Eagles Extra Q&A: LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase or Alabama’s DeVonta Smith at No. 6? Why hasn’t Zach Ertz been traded yet?

[Road to Victory]

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2021/03/eagles-extra-qa-lsus-jamarr-chase-or-alabamas-devonta-smith-at-no-6-why-hasnt-zach-ertz-been-traded-yet.html
Eagles Extra Q&A: LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase or Alabama’s DeVonta Smith at No. 6? Why hasn’t Zach Ertz been traded yet?

Updated 6:30 AM; Today 6:30 AM

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

NJ Advance Media Eagles beat reporter Mike Kaye held an hour-long exclusive Q&A session with our Eagles Extra text subscribers on Friday.

 

With the Eagles set for a massive roster overhaul this offseason, stay connected with beat reporters Mike Kayeand Chris Franklin on Eagles Extra. Providing exclusive news, tidbits, analysis, commentary and much more, Eagles Extragives you personalized coverage to suit your fandom.
 

Why is this Zach Ertz trade taking forever?

 

 

Kaye: There are a couple of things to consider with Ertz: A) his contract is essentially a one-year, $8 million deal and B) the rest of the tight end market is in flux. With the Minnesota Vikings cutting TE Kyle Rudolph this week, the Eagles have some open competition on the market.

 

 

A team acquiring Rudolph won’t need to trade away assets and can probably sign the veteran tight end at a relatively cheap cost in comparison to Ertz. Remember, the league’s salary cap floor has been set, but the actual number isn’t in place, so teams are likely biding their time before committing to massive deals. Instead, they are focusing on cutting costs, as the Vikings did with Rudolph.

 

 

That said, the Eagles’ trade value for Ertz is likely waning. As teams continue to cut notable talent -- especially at the tight end position -- the market favors buyers, who won’t want to give up additional assets in a trade. That outlook could lead to a very small return for Ertz on the trade market, unless he is willing to rework and/or potentially extend his deal on the cheap. Teams know that the Eagles aren’t likely to keep Ertz beyond the start of the new league, so perhaps they are just waiting for this thing to sort itself out and hoping the Eagles simply grant Ertz his release.

Who looks more appealing in the draft to the Eagles at wide receiver: Ja’Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith?

 

 

Kaye: Since I’m not in their draft room and can’t physically look at their draft board, the answer to this question is a projection. After selecting Jalen Reagor in the first round last year, my guess would be that Chase would be the more appealing option in this draft.

 

 

Reagor is likely to man the Z receiver spot for the foreseeable future, so acquiring a talented X receiver would be ideal. Chase has the makings of a very good -- potentially great -- X receiver, while Smith’s upside is likely tied to the Z spot. Both prospects are incredibly talented and have considerable upside, but I think the Eagles would prefer Chase over Smith, given their current wide receiver depth chart and needs.

 

[Procus]

Nothing wrong with bargain hunting in the FA market and waiting to June after the market settles down.  Too much overpaying in March anyway.

[time2rock]

NE has a boatload of cap money and BB has always loved his TEs.  Plus Howie does have a history of dealing with them.  Send Ertz to NE for pick 162.  

[PoconoDon]

On 3/8/2021 at 2:04 PM, time2rock said:

NE has a boatload of cap money and BB has always loved his TEs.  Plus Howie does have a history of dealing with them.  Send Ertz to NE for pick 162.  

The Eagles need to get back into the 4th round. I think NE gets a comp pick or two at the end there. One of those would work well and Ertz is worth a late 4th.

[Rob331]

Everyone knows that Ertz will be released if there isn't a trade. Why give up an asset when you can sign him for less after he's cut. 

[EricAllenPick6]

On 3/11/2021 at 3:26 PM, Rob331 said:

Everyone knows that Ertz will be released if there isn't a trade. Why give up an asset when you can sign him for less after he's cut. 

I think that's probably the most likely explanation.  I don't think there's much of a market for 30 year old TE whose production was not great last year.  Once the FA market settles down, I think we'll end up trading him, but I expect something like a conditional 5th.