Eagles announced on Monday the signing of Zach Ertz t a five-year deal. Photo by Jesse Simmers / contrastphotography.com

By Bob Grotz
Footballstories contributor

PHILADELPHIA – Zach Ertz thinks the Eagles can build on the chemistry they had with soon-to-be free agent Sam Bradford.

That didn’t keep Ertz from signing a five-year $42.5 million contract extension with the Eagles Monday.

Ditto the arrival of Doug Pederson as the new head coach of the Eagles.

“I know a lot of guys would love to have Sam back,” Ertz said at his news conference. “At the same time, we’re very confident in Doug and Howie (Roseman) and Mr. Lurie to decide who is going to be the best person to play quarterback.”

Ertz’ pact averages $8.5 million. Only four tight ends average more, the list topped by Jimmy Graham ($10 million) per Spotrac.com.

The deal ties Ertz to the Eagles through 2021, counting the final year of his rookie contract.

Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman approached Ertz and his agent, Steve Caric, about an extension as soon as the season ended. The Eagles still were interviewing head coach candidates when talks opened with Ertz, the 2013 second-round pick out of Stanford.

It was clear from the start how much the Eagles wanted Ertz to be part of their future. The talks were over almost after they began.

“I wouldn’t say they’re ever easy with Howie,” Caric said. “But yeah, I mean, obviously the Eagles respect the game that Zach brings. From a time standpoint it got done quicker than usual, yeah.”

Ertz has 169 catches for 2,024 yards (12.0 average) and nine touchdowns in three seasons with the Eagles. Last year he caught a career-best 75 passes for 853 receiving yards (11.4 average). Ertz also had two touchdowns.

In the last four games of the 2015 season Ertz hauled in 35 passes for 450 yards (12.9 average). It’s the highest-yardage total by a tight end in NFL history over the last four weeks of a season.

“He loves the city and he really appreciates the organization for drafting him and bringing him along,” Caric said of Ertz. “So I think he’s confident that whatever his role is, regardless of who the coach is or who the quarterback is or anything that this is just where he wanted to be overall.”

Ertz thanked the Eagles, his teammates and coaches, his family and finally the fans. Ertz had a special message for the diehards.

“To the fans of Philadelphia,” Ertz said. “We haven’t brought a Super Bowl home to Philadelphia yet. But I’m not going to rest until we do and we win as many as we possibly can here. They are the best fans in the world and they push us each and every day to be the best that we can be.”