Report: Zach Ertz, Eagles recently restarted contract talks

The Philadelphia Eagles recently “reengaged on contract talks” with Zach Ertz, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. ESPN’s Tim McManus confirmed that report but also adds that “a deal does not appear close.”

We previously wrote about Ertz’s contract situation at length following the market-setting extensions signed by George Kittle and Travis Kelce. It’s a tricky situation for the Eagles to navigate due to a number of factors: Ertz’s strong track record of production, his close relationship with franchise quarterback Carson Wentz, the presence of potential heir Dallas Goedert, etc.

The Eagles’ best course of action, though, is ... inaction.

The feeling here is that the Eagles shouldn’t be in a rush to extend Ertz at this point. He’s signed through 2021 so he has two years remaining on his current deal. It’s not like there’s a rush to get ahead of the market now that it has already been set so high.

The Eagles should see how the 2020 season plays out. Maybe the Eagles look to trade Ertz in 2021 if Goedert shows he’s capable of handling an even bigger role. Or maybe the Eagles decide they should keep both — an outcome the organization internally believes is at least possible — if their 12 personnel package proves to be very successful. Gathering data from the upcoming campaign can help the team decide what to do after the year is over.

Ertz’s camp might be applying pressure to get a deal done sooner than later and it’s fair for them to take that approach. There’s no question he deserves to get paid.

But the Eagles need to hold firm and wait.