One position group that will be on the minds of Philadelphia Eagles fans this offseason is tight end, as Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson are scheduled to be free agents.
In a perfect world, Eagles fans would love for the team to bring back Goedert out of the three, who was a big-time weapon inside the red zone this season, racking up a career-high 11 touchdowns. However, in all likelihood, Goedert will get paid by another team this offseason, meaning the Eagles will have to either address the position in free agency or the 2026 NFL draft.
On Wednesday, the Eagles got a jumpstart on planning for life without Goedert and Calcaterra as they inked Jaheim Bell to a reserve/futures deal, per Ed Kracz of Philadelphia Eagles on SI.
Bell is the second tight end that Philadelphia has signed to a futures contract since their season ended almost two weeks ago, following their wildcard loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Last week, the Eagles signed E.J. Jenkins to a futures deal, who spent most of the season on the practice squad, but appeared in two games. Jenkins, Bell, and Cameron Latu, who spent time at fullback this season, are the only guys under contract for 2026.
Eagles Taking Flier on Jaheim Bell With Uncertainty Around TE Spot
For most Eagles fans, the name Jaheim Bell doesn’t ring a bell, no pun intended. However, the 24-year-old tight end has spent some time with the Eagles via the practice squad this season.
Philadelphia initially picked up the former seventh-round pick in October after the New England Patriots cut him loose towards the end of the preseason in August. However, Bell only spent a week in Philadelphia before getting cut.
He latched on with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on New Year's Eve, but was released on Monday, allowing him to return to Philadelphia.
Despite not playing in 2025, Bell has some NFL experience under his belt. He appeared in 15 games as a rookie in 2024 with New England.
Bell didn’t do much as a pass catcher, recording two receptions (three targets) for 20 yards, but showed he could be a contributor on special teams. Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, one of the knocks on Bell was his inconsistencies as a blocker, which is something Eagles fans won’t like to hear given Calcaterra’s struggles.
However, Bell also showcased the ability to lineup across the formation, playing inline tight end, h-back, etc, which could benefit the Eagles, who could be undergoing a complete overhaul at the position this offseason.
That said, it will be interesting to see if Bell can show something in the offseason workouts, as it could go a long way in figuring out if he’s worth keeping around for 2026. If he plays well, then the Eagles found a gem on a futures deal.
But if it still doesn’t work out, the Eagles can easily cut ties at any point and fill his roster spot with another tight end or position of need.