5 potential replacements for C.J. Uzomah in free agency

4 of 6

Zach Ertz (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

3. Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz looked like he was just about done as an elite player. At his explosive peak, Ertz went on a three-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles that made him amongst the best tight ends in the league.

From 2017 to 2019, Ertz racked up 2,903 receiving yards, 22 TDs, and was selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls. Along the way, of course, Ertz helped lead the Eagles to that improbable Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.

The numbers of Ertz cratered in 2020 though. With only 335 yards and a single TD, he was pushed out of town earlier this year where he turned things around.

In Arizona, Ertz racked up 574 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. Not bad. Ertz won’t dominate games like he used to. And he certainly won’t be selected to any Pro Bowl teams like before. Nonetheless, Ertz can become the new security blanket for Joe Burrow and show this incredibly young squad how to win. Unless, of course, they win it all this year…which isn’t out of the question.