Cardinals release Zach Ertz: TE requests release, sources say

TEMPE, Ariz. — In a surprising development, the Arizona Cardinals made the decision to waive tight end Zach Ertz on Thursday, as confirmed by sources at ESPN.

It was revealed by former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt, now retired, that Ertz requested his release, leading to the team’s decision. Watt broke the news of Ertz’s release and request in a social media post earlier on Thursday. The decision was described as a mutual agreement between Ertz and Arizona, allowing him an opportunity to seek opportunities with other teams for the remainder of the season.

According to Watt’s post on X, Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, “plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring.”

Ertz is now set to navigate through waivers before eventually becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Following his trade from Philadelphia to Arizona in October 2021, Ertz has been on injured reserve since Oct. 24 due to a quad strain. Although eligible to return after four weeks, he did not have the opportunity to resume practice with the team.

Having recovered from an ACL and MCL injury suffered in Week 10 of the previous season, Ertz made a comeback in the 2023 season opener. Throughout this season, Ertz has accumulated 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown in a total of seven games played.