On Thursday, the Eagles excersised tight end Zach Ertz‘s contract option for 2021, ensuring he’ll be with the team past this season.
With the team picking up Ertz’s option, this more than likely indicates Howie Roseman plans on extending the All Pro tight end in the near future. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed that on Twitter.
Ertz is set to make $8 million in 2020 and $8.25 million in 2021, the final year of his current contract.
At 29-years-old, Ertz still figures to be huge contributor to this offense for years to come. Some fans have tossed around the idea of trading Ertz for another impact player or a handful of draft picks, but there was never any validity to those rumors, and this move by the front office should put all of those rumors to rest.
Under his current deal, Ertz is the second hightest paid tight end in football in terms of total money. In average salary, he ranks as the fifth highest paid tight end. Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Travis Kelce and Kyle Rudolph all make more on a yearly basis.
Depending on when the San Francisco 49ers extend George Kittle, Ertz will likely jump to the highest average salary among tight ends. Unless Howie can convince Ertz to take a more team friendly deal, which is certainly a possibility.
Ertz loves Philly and he obviously has a great working relationship with his quarterback, Carson Wentz. Ertz has led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of the past four seasons, every year Doug Pederson has been the head coach.
He’s been the most reliable offensive weapon the Eagles have had for the past five years or so. His production warrants a very high number on a new contract, but his age (he’ll be 30 or 31 when a new deal gets done) and the emergence of his backup Dallas Goedert could prevent him from getting a huge extension.
Regardless, this move from Howie means an extension is on the horizon for Ertz. He recently stated he wanted to finish his career as an Eagle, this extension could go a long way in making that a reality.