Report: Chiefs have shown interest in trade for Eagles TE Zach Ertz

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially given their tight end, Zach Ertz, the green light to search for a trade partner. There’s been some smoke surrounding an Ertz trade for some time, but that’s mostly been the team entertaining offers. This is the first we’ve heard of his agent being allowed to actively seek out a trade.

As far as trade partners are concerned there are reportedly multiple teams involved. According to The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams who have shown interest.

A second-round pick out of Stanford in 2013, Ertz has been one of the league’s top tight ends for several years now. He has 82 starts over eight seasons, averaging nearly 93 receptions and 1,000 yards per season during that span. He’s been named to two Pro Bowls and earned one First-Team All-Pro selection with the Eagles. Ertz also became a Super Bowl champion in Super Bowl LII.

It’s unclear how interested the Chiefs in a trade for a player like Ertz, especially when you consider that they already have Travis Kelce under contract. Chiefs GM Brett Veach did mention in his pre-free agency press conference that adding a No. 2 tight end could be an option for the team. This would allow the Chiefs to more frequently utilize 12 personnel looks, something that could be useful with two new tackles set to start next season.

The trade cost for Ertz might not be incredibly expensive as he only has a year left on his contract with two void years to follow. He could possibly be obtained for a third or fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft. He carries a base salary of $8.5 million in 2021 and he reportedly will not seek an extension with his new team immediately. Kansas City could certainly do a lot worse on a one-year rental.

List

Best remaining players available for Chiefs after first wave of free agency