Patriots: Bill Belichick needs to save Zach Ertz from Eagles in offseason
By Jerry Trotta
The Patriots need to save tight end Zach Ertz from Philadelphia in the offseason.
Fans in New England should be preparing for the Patriots to make sweeping changes across their roster once the offseason rolls around. As far as biggest needs are concerned, we would assert that upgrading at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and defensive end should be at the top of their priority list.
For now, however, let’s focus on the tight end position, which has been a nightmare to watch following the retirement and subsequent departure of Rob Gronkowski. It’s been regurgitated dozens of times this season, but that’s simply still the reality of things.
Luckily for GM Bill Belichick, however, contract negotiations between the Eagles and Zach Ertz have stalled. The 30-year-old stud has reportedly been perturbed by their lack of urgency to get an extension agreed upon, and the Patriots should absolutely look to pounce on Philly’s puzzling decision-making.
Remember when the Eagles already had Zach Ertz but then planned ahead and didn't wait for him to retire before drafting Dallas Goedert?
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 1, 2020
With Philadelphia sitting at 3-8 and Carson Wentz quickly proving to be one of the worst quarterbacks in the league, Ertz can’t be thrilled with the direction of the franchise. While we’re on the subject, he also has to be annoyed with the fact that they drafted Dallas Goedert in the second round back in 2018…after his first Pro Bowl season.
That’s no way to treat one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL. Over the last three seasons, the eight-year veteran has averaged 92.6 receptions for 967.6 yards and 7.3 touchdowns. That’s ridiculous production for a TE, and he deserves to be rewarded for it.
Dallas Goedert last two weeks:
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) November 23, 2020
* 130-of-135 snaps
* 41 of them slot or wide
* 12 targets for a team-high 16% share
* 9-110-1 line
Note Zach Ertz (ankle) could return Week 12.
Whether the Eagles step up and make it happen, however, remains to be seen. Ertz’s current contract runs through 2021, so the Patriots would have to conjure up a trade in order to acquire him. It’s worth noting that he has a potential out after this season, but we highly doubt that he exercises that option.
Belichick has never shied away from unloading draft capital, and a couple of valuable picks is likely what it will take to convince the Eagles to trade their star playmaker. Given the Patriots’ need for a competent tight end and the Stanford product’s desire for a lucrative extension — perhaps the last of his career — this seems like a match made in heaven.
