Zach Ertz Signs With Lions: Zach Ertz Fantasy Football Outlook

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has been one the top tight ends in the NFL over the past several years. He started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, making three Pro Bowl teams from 2017 through 2019.

However, the Eagles had an up-and-coming young tight end on the roster that needed more playing time – Dallas Goedert. Philadelphia traded the veteran tight end to the Arizona Cardinals before the 2021 NFL trade deadline.

Ertz played well during his 28 career games with the Cardinals, catching 67.4% of his targets. Unfortunately, the former Stanford star again got replaced by an up-and-coming young tight end.

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Zach Ertz 2023 Season Review

The veteran tight end was the TE16 over the first seven weeks this season, averaging 5.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He scored over 5.1 fantasy points in only three of those seven contests, totaling less than 8.7 in every matchup. However, Ertz did have a receiving touchdown in the Week 5 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Unfortunately, the veteran suffered a quad injury during the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinal placed Ertz on injured reserve, knocking him out for at least four games. With the former Stanford star sidelined, Trey McBride became a star.

He barely saw the field with Ertz healthy. However, the second-year tight end was outstanding once earning the starting role. From Week 10 through Week 17, McBride was the TE5, averaging 11.6 fantasy points per game. With Arizona in the middle of a rebuilding phase, it was no surprise to see the team release Ertz once cleared to play.

Zach Ertz Fantasy Football Outlook

Ertz took his time finding a new team. The veteran tight end wanted to be part of a championship-contending team, hoping to win another Super Bowl ring. After several weeks of weighing his options, Ertz signed with the Detroit Lions on Monday.

Despite not playing since late October, the veteran tight end could suit up for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, Ertz’s won’t have any meaningful fantasy value in Detroit.

The Lions signed the veteran tight end for depth reasons. Brock Wright suffered a broken forearm in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending his season. Ertz will likely take his spot on the active roster.

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