Dallas Goedert’s Future in Philly: A Veteran TE at a Crossroads, and What Comes Next for the Eagles
As the Eagles head into a pivotal offseason, one of the big questions hanging over the NovaCare Complex is whether veteran tight end Dallas Goedert will be back in midnight green next season. After eight years in Philadelphia, the 31-year-old is set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this spring. And while there’s still a possibility he returns, the situation is anything but clear-cut.
Last offseason, Goedert took a pay cut to stay with the Eagles on a one-year, $10 million deal. He went on to appear in 10 games in 2025, hauling in 42 catches for 496 yards and two touchdowns.
Solid production, especially considering the ups and downs Philly faced offensively. But now, with another offseason underway and Goedert’s contract once again expired, the front office is staring at a familiar decision-run it back with the veteran or start preparing for the future.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, there’s still mutual interest in a reunion.
“I know Dallas would like to come back, all things equal,” Garafolo said during a recent appearance on The Anthony Gargano Show. “He took a pay cut last year to make it happen.”
That willingness to return is encouraging for Eagles fans hoping to see No. 88 back on the field. But the reality is, Philadelphia has to think long-term at the position.
Goedert’s been a reliable target and a strong blocker, but he’s also dealt with injuries and turns 32 next season. That’s not lost on the Eagles’ front office, which has made a habit of grooming successors at key positions-whether it’s in the secondary, on the offensive line, or elsewhere.
Tight end, however, has yet to see that same level of investment.
“I honestly was surprised they didn't do more for that position coming into last year,” Garafolo added. “This could be the year that they do it. They got him back on a one-year deal [in 2025], maybe now they draft the kid early or go out and sign somebody and have that kind of transition.”
That kind of planning-bringing back a veteran while developing a younger player behind him-has been a hallmark of how the Eagles operate. If Goedert does return, it could be in a mentorship role, helping ease a rookie or young free-agent addition into the system. That’s the kind of move that could pay dividends in both the short and long term.
Who Could Be Next?
If the Eagles decide to move on, or if Goedert chooses to explore other opportunities, they’ll have to be proactive. One name already being floated as a potential replacement is Browns tight end David Njoku. CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin pointed to Njoku as a strong fit for Philly, especially given the team’s need to generate more production over the middle of the field.
“Whether they want to address the position in the draft or not, they could have a need here if Goedert decides to pursue opportunities elsewhere,” Dubin said. “Eagles need to figure out a way to open up the middle of the field for their offense, and Njoku could help them do that.”
Njoku, who lost his starting job to rookie Harold Fannin Jr. last season, has already made it clear that he won’t be returning to Cleveland in 2026. He’s expected to test free agency this spring, and the Eagles could be one of the teams in the mix.
At 6-foot-4 with elite athleticism, Njoku still has the tools to be a difference-maker. He’d bring a different dynamic to the Eagles’ offense-more vertical threat than chain-mover-but he also comes with his own set of questions, including consistency and durability.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
Whether it’s bringing back Goedert, signing a veteran like Njoku, or drafting a tight end early, the Eagles are going to have to address the position this offseason. Goedert has been a steady presence for nearly a decade, but the clock is ticking on how long he can continue to play at a high level.
If the Eagles opt to re-sign him, it likely won’t be a long-term solution-but it could be a smart bridge. A one-year deal with a rookie waiting in the wings gives the team flexibility and continuity. If they go in a different direction, expect them to be aggressive in finding someone who can step in right away.
One thing’s for sure: the tight end room in Philly is going to look different soon. Whether that includes Dallas Goedert for one more run remains to be seen. But as the Eagles look to retool and reload, the veteran’s future is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch this offseason.