Arizona Cardinals waive veteran tight end Zach Ertz
The Arizona Cardinals have waived veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who had been with the team since 2021. The news was broken by former NFL star JJ Watt, who played the last two years of his career for the Cardinals. According to Watt, Ertz requested his release in order to pursue an opportunity with a […]
The Arizona Cardinals have waived veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who had been with the team since 2021.
The news was broken by former NFL star JJ Watt, who played the last two years of his career for the Cardinals.
According to Watt, Ertz requested his release in order to pursue an opportunity with a contending team. As the trade deadline has already passed, Ertz goes through waivers.
If no one claims his contract, then he becomes a street free agent with the option to sign with any team.
Contract situation
The Arizona Cardinals acquired Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles in October, 2021, for cornerback Tay Gowan an a fifth-round pick. In over two years with the team, the veteran had 130 catches, 1,167 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
The team's situation got worse, though, and the 33-year-old player decided the best move for his future was to look for another opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl.
Ertz's base salary and bonus this year is $9.1 million. So if a team claims him on waivers, it will absorb $3.03 million for six games — and the Cardinals would free up that amount in their cap. The Cardinals will still have $3.5 million in dead money this year ($6.5 million if Ertz is not claimed), and $5 million in 2024.
If a team claims Ertz, he will be under contract for 2024 for $10.05 million, with no guarantees left.
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