Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz cleared waivers Friday, meaning he can sign with any franchise, a team source confirmed. The Cardinals waived Ertz Thursday after he asked for his release, per a team source. Here’s what you need to know:
- The three-time Pro Bowl tight end landed on injured reserve in late October with a quad injury.
- Ertz hauled in 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown in seven games this season.
- The Cardinals traded for Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles in October 2021. He’s caught 130 passes for 1,167 yards and eight TDs.
Ertz’s struggles after returning from ACL injury
Ertz has had a rough season. After returning from an ACL injury suffered last season, the three-time Pro Bowl tight end initially didn’t look like himself, failing to make catches he usually made. He had six catches in games against the Washington Commanders, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers but never seemed like a big part of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s offense. After seven games, Ertz was placed on IR with a quadriceps injury. Although he had to miss four contests, he was expected to return and finish the season with Arizona. Asked Wednesday if Ertz had a chance to practice this week, coach Jonathan Gannon said nothing had changed with the tight end. — Doug Haller, senior Arizona sports writer
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Trey McBride has stepped up in Ertz’s place
A reason this doesn’t hurt the Cardinals so much: Trey McBride has played well in Ertz’s place, and may have been a factor in Ertz’s release. A second-round pick in the 2022 draft, McBride has been one of the few bright spots in Arizona’s season. He’s become a bigger target as the season has unfolded, totaling 33 catches for 351 yards over the last five games.
Overall, McBride has 48 catches for 521 yards, ranking second on the team behind Marquise Brown in both categories. — Haller
Backstory
Ertz played eight-plus seasons with the Eagles before the 2021 trade. He tallied 579 receptions for 6,257 yards and 38 TDs during his time in Philadelphia.
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(Photo: Norm Hall / Getty Images)
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