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Finally, the Arizona Cardinals tight ends should play a major role

By Daniel Outerbridge

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football en route to scoring a 47-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 31-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football en route to scoring a 47-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 31-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Tight ends have become more involved in NFL offenses, except for the Arizona Cardinals. But that will change in 2022.

More offensive coordinators are using tight ends into their schemes as pass catchers, run blockers and even pass protectors. Unfortunately, most teams have just one good tight end as the others on the roster are just good enough in case the starter gets hurt.

Other teams have two decent tight ends that can get the job done, depending on the role they are given.

But the Arizona Cardinals may soon become the envy of the league as they will have three outstanding tight ends at their disposal once the season begins.

Zach Ertz, Maxx Williams, and rookie Trey McBride should all have a defined role within Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive scheme, and it will be interesting to see how they will be implemented in the Air Raid.

Here is a closer at the Arizona Cardinals tight ends:

Arizona Cardinals
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Zach Ertz /

Zach Ertz can be the best tight end for the Arizona Cardinals in a long time.

Before the Cardinals acquired Ertz via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles last season, it seemed like he wasn’t the same player we were used to seeing. Before he was traded, Ertz had only 189 yards with 18 catches through 6 games.

With the emergence of Dallas Goedert and the Eagles transitioning through a change at the quarterback position, Ertz’s future in Philadelphia appeared to be coming to an end.

But as the saying goes, one man’s trash is another one’s treasure, as Ertz definitely has benefitted from a change of scenery, a new city, a new quarterback, and a new system.

In 11 games with the Cardinals, he thrived while he compiled 574 yards with 56 catches and 3 TDs as he became a reliable safety blanket for Kyler Murray.

Now, with the 2022-23 approaching, it will be interesting to see what Ertz can accomplish within this offense system in an entire season. During the offseason, the Cardinals were so impressed with Ertz that they rewarded him with a brand new 3-year contract worth $31.65 million with $14 million guaranteed.

Ertz is a veteran who brings a winning attitude and drive and is a player who loves the game of football. He runs excellent routes, finds openings in zone defenses, and has decent speed and acceleration for his size.

Ertz is capable of moving the chains (especially on 3rd downs) as he should receive plenty of targets this season. Also, expect Ertz to be a mentor to Trey McBride during his rookie season and show him the ropes.

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