The day we all suspected would happen over the offseason has finally hit. Zach Ertz is no longer an Eagle. Not even 24 hours after the team’s Thursday night loss to Tampa Bay, Ertz was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2022 fifth-round pick and rookie corner Tay Gowan.
Ertz’s Philadelphia legacy is unquestioned. Leaving this dysfunctional organization and joining a bonified contender in Arizona is a great opportunity for him. He’ll reunite with former teammate Jordan Hicks out west — the two have remained close friends since Hicks left Philadelphia.
Ertz will finish his Eagles career with 579 receptions, 6,267 yards, and 38 touchdowns. He came just 11 catches shy of breaking Harold Carmichael’s franchise record for receptions (589).
This deal also more than likely ensures the team will look to re-sign Dallas Goedert to a long-term deal in the near future, probably before the season is over.
In regards to the compensation sent to Philly, the 2022 fifth-round pick becomes the 10th pick at Howie Roseman’s disposal in next April’s NFL Draft. With three potential first round picks and 10 overall, this upcoming draft is shaping up to be a huge one for Howie and Co.
The Eagles also received rookie corner Tay Gowan as a part of this deal. Gowan hasn’t been active in a game yet this season, so his NFL debut will be with Philly most likely.
A sixth-round pick in this past year’s draft, Gowan was someone I had my eye on during the pre-draft process. He’s a long corner, standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 186 pounds. I was a bit surprised he fell all the way to the sixth-round, be brings a lot of potential to the table.
Opting out of the 2020 season probably didn’t help his draft stock much, but some of his numbers at the collegiate level were impressive. He allowed a passer rating of 26.2 when targeted in 2019, the second-best in all of college football. And he also allowed just 40% of passes into his coverage to get completed.
The Eagles could have done much worse with this trade, but overall, they made out just fine. Adding another draft pick to the poole for next year along with getting your hands on a rookie corner with real potential is a win for Philly.
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