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Cowboys Sign Zach Ertz as a free agent who have been interested in the team
FRISCO – Zach Ertz just begged his way off the Arizona Cardinals roster, the free agent seeking greener, playoff-bound pastures. A number of landing spots have been suggested and rumored, maybe most notably the Philadelphia Eagles, his former employer. Should the “number of landing spots” also include the Dallas Cowboys? That’s what CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo and Cody Benjamin are telling us … Which frankly also tells us that CBS Sports doesn’t seem to have much insight into what’s happening with the Cowboys at tight end.
Writes the “experts” at CBS: “While Ertz would assuredly prefer a move back to his beloved Eagles, Dallas might be able to offer an even cleaner path to pass-catching opportunities. It’d be weird to see him wearing the star, but eyeing a real playoff run, why wouldn’t the Cowboys consider it to give Dak Prescott even more help?” Why? Let us count the ways …
Ertz is a former three-time Pro Bowler. But he’s 33. And according to one NFL scout we’ve talked to, age has robbed him of the ability to get downfield. He’s a safety-valve guy now, at best. Indeed, in seven games this year, he’s got one TD and 27 receptions for 187 receiving yards. 2 – While it’s always smart to be in the “Never Say Never” Club, Ertz in Dallas would likely be nothing but a progress-stopper for young backup tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and Peyton Hendershot.
CBS should familiarize itself with Jake Ferguson. Ferguson now has 51 catches for 570 receiving yards and five touchdowns, ranking him with most any Pro Bowl-consideration tight end in the league. He is a Dak Prescott favorite, especially in the red zone. And he’s a coach Mike McCarthy favorite in an important way. Related: Cowboys Jake Ferguson Explains Hurdle: ‘I’m a Big Biscuit!’ Dak on the “Big Biscuit” tight end: “He’s a baller … He’s a little crazy but you have to be playing his position.” McCarthy on Ferguson: Jake has been tremendous.
You just love his passion, and he’s increasing the identity of our play style on offense, and that’s been huge, obviously, his production speaks for itself … “He does the dirty work, too, that doesn’t show up in the on the stats, but we all love just the way he plays.” Ferguson is 24 and in his second NFL season. He’s Dallas’ No. 2 pass-catcher behind CeeDee Lamb. And his talents accentuate what McCarthy is trying to do with his “Texas Coast Offense.” Help is always welcome to any roster. But Ertz in Dallas? The Cowboys’ position is that help simply isn’t needed here.
