Zach Ertz Finally Signs With Next Team Months After Release
The NFC Championship Game is on the horizon and the Detroit Lions have added another pass-catcher ahead of their bout against the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that tight end Zach Ertz signed with the Lions practice squad. Ertz has a chance to be elevated to the active roster ahead of the NFC Title Game.
Former Philadelphia Eagle TE Zach Ertz Joins the Detroit Lions
The three-time Pro Bowl selection requested to be released by the Arizona Cardinals and was granted that in late November after he came back from a quad injury. Ertz stayed on the open market and waited for the perfect opportunity to present itself.
The Lions needed some reinforcement behind rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. Brock Wright suffered a forearm injury in the Divisional Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Dan Campbell said "It doesn't look good". They had also placed tight end James Mitchell on IR on January 13.
Ertz now has a chance to establish himself and make a positive impact in the limited chances that will arise. The Stanford product provides the Lions with a savvy veteran pass-catcher in the tight end room.
The 35-year-old was selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suited up for the Birds from 2013-2021 and established himself as the best tight end to play in Philly. He leads the franchise in receptions (579), receiving yards (6,297), and receiving touchdowns (38) by tight ends.
Ertz has a history of performing well in the postseason, logging 36 catches for 381 yards and two touchdowns in eight playoff games. He was a key component in the Eagles offense when they secured Super Bowl LII in 2017. Ertz now has the chance to compete for another championship.
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