Why the Ravens could still trade for Zach Ertz this summer

The Baltimore Ravens have more pressing needs than the tight end position on their roster. But that doesn’t mean a Zach Ertz trade doesn’t still make a ton of sense for the team.

The Ravens have been connected to Ertz trade rumors as far back as last season as reports surfaced that Baltimore was interested in trading for Ertz prior to his injury.

That, evidently, never came to be. But with the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly shopping Ertz this offseason, the Ravens were one of the teams that came up as potential suitors.

Even as we approach training camp, the possibility still remains that the Ravens could make a trade for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Why Zach Ertz still makes sense for the Ravens.

Ertz is certainly not the player he used to be. A troublesome 2020 season headlined by a decrease in playing time and a high-ankle sprain saw him finish with just 36 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown.

It was statistically the worst year of Ertz’s career, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was one of the best tight ends in football. And even at 30-years-old, he can still make an impact for the Ravens.

Baltimore already has one of the best tight-end duos in the NFL in Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle. Andrews is an undisputed top-five player at his position while Boyle remains arguably the league’s best run-blocking tight end.

But the Ravens are known for their love of tight ends. And with Boyle still rehabbing from a gruesome knee injury he suffered last year, Ertz would provide additional depth to an already-strong tight end room.

There’s no guarantee that Boyle is ready for Week 1. Behind him, the likes of Josh Oliver, Eric Tomlinson, Eli Wolf, Jacob Breeland, and Tony Poljan are competing for the No. 3 tight end job.

The team also has Patrick Ricard and fifth-round rookie Ben Mason who can double as tight ends from time to time as well.

But the Ravens could use the extra depth, especially if Boyle isn’t going to be ready for the start of the season. And you aren’t going to find better depth in mid-July than Zach Ertz.

Ertz would be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense where he could double as an effective in-line blocker and an additional target for Lamar Jackson in the passing game.

It likely wouldn’t cost much to acquire him either, probably nothing more than a late Day 3 pick at this stage.

You could make the argument that the Ravens have more pressing needs to address with their limited cap space — signing a veteran pass rusher obviously comes to mind.

But Zach Ertz has the potential to make a significant impact in the Ravens’ offense. This is still a trade worth exploring.