What can you tell us about Zach Ertz's status with the Arizona Cardinals after Trey McBride's breakout performance

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As of the 2023 NFL season, Zach Ertz's status with the Arizona Cardinals has been influenced by several factors, including his performance, health, and the emergence of fellow tight end Trey McBride.

Zach Ertz's Status:

  1. Injury and Recovery:

    • Zach Ertz suffered a significant knee injury (ACL and MCL tears) during the 2022 season, which impacted his playtime and effectiveness. Although he made a comeback in the 2023 season, his performance was affected by the recovery process and age-related factors1

  2. Performance:

    • Ertz has been a productive player for the Cardinals when healthy, known for his reliable hands and experience. However, his performance in the 2023 season has been inconsistent, partly due to lingering effects from his injury and the natural decline associated with an aging athlete.

  3. Contract Situation:

    • Ertz is under contract with the Cardinals, but the team will need to evaluate his role moving forward, especially considering his cap hit and overall contribution compared to other players on the roster.

Trey McBride's Breakout Performance:

  1. Increased Role:

    • Trey McBride, a second-year tight end, has shown significant improvement and had a breakout performance during the 2023 season. His increased production and ability to make key plays have made him a valuable asset for the Cardinals' offense.

  2. Impact on Ertz:

    • McBride's emergence has led to a shift in the tight end hierarchy within the team. With McBride taking on a larger role, Ertz has seen a reduction in his playing time and targets. This shift indicates that the Cardinals are looking to develop McBride as a primary option moving forward.

  3. Future Outlook:

    • Given McBride's potential and performance, the Cardinals might prioritize his development over Ertz's veteran presence. This could lead to reduced playing time for Ertz or even potential trade or release considerations if the team decides to go in a different direction.

Strategic Considerations:

  1. Team Needs and Cap Space:

    • The Cardinals will need to balance their roster needs and salary cap space. If McBride continues to perform well, the team might decide that Ertz's contract is better utilized elsewhere, either through a trade or cap savings from a release.

  2. Veteran Leadership:

    • Despite the shift, Ertz's veteran leadership and experience can still be valuable for mentoring younger players like McBride and providing depth at the position.

In summary, Zach Ertz's status with the Arizona Cardinals is currently in a state of flux, influenced heavily by Trey McBride's breakout performance and Ertz's own recovery and performance. The Cardinals will likely assess their options at the end of the season to determine the best path forward for both Ertz and the team's tight end position.


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