The Baltimore Ravens are adjusting to life without Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews as they gear up for a difficult final five-game stretch of the season.
The Ravens may be looking to make an addition at the tight end position, as according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, Baltimore is among four teams most interested in signing veteran free agent tight end Zach Ertz.
Eagles, Ravens, Bills and Chiefs are the four teams “most interested” in signing Zach Ertz according to @Schultz_Report in the B/R App pic.twitter.com/bdmA4RTWiZ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 1, 2023
The two-win Arizona Cardinals released the 33-year-old tight end per his request earlier in the week. After clearing waivers, Ertz can sign with any team of his choosing.
While Ertz is not the same player he once was in his prime with the Philadelphia Eagles, he can still contribute to a contending team with a need at the tight end position.
The Ravens turned to second-year tight end Isaiah Likely in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers — the first full game without Andrews in the lineup. Likely responded with 40 yards on four catches, demonstrating his elusive after-the-catch ability.
While Likely should remain the team’s top option at the position in the passing game, Ertz is a potential upgrade over fellow second-year tight end Charlie Kolar. It would provide quarterback Lamar Jackson with another safety blanket in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
In seven games played this season with the Cardinals, Ertz caught 27 passes on 43 targets for 187 yards and one touchdown.