Philadelphia, PA – March 4, 2025 – In a move blending nostalgia with fiscal savvy, the Philadelphia Eagles have brought back tight end Zach Ertz, signing the Super Bowl LII hero to a one-year, $985,000 contract as a free agent—the league minimum for a veteran of his tenure. The 34-year-old, who etched his name in Eagles lore with nine standout seasons from 2013 to 2021, returns to Philly after bouncing between the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders, offering fans a heartwarming reunion at a bargain price.
A Low-Cost Homecoming
Ertz’s deal, with no guaranteed money beyond the $985,000 base salary and minimal incentives tied to snaps, reflects the Eagles’ tight salary cap situation—projected at just $22 million for 2025 after heavy dead money hits. GM Howie Roseman, a master of cap gymnastics, called it “a no-brainer” to add a proven winner for pennies on the dollar. “Zach knows this team, this city, and he’s still got gas in the tank,” Roseman said. “At this price, it’s a steal.”
The three-time Pro Bowler’s return comes after a solid 2024 with Washington—51 catches, 526 yards, and 4 touchdowns—showing he’s far from washed up. He’ll slot in as TE2 behind Dallas Goedert, adding depth to a position thinned by injuries and Grant Calcaterra’s looming 2025 free agency. “I’d play here for free,” Ertz quipped at his introductory presser. “But I’ll take the paycheck.”
Why It Works
Post-Super Bowl LIX champs (a 40-22 rout of Kansas City), the Eagles are in win-now mode but cash-strapped. Ertz’s dirt-cheap deal—equivalent to a rookie minimum—lets them keep a veteran presence without breaking the bank. He’s 11 receptions shy of Harold Carmichael’s franchise record (589), a milestone that could cement his Philly legacy. Plus, his playoff chops—think that 7-yard TD catch in 2018—bring clutch DNA to a squad eyeing a repeat.
Fans on X lit up: “Ertz at under $1M? Howie’s a wizard!” Another posted, “Super Bowl vibes are back!” His off-field impact, like the Ertz Family Foundation’s local charity work, only sweetens the deal.
Risks and Rewards
At 34, Ertz isn’t the 1,000-yard threat of old, and past quad injuries raise durability flags. Still, he cleared medicals, and the Eagles see him as a situational weapon—red-zone targets, third-down reliability—while mentoring rookie Gunnar Helm. If he falters, cutting him costs nothing beyond the prorated $985,000.
For Ertz, it’s personal. “Philly’s home,” he said. “I want another ring and that record.” At this price, the Eagles get a low-risk shot at both. Fly, Eagles, Fly—on a dime.
