Cardinals release tight end Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz (Alexander Jonesi, Wikimedia Commons)

According to the Associated Press on Thursday, the Arizona Cardinals have released tight end Zach Ertz of Orange, California. One of the reasons for the release is because the Cardinals have been thrilled with the progression of tight end Trey McBride of Greeley, Colorado.

The other reason is because Ertz reportedly asked for a release this season so he could have the opportunity to play for a contender. At two wins and 1o losses, the Cardinals have the second worst record in the entire league. The only team worse are the Carolina Panthers at one win and 10 losses.

Ertz had 27 catches for 187 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023. His touchdown was for four yards from quarterback Joshua Dobbs of Alpharetta, Georgia in a loss to Cincinnati. Dobbs meanwhile, has since been traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

In all, Ertz has played 11 seasons in the National Football League. He was with the Eagles from 2013 to 2021 before being traded to the Cardinals on October 15, 2021 for cornerback Tay Gowan of Covington, Georgia and a fifth round draft pick in the 2022 National Football League Draft.

For three straight years from 2017 to 2019 with the Eagles, Ertz was selected to the Pro Bowl. He  had 74 catches for 824 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2017, 116 catches for 1163 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2018, and 88 catches for 916 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2019.

In 2018, Ertz also won the Super Bowl for Philadelphia. He had seven catches for 67 receiving yards and one touchdown in a 41-33 Phillies win over the New England Patriots.

McBride meanwhile is in his second season with Arizona. He has 48 catches for 521 receiving yards and one touchdown. The second round pick out of Colorado State had 131 receiving yards in a 25-23 Cardinals win over the Atlanta Falcons on November 12.