NFL Rumors: 3 trade destinations for Zach Ertz if the Eagles move him

If there’s one person who knows how important it is to have a top-five tight end on your team. it’s New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. After Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL after their Super Bowl 53 win, Belichick failed to find a quality replacement to replicate his production. Benjamin Watson and Matt LaCosse failed to make an impact in New England’s offense, and it played a role in team being eliminated by the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card Round.

2020 has been no different. Ryan Izzo is New England’s most “productive” tight end by default, as he caught 7-of-12 targets for 90 yards. Rookie Dalton Keene was only targeted once through the first six games of the campaign, which he caught for eight yards. New England’s offense overall has been pretty lackluster overall, regardless of who’s starting under center. Meanwhile it has to sting seeing Gronkowski shining with former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Patriots are reported to be sellers at the trade deadline, considering they sit well out of a playoff berth. But if New England lands a high enough pick to select a Justin Fields or Trey Lance, you can expect the organization to provide them with premier weapons. Ertz would be a perfect fit in New England, as he can take over the Gronkowski role on offense.