Zach Ertz‘s free agent period is set to come to an end. The Pro Bowl tight end has agreed to a deal with the Lions, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 
Ertz was let go by the Cardinals November 30, a move which placed him on the waiver wire. No team claimed him, but a number of potential suitors emerged shortly after he became a free agent. The Lions were not named amongst the contending teams believed to have shown interest, but they have now secured veteran insurance at the TE spot in advance of the NFC title game.
A reunion with the Eagles seemed to be on the table for Ertz, but no deal materialized. Other playoff-bound teams like the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens and 49ers were also floated as possible landing spots. In all, Ertz is believed to have spoken with six teams seriously interested in adding him. Detroit appears to have been a member of that group given today’s move.
Pelissero notes Ertz will join Detroit’s practice squad, something which has become commonplace in the NFL with respect to in-season additions. The Lions lost backup tight end Brock Wright to a forearm injury on Sunday, but Ertz will be able to step in if needed next week against the 49ers. The latter worked with Detroit’s tight ends coach (Steve Heiden) in Arizona, so familiarizing himself in the Lions’ offense should not be difficult even on short notice.
Of course, standout rookie Sam LaPorta will be counted on to lead the way at the TE position as Detroit’s playoff run continues. The second-rounder entered the postseason with injury concerns, but he has combined for 12 receptions, 79 yards and a touchdown across the Lions’ wins against the Rams and Buccaneers. LaPorta will be a critical member of the team’s passing game against San Francisco, but Ertz could provide a complementary option if needed.
The latter showed an ability to remain productive after his midseason trade from the Eagles to the Cardinals in 2021. His first full season with Arizona was cut short by an ACL tear, and upon returning to health this season, the 33-year-old received five or fewer targets on four occasions. With Trey McBride in place as the Cardinals’ top option now and in the future, Ertz asked to be let go in an effort to find a new home. He has finally secured an opportunity for at least one game as he looks to rebuild his free agent stock.
I am now a Lions fan.
same here. I was born and raised in Baltimore so im pulling for them in the AFC and the Lions in the NFC. Plus I wanna laugh at the 49ers if they lose this NFCCG with their QB.
At least the 49ers have a QB… Jackson the joke is a glorified running back manufactured by the league, who is desperate for a black QB. Ravens are boring and gifted games by the refs. Laugh at a 7th round pick advancing beyond what scouts thought of him? You must be 12…. What am I saying, you’re a ravens fan, more like 65 going on 12.
Come on man! That’s what you got? Nothing of substance there. Go to a message board that’s not mainstream because you literally have zero substance. Last o checked Lamar has been an MVP for the league and literally destroyed SF when they played earlier in the year while Purdy literally played his worst game of his pro career. Get some help brother because you need it. I d take Lamar on My team any day of the week.
You’re way too woke for these message boards, bro. Back to Fortnite with you!
Nice 2022 post.
You know how I know you live in your parents attic…I read your post.
Although this is inconsequential, and almost all of these situations have been in the past, this needs to be against the rules. If I was a veteran and one of the best in the game, and went through the second contract, the break the bank 100 million contract where you’re financially set for life, I wouldn’t sign with anyone ever again and just stay a free agent and only play in super Bowls. These types of additions in the post season are always off the radar small, but what if a lot of top veteran players could join your opponent right in the last game? It’s obviously not likely to ever happen but it seems like it’s technically possible.
Agreed – there needs to be a cut-off date to be included on post-season roster, just as in MLB. Activating somebody from IR, sure. Free agents signings, absolutely no.
MLB is different because of their minor leagues. NFL has a practice squad, but what if a kicker gets hurt? Most teams don’t have a kicker on their practice squad, they just can’t kick field goals and extra points?
Why? A guy gets hurt so you hire a replacement. Simple business concept.
he wants a ring cuz he needs the ego boost, prettyboy
With a 17-game schedule, limiting these deals would be insane with all the injuries. Teams have to fill out their rosters. Buffalo’s defense was a good example yesterday as they wouldn’t have had enough linebackers without the late addition of Klein (even then they were shorthanded).
Great point. There should be hundreds of laws stopping businesses from hiring employees. Where do you come up with this stuff?
Another with no business acumen attempting business analogies. There was no mention of labor law, there should be a cutoff date of said hiring of employees to prevent a situation of star players joining a team at the Super Bowl. That was pretty clear, should have spoken slowly I guess. Also, the roster is 53 players and a practice squad, not simply 22 players. So, hire from within after a cutoff date. If you want a disaster clause in the rule seeking an exception if for example all your qb get hurt then put a disaster clause in there. I still don’t see how this is apparently an incredibly stupid point to make but whatever.
Uh, because practice squad players are stop-gap at best. If a team has a chance to sign a better player they are allowed to do so at any time during the season or postseason. But if you don’t like it, take it up with the players union and tell them that you would like to limit job opportunities.
They’re replacing an injured player. Why should it be illegal to replace an injured player?
Must be 49ers fans who want Detroit to be short-handed on offense.
If Deebo is going to miss, let’s watch who SF brings in.
If deebo misses it will be another on the roster that is active. Lions likely added Ertz because Brock Wright is going on IR. Deebo wont be put on IR.
You do realize the 9ers would have done this exact same thing last year if they made the SB.
Purdy was out.
Jimmy still recovering from broken foot
Lance was out
Josh Johnson is Josh Johnson
They would have called up River or Big Ben to play for them in a SB.
Lmao dude waited until the final four to sign. Homie wants a ring don’t blame him ahhaha
And both of Detroits backup tight ends are hurt so it makes sense for both sides to come to an agreement.
And the relationship with the former cardinals coach
God damnit Niners! You should’ve brought Ertz home months ago! This is why Shanahan and Lynch drive me nuts. Not having a RT, backup TE, secondary help and a reliable kicker will cost them eventually
Much ado about nothing. If the Lions playoff hopes against the Niners rest on securing this late free agent signing…then they are already beat. I suspect Ertz will be with Detroit just long enough to grab a coffee then he will be back on waivers.
Where did anyone post that this was the piece that would help the Lions beat the Niners? They are simply filling a roster spot with who they believe is the best available candidate.
Ignore our resident pessimist. That old coot isn’t even a Lions fan. Detroit could win the Super Bowl and he’ll tell us how they still haven’t done anything as a franchise. I suspect he goes to funerals for fun.
Its not like he is going to play every down. He may get 12-17 plays. Most likely red zone plays.