Eagles tight end Zach Ertz traded to Arizona Cardinals

Zach Ertz is a three-time pro-bowler and was drafted by the Eagles in 2013.

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Friday, October 15, 2021
Eagles trade Zach Ertz to Cardinals
The undefeated Cardinals sent cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Eagles for the 30-year-old Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Tight end Zach Ertz has played his last game with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles have traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals.

The undefeated Cardinals sent cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Eagles for the 30-year-old Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler.

"This is home. Philadelphia is home," Ertz said speaking to reporters Friday. "That was tough, to kind of articulate that to people. I love this people. I've said it all along...I did the best I could every day. I can leave knowing that. This isn't going to be the last you'll see of me in this city."

WATCH: Zach Ertz speaks to reporters after being traded

Zach Ertz says, "This is home. Philadelphia is home."

Ertz continued, "We've had some great times, we've had some low times, but I know I did my best. I think at the end of the day I can live with that. Walking out of here today, it's going to be tough, but it's been a blast. I'm appreciative of all guys and thanks for everything."

"Though Zach Ertz has wanted a new contract, he and the Cardinals have not discussed one yet, per sources," ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter said. "But Arizona is acquiring Ertz with the idea of making him a regular featured part of its offense and Ertz has told others in the past the Arizona appealed to him."

Ertz had four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown during Thursday night's 28-22 loss to Tampa Bay.

In a tweet Friday morning, the Eagles thanked Ertz for his contributions on and off the field.

Ertz was selected by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2013 draft. He has 579 receptions for 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns in 123 career regular-season games.

Ertz also caught the winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl.

"Zach is an Eagle for life," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said.

The Eagles shared a video showing highlights from Ertz's career in Philly.

"He will always be a member of the Eagles family, not only because of what he accomplished on the field, but also because of the wonderful person, dedicated leader, and exemplary role model that he was for nine seasons in Philadelphia," said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.

Gowan was selected by the Cardinals in the sixth round of this year's draft. The 6-foot-2 Gowan has yet to appear in a regular-season game.

After news of the trade broke, Gowan tweeted, "Fly Eagles Fly."

Philadelphia Eagles' Zach Ertz walks off the field after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Philadelphia.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.