Pros and Cons of Lions Signing Zach Ertz
The Detroit Lions lost a key piece of their offense in Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta in their regular season finale.
LaPorta reportedly suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in the 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Though the initial diagnosis doesn't have the same severity that many feared, it will still likely cause the rookie to miss Detroit's playoff opener against Los Angeles Sunday.
With LaPorta playing an important role in Detroit's offense, the Lions will have a missing piece in their passing game. Additionally, depth is light at the position with the rookie out and backup Brock Wright's status is in doubt having missed the last three games with a hip injury.
As a result, the Lions would be wise to evaluate external options who could help their offense in a pinch. Among those available is three-time Pro Bowl selection Zach Ertz, who was waived by Arizona in late November.
Ertz was waived after recording 27 catches for 187 yards and one score for the Cardinals this season. He has yet to land with a new team, and his combination of established production and veteran experience could be exactly what the Lions need as they enter the postseason.
In his career, Ertz has logged 7,434 yards and 46 touchdowns amongst 12 seasons. He played nine years with the Eagles, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping the team win Super Bowl 52.
The Lions utilize their tight ends in a variety of ways, be it through the air or as a blocker in the run game. With James Mitchell as the only current healthy option, Ertz would be a natural fit given his veteran status.
The Lions have shown a knack for bringing in veterans throughout this season. General manager Brad Holmes had brought in a pair this season in outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive tackle Tyson Alualu.
In both cases, they were signed to the practice squad and spent multiple weeks getting back into football shape before being elevated to the active roster.
Because Ertz has played in seven games this season, that time frame allocating for re-acclimation may not be necessary. The veteran also has a connection to Detroit, as his former position coach in Arizona was current Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden.
The Lions could also consult internal options to fill the void left by LaPorta. Anthony Firkser is a familiar face, having spent the majority of the season on the practice squad. If Wright is able to return Sunday, that would be vital for Detroit's depth.
He has played in two games and was brought back to the practice squad last week after being waived in a measure to create a roster spot for a pair of returning defenders.
Darrell Daniels is another veteran option who played three games for the Lions earlier this season before being waived. However, Daniels' primary role was to fill the void at fullback left by Jason Cabinda's injury.
If Ertz is in a position to play right away, bringing him to the practice squad would be a strong move. Detroit can't afford to wait on a signing, as the length of LaPorta's absence is currently unknown.
With the win-or-go-home aspect of Sunday's playoff game, finding a quick fix is of the utmost importance.
Elevations for practice squad players are unlimited in the postseason, which would allow the Lions to not worry about maxing out his abilities to play despite not being on the active roster.
LaPorta's absence leaves a major hole for the Lions' passing attack. He was second on the team in both receptions and yards. Additionally, he tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns and was a weapon near the goal-line.
As a result, the Lions must find a way to allocate his production elsewhere.
