NFL Rumors: Zach Ertz Calls Contract Negotiations With Eagles 'Difficult'

Tight end Zach Ertz wants to stay with the Eagles long-term, but he's not sure whether "that feeling is mutual" after their recent discussions over a contract extension came to an abrupt halt.

The two sides resumed talks over a possible contract extension following George Kittle's and Travis Kelce's lucrative deals this offseason. The 49ers gave Kittle a five-year, $75 million deal, while the Chiefs locked in Kelce with a four-year, $57 million deal. However, Ertz's contract discussions suddenly ended after Philadelphia reportedly made an offer with less guaranteed money than their previous offer in November. Ertz, who has two years left on his contract, reportedly turned down a deal that would have paid him $10.5 million per year.

On Thursday, Ertz opened up to reporters about the talks over his extension.

"It's been frustrating at times. It's been difficult," said Ertz. "I want to be here. I don't know for sure if that feeling is mutual. I'm going to play this year like it's my last year."

Ertz has spent seven seasons in Philadelphia after the Eagles drafted him in 2013. 

Check out the latest news and rumors from around the NFL:

• Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton will undergo an MRI after injuring his shoulder during Thursday's practice. Sutton suffered the injury after making a reaching catch and falling to the ground. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson restructured his deal on Thursday to make room for Jason Peters's new contract. Johnson "pushed much of his base salary into a signing bonus creating more than $5 million in cap room and pushing money to the future." (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Broncos pass rusher Von Miller will undergo surgery to repair his dislocated tendon. The surgery will sideline Miller for several months and likely for the whole season. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Clay Matthews's agent, Ryan Williams, said the linebacker remains "open to playing in the NFL in 2020" after it was reported he would not play this season. Williams said Matthew recently communicated with the Broncos but was unable to come to an agreement with the team. (Mike Garafolo, NFL Network)
• Nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters has reworked his deal with the Eagles following his move to left tackle. Peters re-signed with Philadelphia in July and planned to play guard for the first time in his career, but switched back to left tackle after Andre Dillard's season-ending injury. His new deal is worth up to $8 million, including $4 million guaranteed. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• The Jaguars, who are dealing with several injuries ahead of Sunday's opener, have signed former Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale. Jacksonville placed Devine Ozigbo on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and Ryquell Armstead is on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Ogunbowale was cut by Tampa Bay last week, days before the team signed Leonard Fournette. (Team announcement)
• The Jets signed linebacker Alec Ogletree to their practice squad. The Giants released Ogletree in February after two seasons with the team. Ogletree provides insurance for the Jets, who will play without C.J. Mosley in 2020 since he opted out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns. (Team announcement)