The Philadelphia Eagles have utilized the tight end position as well as any team in recent years, with 2025 being no exception, but changes appear likely this offseason at the top of the depth chart in that spot.
With free agency opening next week, all signs seem to be pointing toward Dallas Goedert departing the City of Brotherly Love and hitting the open market. Given the production he gave this offense in 2025, including 60 catches for 591 yards, while tying for the top spot among all tight ends with 11 touchdown receptions, this won't be as simple as crowning the next man up as his successor at the position.
In fact, one veteran free agent TE was linked to Philadelphia on Wednesday by Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com. Per Shorr-Parks, the Eagles are interested in adding former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku this offseason, potentially replacing Goedert.
Eagles Could Shake Up TE Position by Signing David Njoku
With general manager Howie Roseman and the front office having to consider the financial cost of retaining Goedert for the 2026 campaign, as he carries a dead cap hit of $20.4 million for this coming season and in 2027. Given Philadelphia's salary cap situation, the Eagles have $12.5 million in space as of this writing, per OverTheCap, retaining Goedert after the season he just had could prove too costly with all the other needs that Philadelphia has this offseason.
Thanks to his athleticism and abilities to make things happen in the red zone, Njoku would be an intriguing piece in a puzzle that already includes the likes of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and, at least for now, AJ Brown. The former University of Miami standout has been rumored to be on the Eagles' radar leading up to free agency, as the on-field fit seems ideal.
However, concerns over cost and past injury issues have left fans with more questions than answers at this point.
While no single projection should be considered gospel when it comes to early free agency figures, OTC has a market valuation of $5.7 million per season for Njoku. On the other hand, Goedert's average annual value is more than double that amount, at $11.7 million.
To be fair, Spotrac has its projections the other way around. Through their lens, Njoku has a market value of $19.9 million over two seasons, while Goedert's projected value is a one-year deal for $7.6 million.
Should Philadelphia ultimately make a splash and bring Njoku on board once free agency opens next week, it won't be without legitimate concerns for the coaching staff, front office, and fan base.
Njoku has dealt with injury issues throughout his tenure in Cleveland, having appeared in 16 games or more just four times over his nine-year professional career. To find back-to-back seasons in which the tight end played in at least 16 games, you have to go all the way back to 2018, his second year in the NFL.
With a new voice in command of the offense in offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, having a dependable TE1 would be a major benefit for not only Hurts but the offense as a whole. Should Njoku ultimately elect to take his talents to Philadelphia, Eagles fans can only hope that the soon-to-be 30-year-old can stay healthy.