Detroit Lions sign veteran TE Zach Ertz to a new Contract

Posted by DavidGreen
Jan 24, 2024

Introduction

The Detroit Lions have just recently agreed to terms on a new contract with the 11-year veteran tight end, Zach Ertz. With the addition of Ertz comes immediately following the Detroit Lions tight end in Brock Wright sustaining a somewhat serious forearm injury during the Detroit Lions 31 to 23 divisional round NFL playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Detroit Lions’ Tight End Injuries

Wright's injury left their primary tight end in Sam LaPorta as the only healthy blocker and pass catcher from the offensive line on the Detroit Lions' roster, and the Detroit Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, said it didn't "look good" for Wright's availability for the NFC Championship game which is scheduled to air this Sunday, January 28th, 2024 versus the San Francisco 49ers.

The “Brand new Lions” will also have to play their upcoming game without their starting guard in Jonah Jackson for their match up versus the San Francisco 49ers. Jackson underwent surgery for a slight meniscus tear just recently. Jackson is now anticipated to miss the NFC championship game, but he could possibly be back for the Super Bowl if the Detroit Lions do indeed advance to Super Bowl LVIII.

Now that Ertz is pretty much fully in to sign with the Detroit Lions' practice squad, and then he will be elevated and ready to play for the NFC championship game.

The now 33 - year - old Ertz, was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals back in November. Zach’s former teammate in J. J. Watt posted on social media that Ertz requested to be ultimately released so he could be signed by an NFL franchise that is currently contending and will, "make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring."

Ertz won his first NFL Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles for his services back in Super Bowl LII, with their 41 to 33 win over the New England Patriots in which Zach had 7 - receptions which was good for 67 - yards as well as a touchdown.

Ertz was eventually traded to the Arizona Cardinals from the Philadelphia Eagles back in October of 2021. Steve Heiden, the Detroit Lions' tight ends coach, was Zach's position coach with the Arizona Cardinals back in 2021 as well as the 2022 NFL seasons. Ertz had been on the NFL’s injured reserve list since October 24th,2023 with a quad strain right at the time of his unfortunate release from the team.

Ertz returned from a devasting ACL and MCL injury that he suffered during the week - 10 last season to play in the 2023 - 2024 NFL season opener. Zach played in 7 - games during the past NFL regular season going for 27 - pass catches good for 187 - yards as well as 1 - touchdown.

As a 3 - time NFL Pro Bowl selection, Zach has compiled a total of 709 - catches for 7,434 - receiving yards as well as 46 - total touchdowns throughout his 11 - seasons playing in the National Football League.