Philadelphia Eagles: 5 reasons paying Zach Ertz is 100% the correct move

(Photo by Yong Kim-Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yong Kim-Pool/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Eagles absolutely need to extend Zach Ertz.

According to NFL insider Ian Rappoport, the Philadelphia Eagles have officially begun to re-engage talks with their star tight end on a potential big money contract extension. Both George Kittle (49ers) and Travis Kelce (Chiefs) received their own large paydays this offseason, and it only seems logical that Zach Ertz would be next in line.

Ertz was rumored to have actually turned down an offer earlier in the 2019 season, due to the financial side of things not being up to par with his desires. Considering the money that Kittle and Kelce just got, it’s unlikely the Eagles TE has necessarily *lowered* his asking price.

While paying out big money contracts may seem like a poor decision for the Eagles front office at the moment (due to their looming 2021 cap problems), extending Ertz should be an absolute no-brainer. Howie Roseman re-entering negotiations signals the Eagles are likely set to make the right decision, and there are a handful of reasons why a long-term deal for Ertz makes perfect sense:

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 05: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against Quandre Diggs #37 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 05: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against Quandre Diggs #37 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Zach Ertz is simply really, really good.

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Despite what you might read in your local Eagles Facebook group, Ertz is still an extremely productive tight end.

He had a monster 2019 season, recording 88 receptions and 916 receiving yards. He led the team in receiving touchdowns with 6, and has been the organization’s unquestioned number one option over the last few seasons.

Since 2017, Ertz ranks third amongst all NFL TEs in receiving yards, second in catches, and first in total receiving touchdowns. Considering Ertz is still just 29 years old, retaining someone of his talent level is normally a pretty good idea.

Ertz has been the embodiment of consistency since Carson Wentz was drafted, and played a beyond crucial role during the team’s backup QB-led Super Bowl run. Until he actually shows signs of slowing down, Ertz has been nothing but elite.