Nearly five years after an emotional departure from Philadelphia, Zach Ertz is returning to the organization where he became one of its most accomplished tight ends.
Ertz will sign with the Eagles’ practice squad after Dallas Goedert sprained his MCL, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Goedert is expected to miss several weeks, creating an immediate need for another experienced tight end.
Philadelphia’s interest was predictable once the severity of Goedert’s injury became clear. Ertz was available, familiar with Jalen Hurts, and represented the most logical outside option for the Eagles. The Eagles selected Ertz with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. He developed into one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends, earning three Pro Bowl
selections and setting a league record for receptions by a tight end with 116 in 2018.
His defining moment came one season earlier.
Ertz caught the go-ahead touchdown in Philadelphia’s 41-33 victory over New England in Super Bowl LII. Earlier on the drive, his fourth-down reception kept the Eagles’ championship hopes alive. Philadelphia traded Ertz to Arizona during the 2021 season, ending a productive but increasingly complicated final chapter with the franchise. He later spent two seasons in Washington. Ertz departed Philadelphia in 2021 with 579 receptions, 6,267 yards, and 38 touchdowns, along with the most catches by a tight end in a single season. He was expected to be one of the best players in franchise history and make a huge impact in Philadelphia. His return is more than sentimental, however. The Eagles are 2-0 and need immediate help at a position depleted by injuries.
Ertz now has an opportunity to finish another chapter in Philadelphia while helping his former team navigate Goedert’s absence.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Zach Ertz’s return to Eagles brings his career full circle
