The Chiefs, Saints could pursue top impending free agent Zach Ertz after the season following his injury. According to multiple reports, the veteran is officially heading into concussion protocol which may signal he will sign elsewhere. Ertz has been one of the more surprising playmakers for quarterback Jayden Daniels after being one of the biggest reasons why the Commanders find themselves in the driver’s seat of a postseason appearance. The veteran put up 52 receptions for 501 yards and four touchdowns which is second on the roster but his absence could spell an issue for Washington for the rest of the season.
Originally selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Stanford product was one of the best targets for a quarterback in Philadelphia successfully playing behind legend Michael Vick that year. He was the sole reason why the Eagles’ passing game was a success but slowly over time, injuries have been catching up to him and Dallas Goedert took over as the primary man. Philadelphia sent Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals but he didn’t see much of the field since injuries have been keeping him out of action of ever being the same athlete everyone remembers.
However, his outing with the Commanders shows he still could be a high-volume target. He might not stick around much longer in Washington considering they’re getting younger with Daniels under center and signing Tyree Jackson, which could make Ertz expendable. Ertz will become a free agent in 2025 and even though he won’t earn a long-term deal anymore, it might be best to put him on a veteran contract to potentially revitalize his career.
Chiefs, Saints Could Pursue Top Impending Free Agent Zach Ertz Following Devastating Injury
Life After Travis Kelce
The Kansas City Chiefs are having one of the worst seasons this year despite winning almost all of their matchups. This is after they had a productive offseason, signing Marquise Brown and bringing back Mecole Hardman to save the passing game for Patrick Mahomes. However, that didn’t last long as the team lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling and was hit with several injuries at the beginning of the 2024 season, including Rashee Rice. Brown is back but the Chiefs brought some life back to the offense by trading for DeAndre Hopkins to keep the chains moving down the stretch.
It hasn’t been pretty for Mahomes as he’s struggling to connect the dots with rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce. The veteran admits there is a lack of chemistry this season but it might be a bigger issue as he might have teased his retirement after this season. With two Super Bowl rings in his possession, it might be best to hang the cleats for him. While the Chiefs search for their next product at the position, they should sign Ertz to a two-year deal who could still make a few consistent catches and would be a nice set of hands for Mahomes if he can stay healthy.
Extra Veteran Insurance
On the other side, the Saints didn’t see much success this year despite having a strong 2-0 start. However, they claim they won’t be rebuilding after the season but it might be something they have to do since firing former head coach Dennis Allen. There’s no word on what the quarterback situation will be in New Orleans next year but the Saints must play it out smart to bring in as many pass catchers to make the next signal-caller comfortable. With Juwan Johnson becoming a free agent in 2025, the Saints could easily replace him by bringing Zach Ertz.
It will be tough to replace the impact he had in New Orleans, recording 42 receptions for 508 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022 since only making six starts before that in two seasons. Foster Moreau will also become a free agent so the Saints need emergency depth even at a one-year deal, this could buy the Saints time for the upcoming NFL Draft.
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