NFL Rumors: Zach Ertz, 6 Playoff Teams Have Contract Talks but TE 'Remaining Patient' | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has engaged in "serious conversations" with six NFL playoff contenders as he weighs his next steps, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero reported the three-time Pro Bowler "is remaining patient to find the right fit."

The Arizona Cardinals released Ertz on Nov. 30, with former Cardinals teammate JJ Watt reporting he's looking to chase a second Super Bowl title.

Given a number of factors, it seemed fair to wonder what kind of market would materialize.

Ertz turned 33 in November and was the second-best tight end in Arizona this season. Trey McBride leads the Cardinals in both receptions (56) and receiving yards (610), far outpacing what Ertz did in his seven appearances (27 catches, 187 yards and one touchdown).

In addition, only six games were left in the regular season when he parted ways with Arizona. That wasn't a lot of time for him to sign with a new team and get acquainted ahead of the postseason, and now that window has shrunk even further.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Dec. 3 that Ertz and another notable free agent, linebacker Shaquille Leonard, were "likely to have new homes in the next 48 or so hours." While that proved true with Leonard, Ertz obviously remains uncommitted.

Schefter listed the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles as having "expressed varying forms of interest."

The Ravens are a logical landing spot with Mark Andrews out injured for perhaps the rest of the season, but head coach John Harbaugh was somewhat dismissive when asked about the idea of signing Ertz.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch this week left open the possibility but likewise said he likes the team's depth behind George Kittle at tight end.

Philadelphia, where Ertz spent his first nine seasons, is seeing Dallas Goedert work his way back from a fractured forearm, thus lessening the need for another tight end.

Based on Pelissero's reporting, Ertz isn't suffering from a lack of interest. The longer he waits, though, the more he's seemingly risking a prospective suitor walking away given there will only be four weeks at most in which he can play at this point before the postseason kicks off.