TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals made a significant move on Thursday, announcing the release of tight end Zach Ertz.
Ertz’s release came after he requested it, as reported by his former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt, who recently retired. ESPN sources confirmed the mutual decision between Arizona and Ertz, allowing him the opportunity to pursue another team for the remainder of the season.
Referring to Watt’s tweet, Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed his intention to join a championship contender for a chance at his second Super Bowl ring.
The 33-year-old Ertz is now subject to waivers before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Ertz, who was traded to Arizona from Philadelphia in October 2021, has been on injured reserve since Oct. 24 due to a quad strain. Although he was eligible to return after four weeks, his window to resume practice did not open.
Having recovered from an ACL and MCL injury sustained in Week 10 of the previous season, Ertz participated in the 2023 season opener. In the current season, he has played in seven games, registering 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown.