The Eagles have moved on from tight end Stone Smartt, releasing the free-agent addition after signing him to a one-year deal this offseason, a person with knowledge of the situation told NJ.com.
Smartt was always facing an uphill climb to stick on the roster, even though Philadelphia brought him in with the idea of adding another piece to the tight end room. Last season with the New York Jets, he played in 15 games and caught seven passes for 52 yards.
That leaves the Eagles still thin at the position heading toward Week 1. Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt and Eli Stowers are projected as the top three tight ends, but there are concerns behind Goedert. Mundt has yet to prove himself as a pass catcher, and Stowers is not ready to play as a rookie.
Cameron Latu, a blocking tight end, could be in line for the fourth spot.
Even with the release, Smartt still has a case to stick around in some form. He has flashed as a receiver during his career, and in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers he set a career high with 16 catches for 208 yards. Philadelphia could keep developing him on the practice squad this season.
At 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, Smartt is a bit light for the position, but he’s shown he can do more than just catch the ball. He went viral last preseason for driving Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter to the ground on a block, a reminder that he’s capable of putting his hand in the dirt.
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