The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a difficult decision with tight end Dallas Goedert slated to hit free agency. This decision is further complicated by the Baltimore Ravens' signing of Mark Andrews to a three-year, $39 million contract. This likely moves the price up for Goedert, but also serves as an opportunity, as The Philly Special Show's Anthony DiBona noted: "The Ravens signing Mark Andrews to an extension likely means that both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar will hit free agency. Eagles should have interest in potentially signing both players, in my opinion."
It is an interesting observation that makes more sense the longer you consider the potential signing. Isaiah Likely is a walking mismatch who is heading towards free agency at the end of the season. Baltimore opting to keep both Likely and Andrew doesn't seem incredibly probable. This sets up an opportunity for Philly to add the perfect weapon alongside their current star receivers.
Playing in Baltimore's offense, Likely is used to being in a secondary role and being patient to get deserved targets. This allows the Eagles a chance to sign the tight end either as the new primary starter or as the heir apparent if Goedert wants to sign a short-term deal to chase one more Super Bowl run. Either way, Likely makes a great deal of sense for Philadelphia to chase in the offseason.
Mark Andrews Signing Could Answer Eagles' Problem at Tight End
Philly has the opportunity to either find a starting answer or a great second tight end, with Grant Calcaterra clearly not being in the team's plans moving forward, based on his level of play. Either as the second option or as the primary starter, Likely makes sense within Philly's budget and perfectly fits the type of target that would fit into the current Eagles offense.
With this in mind, it is something that GM Howie Roseman should already be considering as we close in on the final weeks of the season. If there has been one consistent source of frustration this year, it has been a lack of offensive capability when the game matters most. While signing Likely isn't going to fix the play calling, it goes a long way towards solving some obvious issues.
The franchise would have three reliable targets without overspending, allowing the Eagles to keep any opposing defense on its toes with how to defend with players who are walking mismatches. Both Likely and A.J. Brown can expose undersized corners and safeties, giving the Eagles two great building blocks heading into the 2026 season.
For Goedert, it is simply going to be a matter of whether or not the pass catcher wants to take a discount to remain in Philly. Otherwise, it seems probable that Likely could become the team's starting answer, and the veteran will cash in on free agency, finding a new landing spot.