According to one observer, the Dallas Cowboys could be a potential landing spot for a former standout tight end.
The Cowboys, according to CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo and Cody Benjamin, should be considered one of the top five landing locations for free agent tight end Zach Ertz. In fact, Dallas is ranked third in the league for the three-time Pro Bowl tight end, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
“It ain’t so!” While Ertz would undoubtedly like to return to his beloved Eagles, Dallas may be able to provide an even more direct path to pass-catching opportunities. It’d be strange to see him wearing the star, but with the Cowboys eyeing a serious playoff run, why wouldn’t they consider giving Dak Prescott even more help?”
Zach Ertz is still a productive tight end at the age of 33.
Ertz isn’t the dominant tight end he was in his prime — he previously set a tight end record with 116 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns during the 2018 season — but he might still be a valuable backup option.
While he only had 27 receptions for 187 yards and one score in seven games with the Arizona Cardinals prior to his quadriceps injury in October, he had a strong full-season campaign not long ago. During the 2021 season, he had 74 receptions for 763 yards and five touchdowns.
In reality, he had 40.6 receiving yards per game and a 68.1% grab rate in 2022, which was remarkably similar to his 44.9 receiving yards per game and 66.1% catch rate in 2021.
Why Signing Zach Ertz Could Benefit the Cowboys
Jake Ferguson is the Cowboys’ starting tight end right now. Ferguson had a rough start to the season, catching just 19 of his 31 targets in the first five games, with a catch rate of less than 63% in four of those games, but he’s improved as the season has continued. Ferguson currently has 51 receptions for 570 yards and five touchdowns.
Ferguson is 10th in receptions and eighth in receiving yards among all tight ends. His five receiving touchdowns rank second among all players at his position.
While the Cowboys do not require a starter tight end, they might benefit from another receiving option at the position. Their other tight ends, rookie Luke Schoonmaker and Peyton Hendershot, are non-factors in the receiving game, with eight grabs for 64 yards.
When one considers how much Dallas relies on two tight ends — Schoonmaker has played 32% of the offensive snaps this season — it makes sense for Dallas to add another receiving weapon to the mix.
