3 reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars should go after Zach Erzt and 2 they shouldn't
• Why not add another weapon to the arsenal?
• Here's why the Jags should and shouldn't sign Zach Ertz
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 8-3 and ready to enter the last stretch of the season. In previous years, it would've been a stretch to suggest they have a realistic shot at clinching the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC, but that's the position they're in heading into Week 13. It won't be easy but it can be done, especially when you consider how stacked their roster is, with players such as Trevor Lawrence, and outside linebacker Josh Allen leading the way.
On the other hand, the Jags (and any team for that matter) can never have too many difference-makers. This is why they should consider kicking the tires on tight end Zach Ertz, who's mutually agreed to part ways with the Arizona Cardinals.
Trying new things in retirement, so let’s steal @AdamSchefter job for a day...
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 30, 2023
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
Ertz, a second-round pick in 2013, played a good chuck of his career for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Doug Pederson happened to be his head coach for five years. While Ertz is no longer the player who hauled in 161 receptions for 1,163 yards with eight touchdowns, he could still help several weeks. He was released after the trade deadline, so he'll be subject to waivers. If he isn't claimed, he'll then become a free agent.
With that in mind, here are three reasons the Jags should take a flyer on the three-time Pro Bowl tight end.
The case for the Jaguars adding Zach Ertz after his release from the Cardinals
3. Zach Ertz would give Trevor Lawrence another target on offense
Before the start of the season, tight end Evan Engram said that teams that faced the Jags would have to pick their poison due to how many weapons Trevor Lawrence had at his disposal. By adding Zach Ertz, the offense would be unstoppable.
While Ertz has lost a step, he's still a viable target in the passing game, and head coach Doug Pederson could use the two-tight end sets he's favored his whole career. Speaking of Pederson, he knows how to best utilize the former Stanford Cardinal, having watched him close in practice for many years.
It's also worth noting that Ertz enjoyed the most successful stretch of his career under Pederson, catching 392 receptions for 4,054 yards with 27 touchdowns from 2016 to 2020.