Zach Ertz seen as Jaguars’ realistic dream signing in free agency

Free agency is around the corner and the Jacksonville Jaguars are surely putting together a wish list of players they would like to target. If they want to bolster the tight end position in the upcoming days, they should then sign Zach Ertz, who will arguably be the best option available.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of realistic dram signing for each NFL team in free agency and Ertz was the pick for the Jags. Sobleski notes that the tight end will be on his third team in five months, and adds that his production has gone down. Nevertheless, he believes he’s “the perfect fit” for Jacksonville.

"First, he’ll be reunited with head coach Doug Pederson, who used the tight end as the primary target when both were with the Philadelphia Eagles. Second, a veteran of Ertz’s caliber to serve as Trevor Lawrence’s security blanket should go a long way in the quarterback’s development. The Jaguars require more weapons around the second-year signal-caller, and Ertz can be a reliable presence."

Sobleski says that even though Dan Arnold is a solid option for the Jaguars at tight end, he’s never been a full-time starter and could take on a complementary role if Ertz handles starting duties.

Over the last two seasons, he’s caught a combined 100 passes for 1,098 yards and six touchdowns. While there’s indeed a drop in production, he was still effective, especially after being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in the middle of the 2021 season.

Zach Ertz would bolster the Jaguars’ tight end room.

From 2015 to 2019, Ertz was one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL, hauling in 431 receptions for 4,572 yards with 28 touchdowns. While he has probably lost a step, he could still land in Jacksonville and give their offense a boost.

As Sobleski pointed out, Dan Arnold was solid when he was on the field, but he may be a better fit as a complementary piece and not in a featured role. Also, he’s coming off an MCL injury that prematurely ended his 2021 campaign. Furthermore, James O’Shaughnessy is set to become a free agent, and as of this writing, it’s uncertain if he wil return for a sixth season with the Jags. Pro Football Focus projects Ertz to sign a two-year $20 million contract, which could easily fit the Jaguars’ spending budget.

While wide receiver may be their biggest need in free agency, the Jaguars have ample cap room — even after tagging left tackle Cam Robinson —to address both positions. Ertz may be a bit more expensive than other options in the market but he would improve Jacksonville’s offense right off the bat.