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Eagles Tabbed 'Perfect Trade Fit' For Former Top Draft Pick

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 19:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Eagles Trade Zach Ertz to the 49ers for a Draft Pick – A “Perfect Fit” for a Rebuilding Team

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL’s Mid‑Atlantic corridor, the Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that they had traded veteran tight end Zach Ertz to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2025 second‑round draft pick. The deal—reported as a “perfect fit” by the Eagles’ front office—reflects a broader strategy of balancing cap space, rewarding player performance, and laying the groundwork for a long‑term rebuild.

A Quick Recap of Zach Ertz

Drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft (14th overall), Zach Ertz spent eight seasons with the Eagles before heading to the 49ers. In Philadelphia, Ertz recorded 11,040 receiving yards, 80 touchdown receptions, and earned six Pro Bowl selections. His consistent production earned him a five‑year, $41.5 million extension in 2019 that runs through the 2023 season, with a $5 million salary cap hit in 2024 and a $5.6 million hit in 2025.

Ertz has been the tight end anchor of an Eagles offense that reached the NFC Championship Game in 2021 and has played a key role in the team’s passing attack. Though his best statistical seasons came early in his career, the 2023 season saw a dip in production as younger tight ends stepped into a more prominent role.

The Trade Details

The trade, which was completed early Monday night, sends Ertz to San Francisco in exchange for the 2025 second‑round pick the 49ers originally received from the Eagles in a 2024 trade that sent the Eagles’ first‑round pick to the 49ers for a 2024 second‑round pick (see the 49ers' transaction log for full details). In addition to the draft pick, the 49ers will assume Ertz’s remaining $5.6 million cap hit for 2025 and pay the $0.5 million signing bonus owed to him in the off‑season.

For the Eagles, the trade frees up $7.6 million in cap space for the 2024 season and yields a valuable second‑round asset that can be used to target any position in the upcoming draft. The Eagles can also re‑tool the tight end position by promoting rookie TE Jaxon Smith—the team’s 2024 first‑round pick (21st overall)—who was selected from the University of Alabama.

The 49ers, meanwhile, are filling a gap at the tight end position after the departure of former starter Darren Waller. Ertz brings veteran leadership and a proven route‑running skill set that fits head coach Kyle Shanahan’s pass‑heavy scheme. According to a 49ers front‑office statement, “Zach’s experience in a well‑structured offense is exactly what we need for our offensive line to thrive.”

Why This Move Makes Sense for Both Teams

Philadelphia: Cap Management and Draft Capital

The Eagles have been transparent about their “Cap‑First” rebuild strategy, which focuses on acquiring high‑value picks while staying compliant with the 2024 salary‑cap ceiling. By trading Ertz, the Eagles shed a significant salary‑cap hit and gain a second‑round pick that can be used on a player who is both cost‑effective and fits the team's positional needs.

The Eagles have already begun a “Depth‑First” approach in the 2024 draft, selecting Jaxon Smith as their TE, Isaac Johnson at offensive guard, and Marvin Lee at defensive tackle. The second‑round pick earned in this trade can provide further depth at any of those positions, or even at quarterback—an area where the Eagles are still searching for a long‑term solution.

San Francisco: Experience and Offensive Flexibility

The 49ers, after a solid 2023 season that saw them return to the playoffs, are looking to add experience to a roster that is still building around the star duo of George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson. Ertz’s familiarity with a West‑coast offensive philosophy gives the 49ers a quick turnaround to incorporate him into their game plan.

Moreover, Ertz’s proven chemistry with receiver Marquez Valdes‑Jones—who recently signed a contract extension with the 49ers—creates an immediate threat to opposing defenses. This pairing offers a versatile weapon set for the 49ers’ upcoming games, especially against teams with strong pass rushes.

Broader Implications for the NFC East

The trade reverberates across the NFC East as other teams evaluate their roster moves. The Dallas Cowboys are still on the hunt for a starting tight end after letting C.J. Fiedler go to free agency. The Washington Commanders, on the other hand, have decided to re‑invest in their offensive line by extending Matt Slauson, while the New York Giants remain committed to their 2024 first‑round pick, Khalil Smith, a highly touted tight end prospect.

The Eagles’ move may prompt rivals to consider similar transactions if they find themselves with a surplus at a position that can be traded for valuable draft capital. It also signals to free‑agent tight ends that the Eagles are ready to move on from an established veteran in favor of young talent and cap flexibility.

Conclusion

While Zach Ertz’s tenure with the Eagles will be remembered for his big‑moment catches and solid play, the trade to the 49ers marks a logical step for both franchises. Philadelphia capitalizes on a cap‑efficient deal that secures a second‑round pick for future growth, while San Francisco gains a seasoned tight end who can step into an offense that has already proven capable of producing high‑percentage, high‑impact plays.

As the 2024 season draws nearer, the true impact of this trade will become clear. The Eagles will need to prove that the draft capital can translate into on‑field success, while the 49ers will showcase how Zach Ertz’s veteran presence can help lift the offense to the next level. Either way, the trade underscores the ever‑evolving balance of talent, economics, and strategy that keeps the NFL exciting for fans, front offices, and players alike.