Ravens lead the race to sign Zach Ertz along with Chiefs, Bills, Eagles

Superstar tight end and former Arizona Cardinals playmaker Zach Ertz officially became a free agent on Dec. 1 after clearing waivers without being claimed by any NFL franchise. The veteran was released on Thursday following a mutual agreement so the aging player can ring-chase for the remainder of the season.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, the most probable teams to fit Ertz's needs that make for potential destinations include the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles.

At 33 years old, Ertz simply wants to win games, not (that much) money at this point in his career as he approaches retirement. As many veterans out there, it's believed (as former teammate JJ Watt revealed) that Ertz only wants to sign with a 2023 Super Bowl contender.

Ertz suffered a torn ACL injury in November 2022 and had only appeared in a few games with the Cardinals in the 2023 season.

He leaves the desert having 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown to his name this season, which is far from his peak production but still interesting to fill the roster of a contending franchise such as the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens, in pole position to sign TE Zach Ertz

Baltimore was quickly considered to be in contention for landing Ertz, but now the whispers have grown louder (if not straight become official) following Schefter's report.

The fact that the Ravens won't be able to count on elite tight end Mark Andrews due to a near-season-ending injury suffered a few weeks ago should also turn the franchise into the strongest suitor and most appetizing option for Ertz to sign with.

The Chiefs already have a legitimate TE1 in tow and he is used often on a per-snap basis in Travis Kelce. The Bills are realistically not contending for the Super Bowl this season. And the Eagles and Ertz, while sharing a past, ended their relationship on a sour note.

The Eagles are currently thin at the tight end position, especially with Dallas Goedert recovering from arm surgery although expected back at some point before the season is over.

Ertz spent nine seasons with the Eagles, yes, but he was traded to Arizona after both sides had some confrontations regarding a contract signing that Philly simply refused to pay for, failing to meet Ertz's demands only to pay a hefty sum to current TE1 Goedert a few months later.

The Eagles, Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens have limited cap space, but all franchises should have enough room to land Ertz. The Eagles and Chiefs have a little over $2.5MM in cap space, followed by the Bills at $1.5MM. The Ravens have the advantage on that front with room for $6.4MM.