Zach Ertz believes he’s one of the top tight ends in the NFL and he’d prefer to be paid as such regardless of what team he ends up with. Ertz talked about his frustrations over the lack of a new deal earlier this week and according to Ian Rapoport, that frustration boiled over during a “heated discussion” with the general manager, Howie Roseman.
From @NFLGameDay: Tensions are high for the #Eagles and TE Zach Ertz, who got into an animated discussion with GM Howie Roseman late last week. pic.twitter.com/VYEsY7oCqe
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2020
On Thursday Ertz made it clear that he wants to retire as an Eagle, but he’s “frustrated” and approaching this season as if it’s “his last” in Philadelphia from a contract point of view.
Zach Ertz, speaking to the media for the first time in a while, is letting his feelings be known. Under contract for two more years but acting like it's one. https://t.co/Jb3WoAxkaN
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 10, 2020
Ertz finished the last season third among tight ends in receptions (88), fourth in yards (916), and tied for fourth in touchdowns (6).
During the past three seasons, Ertz ranks third in receptions (278), third in yards (2,903), and second in touchdowns (22). That normally would make the case for Ertz to get a similar deal to his two counterparts, but Kittle is younger and more dynamic. The Eagles also have the pressure of extending two top-10 tight ends, with Dallas Goedert also needing a new deal at some point.
Ertz reportedly turned down a deal that would have paid him $10.5 million per year with two years left on his current deal.
