Three reasons a reunion with Super Bowl LII hero doesn't make sense for Eagles

Ahead of Week 13, news broke that the Arizona Cardinals had released veteran tight end Zach Ertz, leading to speculation that he might return to the team that drafted him – the Philadelphia Eagles – for another Super Bowl run. While the thought might sound intriguing, it doesn't make much sense for the Eagles. Here are three reasons why:

Ertz doesn't fit what the Eagles do: Ertz has proven to be a reliable pass catcher, but the 11-year veteran isn't what he used to be physically. Furthermore, the Eagles system demands athleticism from its tight ends and a skill Ertz has always lacked: the ability to block effectively.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ertz has graded poorly as a blocker in the passing (29.4) and rushing game (51.8) this season. Compared to Eagles backup TEs Grant Calcaterra (64.3 pass, 77.7 rushing) and Jack Stoll (51.8 pass, 60.7 rushing), Ertz certainly isn't an upgrade. His limitations would cap the situations in which the team could use him while undoubtedly hindering his usefulness.  

Starter Dallas Goedert will be back soon: The Eagles starting tight end is close to returning from a fractured forearm suffered in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. While he's unlikely to suit up for the team's NFC Championship Game rematch with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, he seems on track to return for the Eagles' second meeting with the Cowboys the following week. 

The Eagles' offense has missed Goedert, as it's hard to replace a tight end who has produced 50 or more catches in three of the last four seasons. If the expectation were that Goedert would miss more time, then plugging Ertz in for the home stretch of the regular season would make more sense. That isn't the case, though, meaning Ertz would simply be insurance. Which isn't bad, though his presence might be redundant. 

Eagles have more pressing needs: With Goedert on the mend, the Eagles' need at tight end isn't as great. However, there is one position that could use an upgrade. Linebacker play hasn't been a strength of the Eagles this season and starter Zach Cunningham's (hamstring) status is in question, meaning the team could use a proven veteran to plug and play. One is available in recently released former Indianapolis Colt Shaq Leonard, with whom the Eagles have already met. 

Leonard isn't without drawbacks, having undergone back surgery twice before being released in November, but neither is the 33-year-old Ertz, currently nursing a quad injury. While adding both players couldn't hurt, a potential starting linebacker should trump a backup tight end.

Ertz still has talent and he's arguably a better pass-catching option than anyone the Eagles have at tight end, minus Goedert. However, some may be falling victim to nostalgia, expecting Ertz to be the player who helped clinch the Eagles' victory in Super Bowl LII. Ertz could still triumphantly return to Philly and maybe have a small impact, but adding him shouldn't be at the top of the Eagles' to-do list.