Nobody Paid Dallas Goedert — And It Says Everything About His Future

The Market Spoke

Everyone expected Dallas Goedert to leave. A two-year deal somewhere in the $10-12 million range seemed reasonable for a tight end coming off 13 touchdowns. Instead, he's back in Philadelphia on a one-year deal worth approximately $7 million.

Nobody loved Philly that much. The market just wasn't there.

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Why the Cold Market

Three factors converged against Goedert:

**The injury history.** Last season was the first time in four years he stayed relatively healthy for a full campaign. Teams remember the three seasons before that — the missed games, the uncertainty, the week-to-week availability questions.

**Declining athleticism.** Goedert's blocking regressed last season. He's not as explosive as he once was. The red zone effectiveness remained (13 touchdowns speaks for itself), but the full package isn't what it was at age 27 or 28.

**The tight end market itself.** Teams aren't throwing crazy money at the position. Charlie Kolar got more money from the Chargers than Goedert could find anywhere, and Kolar has far less production. The market values upside over proven veterans at tight end right now.

The Broncos reportedly had interest but apparently not enough to offer significantly more than what Philadelphia put on the table.

The One-Year Plan

Goedert is now on the one-year treadmill for the rest of his career. At 31, no team is giving him multi-year security. It's prove-it deals from here on out, regardless of where he plays.

For the Eagles, that means the tight end room has an expiration date. Grant Calcaterra and Johnny Mundt are both on short-term deals. The entire room could turn over after 2026.

The Draft Solution

This is why the 2026 NFL Draft's historically deep tight end class matters so much. Dane Brugler has never graded this many tight ends as draftable. Oscar Delp from Georgia has the athletic tools. Sam Raus from Stanford is a blocker. Jack Ingersoll from Texas does both.

A third or fourth round pick this April isn't just depth — it's the foundation of the 2027 tight end room. Draft the heir now, develop him behind Goedert for a year, and transition cleanly.

The smart move is already obvious. The question is whether the Eagles pull the trigger when offensive line is screaming for draft capital too. In a draft this deep at tight end, the answer should be yes — there will be quality available late.