The Green Bay Packers, despite initial low expectations for the season following the Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets, find themselves in contention for an NFL Playoffs spot. With a 5-6 record, just half a game behind the final NFC wild card spot, the Packers could secure their position with a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, recently became a free agent after being waived by the Cardinals. Ertz, acquired by the Cardinals in 2021, faced challenges staying healthy, leading to his release. Despite a productive start with the Cardinals, injuries limited his impact in subsequent seasons. With 27 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown this year, Ertz is now a free agent.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Green Bay Packers might be interested in Ertz due to injuries depleting their tight end options. The Packers started the season with three rookie tight ends, but injuries to Josiah Deguara and Luke Musgrave left them thin at the position. Schultz highlighted the Packers’ recent success and the potential need for a veteran tight end like Ertz.
However, Schultz noted that four teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills, have shown more definite interest in Ertz. The San Francisco 49ers were also mentioned as a potential sleeper team.
Despite the speculation, the Packers have not officially expressed interest in signing Ertz. The primary reason for linking Ertz to Green Bay revolves around the injury to Musgrave. With Tucker Kraft and Ben Sims on the roster, the Packers may feel they have sufficient tight end depth if Kraft and Sims remain healthy.
Several factors make the idea of Ertz joining the Packers doubtful. Firstly, Ertz’s injury history may not align with the Packers’ preference for healthy, young players. Financial constraints, historically limiting the team’s spending compared to other franchises, pose another hurdle. Lastly, Ertz, not in the prime of his career, is likely to prioritize signing with a team offering both competitive opportunities and financial rewards. While the Packers are on the playoff edge, they are not a guaranteed postseason team.
In conclusion, while the idea of Ertz joining the Packers is intriguing, practical considerations and team dynamics make this scenario unlikely.