With tight end Zach Ertz still available on the NFL free agent market ahead of Week 14, several contenders including the 9–3 Ravens remain among the teams closely linked to the injured veteran.
Ertz’s connection to Baltimore, next to a reunion with the Eagles, has drawn heavy speculation since his release from the Cardinals was originally reported by retired star J.J. Watt on Nov. 30. Despite the team’s apparent need at the position, the Ravens may not have Ertz in their current plans, according to coach John Harbaugh.
Speaking to reporters fresh off Baltimore’s Week 13 bye, Harbaugh addressed the team’s level of interest in Ertz amid the ongoing rumors and acknowledged that, while the idea hasn’t been ruled out, the team plans to prioritize its current group over signing the 33-year-old at this time.
“Any time a great player is out there, you sure look at it,” Harbaugh said Monday, per the team’s official website. “But I would say this about that right now: we like our tight ends. We really like our guys.”
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
“The guys we have right now, our young guys, they’re real guys,” he added. “They’re real players. I think right now we’ll just roll with those guys.”
Although the rumors will likely persist, Harbaugh’s comments seemingly indicate a strong level of confidence in second-year tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, who have served as the starter and top backup, respectively, since Mark Andrews went down with a serious leg injury in Week 11.
As is often the case, Baltimore’s approach, despite Monday’s update, could change at any point. But for now, things appear to be remaining status quo with Sunday’s home game against the Rams on the horizon.
