The Zach Ertz-Buffalo Bills era may begin soon.
Longtime Philadelphia Eagles radio announcer, Merrill Reese poured gasoline onto the conversation in an interview today. Reese appeared on the National Football Show and said that the Buffalo Bills are reportedly close to a deal for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LII champion tight end.
If that rumor actually comes true. then Buffalo may just have the best passing offense in the AFC. Would it be enough to get the team over the Kansas City Chiefs? That remains to be seen of course, but it would do wonders for a position that hasn’t really had any notable players the past few years.
Zach Ertz would be the instant starter over incumbent Dawson Knox. Both Knox and Ertz attended Tight End University, a skills workshop for the position hosted by Travis Kelce and George Kittle. Nothing has surfaced on if Knox had sales-pitched Ertz into getting the Eagles to engage in these alleged discussion for a trade. But if he did, then Knox would deserve a raise of some sort.
It’s also possible that Knox is feeling the pressure of having his job taken away from him. It’s not like anyone would ever invite someone to come and take their job, but this is probably more of a collaboration/ mentorship where Knox could learn from the three time Pro Bowler.
Josh Allen could have a safety blanket, and Ertz’ bigger frame are better for run blocking, something that the Bills desperately need to develop a better presence in. Ertz has the skills to get to the edge and take on bigger rushers than Knox or freshly-acquired free agent Jacob Hollister. The Bills may just have enough cap space (roughly $9.6M) to take on Ertz, granted they make an extra move or two.
Getting Ertz would show that the Bills are all-in for a Super Bowl championship. With great expectations comes great pressure. Let’s see if this trade happens and how it would impact both teams.