The Philadelphia Eagles brought back one of their most popular players when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Dallas Goedert has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the team on Sunday. The deal makes sure Goedert stays with the franchise that selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and gives him a chance to build on a year where he grabbed 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.
While Goedert’s return may give Eagles fans a warm feeling in their heart, it also creates a problem. After getting nothing behind Goedert, Philadelphia may choose to run it back with maligned backup Grant Calcaterra and it could urge the Eagles to add another tight end either as free agency continues or during this year’s NFL Draft.
Eagles Must Add Another Tight End Despite Dallas Goedert’s Return
Bringing Goedert back is a good move in the short term. Over eight years in Philadelphia, Goedert has caught 409 passes for 4,676 yards and 35 touchdowns and has become a weapon no matter who is playing quarterback. His performance last year was especially encouraging as he was coming off a 2024 season that was ruined by injury, but entering his age-31 season, the Eagles would be smart to add insurance for now and in the future.
After four underwhelming seasons in Philadelphia, it’s clear Calcaterra isn’t that player. Aside from a minimal offensive output of 42 catches for 494 yards and two touchdowns, Calcaterra hasn’t been able to produce as a blocker, with run blocking grades of 48.6 and 49.1 over the past two seasons according to Pro Football Focus. While Calcaterra is returning, he clearly needs competition, which makes the Eagles’ next move more interesting than Goedert’s return.
The Eagles probably wouldn’t make a big splash such as bringing in David Njoku with Goedert back in the fold and even tight ends like Jonnus Smith and Will Dissly may be overkill considering the Eagles run with one tight end sets the majority of the time and could continue to do so under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
The NFL Draft also has some interesting candidates to come in but it could depend on how the Eagles want to approach the situation. If Philadelphia wants a long-term option to develop, they could select Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq with the 23rd overall pick in next month’s draft. The later rounds could also bring competition for Calcaterra including Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, Ohio State’s Max Klare and Baylor’s Michael Trigg.
Whatever the Eagles decide, they would be wise not to stop improving the tight end room with Goedert’s return and it could lead to a new face coming to Philadelphia even after Sunday’s news.