Philadelphia Eagles: Checking in on the tight end depth chart

TE2 – Richard Rodgers

A less-than-flashy name due to how many times he’s been let go and unceremoniously brought back, Richard Rodgers is actually coming off a fairly productive 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He started four games for Philly, recording 24 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns.

Nothing too special, but serviceable numbers all the same for someone you’re expecting to operate as a backup.

It is worth mentioning that all of Rodgers’ 2020 production came with Carson Wentz at quarterback, so it’s yet to be seen if him and Jalen Hurts will be able to form the same type of connection on the field. Wentz was a QB who liked looking to his tight ends underneath, and Doug Pederson was also a head coach who loved himself some 12-personnel.

While there was plenty of talk about the Eagles potentially drafting a high upside tight end to groom under Goedert, or adding someone new via free agency, Howie Roseman ultimately stuck with a product he’s familiar with in Rodgers. This likely signals the lack of targets that will be headed the #2 tight end’s way this season, as Nick Sirianni looks to build more around the likes of DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor on the outside.

However, if Goedert were to hypothetically go down to injury at some point this season, there’s at least a track record of Rodgers coming in and performing serviceably.