Zach Ertz's Top Potential NFL Landing Spots After Cardinals Release

A notable pass-catcher hit the waiver wire Thursday with the Arizona Cardinals releasing tight end Zach Ertz.

Ertz had 27 receptions for 187 yards in seven appearances with Arizona this year. Considering he had gotten eclipsed by fellow tight end Trey McBride in the passing game, a mutual separation made sense.

CBS Sports' JJ Watt reported the three-time Pro Bowler "plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his second Super Bowl ring." He'll first need to clear waivers, though, before he has the luxury of selecting his next team.

Based on Watt's report, here are three teams that make the most sense for Ertz.

Philadelphia Eagles

Focus On Sport

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks with commentator Dan Patrick after the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zach Ertz; Dan Patrick

Some of the faces have changed since the Philadelphia Eagles traded Ertz to the Cardinals midway through the 2021 season, but he would probably make a seamless transition back with the team.

The Eagles could afford to bolster their depth at tight end with Dallas Goedert still nursing his fractured forearm.

NFL Network's James Palmer reported Monday "it does seem very realistic" for Goedert to return by Week 14 when Philly plays the Dallas Cowboys. Even if he's back by then, his surgically repaired arm could still hinder his performance a bit.

The Eagles traded Ertz in part because it was time to let Goedert become the clear No. 1 tight end. Now that Ertz is in the latter stages of his career, the usage split between the pair wouldn't create the same kind of issues.

Baltimore Ravens

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 05: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 5, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens placed Mark Andrews on injured reserve ahead of their 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12. Even if he manages to return later on, the Ravens will be without his services for a minimum of four games and perhaps the remainder of the regular season.

Ertz would be a solid stopgap to help stabilize the passing game with one of Lamar Jackson's favorite targets on the shelf.

Baltimore might feel it's good enough as is, though. Isaiah Likely led the team in receiving yards (40) against the Chargers and has shown promise as Andrews' backup.

San Francisco 49ers

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 12, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With how many injuries derailed their Super Bowl bid last season, the San Francisco 49ers will want to leave as little as possible to chance in 2023.

While George Kittle has started all 11 games so far, history suggests he could wind up missing time between now and the postseason. He hasn't played a full season since 2018. Ertz could be an insurance policy if Kittle were to go down at any point.

Ertz is also a native of Orange, California, and he attended Stanford. He might savor the opportunity to return to his home state and potentially lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.