4 possible Panthers targets who could be released ahead of time
By Dean Jones
Zach Ertz – TE
- 2020 team – Philadelphia Eagles
It appears as if Zach Ertz‘s time with the Philadelphia Eagles is coming to an end. The tight end got emotional in his exit presser talking about his time with the franchise and considering what sort of direction the organization is going in, it makes a lot of sense for a fresh start for both the team and the player.
Ertz is one of the best pass-catchers at the position when firing on all cylinders. Injuries prevented him from gaining further momentum in 2020 during a disappointing season overall for the Eagles and if the former second-round pick can get back to anything like his old self, someone is going to have a productive player on their hands who has been to the very top.
Coincidentally, the Carolina Panthers are on the lookout for a more consistent presence at the tight end spot after Ian Thomas failed to meet expectations following the departure of Greg Olsen. This is something that really hurt them in key moments and in the red zone, so it’s a situation that needs to be resolved at the earliest possible opportunity.
If the Panthers were to acquire someone like Ertz, it would be a huge shot in the arm. Keeping him healthy will be key. But there is nothing to suggest a change in environment wouldn’t give the Stanford product a new lease of life in an exciting offensive system in Carolina.
The Eagles are $41.75 million over the cap currently. Releasing Ertz would save them $4.71 million, which is a moot point with the decision already made regardless.