Zach Ertz Had Heated Discussion With GM Howie Roseman After Extension Talks Stalled

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that tensions are high between the Eagles and TE Zach Ertz after he got into a heated discussion with GM Howie Roseman last week.

The incident took place after practice and was witnessed by several Eagles players. Rapoport specifically referred to it as an “airing of grievances” right out in the open.

The good news, however, is that the discussion, which included owner Jeffrey Lurie, also voiced appreciation for one another and reportedly “ended on a very professional tone, saying they are all in it together and that the focus would be on the field.”

Last week, Rapoport mentioned extension talks between the Eagles and Ertz came to an abrupt halt after a lowball offer.

Rapoport says Philadelphia’s offer included less guaranteed money than the proposal Ertz rejected at the end of last season before the tight end market dramatically reset. 

He added that the offer was backloaded, which likely means it had a team-friendly structure, and the cash over the next four seasons averaged less than the roughly $10.5 million the Browns signed TE Austin Hooper for in free agency this offseason. 

Mike Garafolo clarified the Eagles have not closed the door on further discussions but it sounds like Ertz’s camp isn’t happy with where they are now. 

The two sides had restarted talks after deals for 49ers TE George Kittle and Chiefs TE Travis Kelce pushed the bar to $14-$15 million for the top tight ends. 

However, Ertz still has two years left on his contract and the Eagles have an ascending talent in Dallas Goedert on their roster who also has just two years left under contract. 

It remains to be seen if the two sides will be able to work something out. 

Ertz, 29, is a former second-round pick of the Eagles back in 2013. He’s in the fifth year of his six-year, $43.64 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed.

Ertz stands to make base salaries of $7.25 million (2020), and $7.75 million (2021) over the remainder of his deal.

In 2019, Ertz appeared in 15 games for the Eagles and caught 88 passes for 916 yards receiving and six touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding Ertz as the news is available.