If only I did this or if only I didn’t do that,’ and I’m trying to just attack that now so when I’m done I don’t have any of those regrets down the road.”
Ertz ended his time in Philly with 29 yards and one touchdown in Thursday’s 28-22 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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