4 free-agent tight ends 49ers can pursue to pair with George Kittle
By Peter Panacy
49ers TE target No. 2: Zach Ertz, Cardinals
There was a time not long ago when former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was in the pantheon of the NFL’s best tight ends along with George Kittle and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce.
No longer, but that doesn’t mean Ertz is rapidly hitting the decline phase of his career.
Ertz, of course, was traded by Philly to the Arizona Cardinals just before last year’s NFL trade deadline, a move predicated by the Cardinals losing their top tight end, Maxx Williams, to a season-ending knee injury, ironically against the 49ers.
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Over 11 games played with Arizona, the 31-year-old Ertz was certainly productive enough, recording 56 catches for 574 yards and three touchdowns.
Again, not elite-level tight end production by any stretch, but those numbers are more than worthy to consider for a No. 2 option.
It’s possible Ertz would be willing to take a smaller deal than what he otherwise might command, provided he gets to join a contender. And with Williams poised to return, it’s no guarantee the Cardinals will bring him back.
Perhaps the Niners would entertain the thought.