The only bond between Dallas and Philadelphia may be coming to an end.
As the NFL offseason rolls on, it’s become clear the Eagles do not see a future for long-time tight end Dallas Goedert in the midnight green under his current contract.
And with the draft commencing this week, the question surrounding his departure may be shifting to when, rather than if.
Since being drafted in 2018, Goedert has been a cornerstone in the Philadelphia offense. He was never a bona fide star, but he was not overlooked by opposing defenses. Even while sharing the field with Zach Ertz until 2021, Goedert found a way to produce as a strong, athletic pass-catcher with unique talent as a playmaker.
The Birds committed to Goedert long term in ‘21, signing him to a four-year, $57 million extension. Since then, as the Eagles stacked their offensive talent with big names, he embraced his role as a safety blanket.
As he enters the final year of the extension, Philadelphia is faced with a difficult decision this summer.
Why It May be Time for Eagles, Goedert to Part Ways
Goedert is due for an $11.7 million cap hit in 2025.
If it wasn’t already clear from Philadelphia’s frugal activity during free agency, it’s hard to pay everybody on a good team. Releasing or trading him before June 1 will free up $9.5 million for the Eagles to spend elsewhere. On a team strapped with stars, that extra cash would go a long way.
Goedert’s lack of durability may also steer Philly toward a severance this offseason. Over the last three seasons, the Eagles have been forced to play without their starting tight end 15 times. It’s a staggering number that likely won’t improve with Goedert on the wrong side of 30.
The money side can be finagled. General manager Howie Roseman is notorious for his use of contract restructures and opening the books through salary cap manipulation. But a dip in production, paired with a drop in availability, forces Philadelphia to scope out alternatives for 2025.
If Goedert is Gone, Who’s Next?
The Birds have had a reliable tight end since the Brent Celek days in the late 2000s. Ertz took the reins from there, followed by Goedert. Even while sporting an offense with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley, the Eagles will need a qualified replacement in order to move away from Goedert.
Conveniently, the 2025 NFL Draft features a plethora of options for the Eagles to find their future at tight end. At pick 32, they likely won’t be able to select or trade up for refined talents Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, but several serviceable prospects sit deeper in the prospect pool.
NFL analyst Todd McShay recently linked LSU tight end Mason Taylor to Philadelphia at the end of the first round. Coincidentally, Taylor’s NFL.com pro comparison is none other than… Dallas Goedert. If the Eagles think Goedert’s skillset still fits into their gameplan offensively, that connection could be a realistic one at pick 32.
Days 2 and 3 of the draft could also be utilized for the same purpose. From Miami’s Elijah Arroyo to the ultra-productive Harold Fannin Jr., Philly will have plenty of choices to select from at the position. The free-agent market is scarce this far into the calendar. If the Eagles indeed move on, any new addition will almost certainly be a rookie.
The Inevitable is Near
As the April 24 draft lingers, the clock is ticking on a resolution between the defending champs and Dallas Goedert.
Whether the decision comes in the form of a financial readjustment, a trade, or release, the veteran tight end will almost certainly not wear the midnight green as things currently stand.
The New York Giants recently checked in on the availability of Goedert, per Jordan Ranaan of ESPN.
While it would be surprising to see Philadelphia pull the trigger on a deal with a rival, it will not take much more than a Day 3 pick to acquire him. With a projected 20 picks over the next two years, the Birds will have their shot at the next reliable tight end, and notably, on a cheap contract.
With rumors swirling, the Eagles will be busy next weekend with more than just the prospect pool. Even without confirmed negotiations, a split with Goedert is logical.
And as soon as April 24, the city of Philadelphia may know no home with the name Dallas.
