The injury-riddled tenure of tight end Zach Ertz being with the Arizona Cardinals has come to an abrupt end following his requested release from the franchise.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Yesterday, former Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt broke the news and said that Ertz “plans to sign with a contender.”
Trying new things in retirement, so let’s steal @AdamSchefter job for a day…
TE Zach Ertz has requested & been granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
The 3-Time Pro Bowler plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring.
(This is easy Adam) pic.twitter.com/pK4qCcCfay
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 30, 2023
But, when looking back at what Ertz has done in three seasons in the valley, what will he remembered for when repping the red and black?
Time as a Cardinal
Back on Oct. 15, 2021, Arizona traded cornerback Tay Gowan, along with a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, to the Philadelphia Eagles for Ertz.
While Gowan has only played in five NFL games since the trade, the deal can be considered a steal for the Cardinals, despite how Ertz’s situation has ended.
After nine seasons as an Eagle, Ertz became a Cardinal and started 11 games after swapping teams.
Furthermore, Ertz scored three touchdowns and gathered a whopping 56 receptions for 574 yards.
Additionally, with those 56 catches, Ertz would have tied Jackie Smith for most receptions as a tight end in Cardinals franchise history. Smith, a player in the NFL Hall of Fame, set the mark in 1967.
Last season, the 12-year veteran followed up on his impressive start in the desert by making yet another huge splash.
In 10 games, Ertz recorded four touchdowns and amassed 406 yards from 46 receptions in 2022.
However, Ertz suffered a knee injury which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
Following a lengthy recovery, he was able to suit up for Week 1 this season versus the Washington Commanders on Sept. 10.
Ertz would play six more games after his 2023 debut, had 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown for Arizona.
Unfortunately, Ertz yet again landed on Injured Reserve after straining his quad on Oct. 22 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Since then, he has not returned to this point.
Once he does, Zach Ertz will be a part of another organization that is not named the Arizona Cardinals.
When thinking about Ertz’s time in the valley, what will you remember the most about him.
The Arizona Cardinals Are Giving Back To The Fans, Well, Kind of…
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
