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Cardinals Release Zach Ertz Per Request

The Arizona Cardinals have released tight end Zach Ertz, according to J.J. Watt.

Donnie Druin

Cardinals Release Zach Ertz Per Request
Cardinals Release Zach Ertz Per Request /
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ARIZONA -- Former Arizona Cardinals DE J.J. Watt isn't in the insider business, though he did break some pretty big news on Thursday. 

Watt said on Twitter the Cardinals granted Zach Ertz's request for a release in order to join a contending team.

"Trying new things in retirement, so let’s steal @AdamSchefter job for a day... TE Zach Ertz has requested & been granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals. The 3-Time Pro Bowler plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring (This is easy Adam)"

UPDATE: The Cardinals have now made it official.

Ertz, currently on injured reserve with a quad injury but eligible to be lifted off at any time, has played in just seven games for the Cardinals in 2023. He just turned 33 years old. 

Ertz first arrived in Arizona via trade back in October of 2021, where he was sent from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Tay Gowan and a Day 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

Ertz - in 28 career games with Arizona - caught 130 passes for 1,167 yards and eight touchdowns. He previously won a Super Bowl with the Eagles and had hoped to accomplish the same in the desert, though the Cardinals ultimately hit the reset button.

Ertz is just the latest talented veteran to depart from Arizona after hopes of winning a title. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins are two recent names lost in the offseason. 

The Cardinals have not announced anything official at this time, though they are obviously confident in Trey McBride and what he can do. The second-year tight end has impressed everybody in the building and likely would have started even if Ertz returned to the team. 

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!