Inside the Iggles
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Some way-too-early discussion about the Eagles’ TE position battle

By Geoffrey Knox

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 31: Billy Brown #85 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball by Jordan Leggett #49 of the New York Jets during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 31: Billy Brown #85 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball by Jordan Leggett #49 of the New York Jets during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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It may still be too early to start talking about the Eagles’ depth chart, but training camp is officially one day closer. With that being said, let’s talk a little bit about the tight ends.

At this time last year, the tight end position was, arguably, the one area the Philadelphia Eagles had figured out on offense. Zach Ertz, if he played up to his potential and did it all season, was certain to become one of the best in the league at his position. Brent Celek, the longest tenured player on the team, was the backup. The belief was there’d be an interesting battle between Trey Burton and Billy Brown for the third spot.

We also figured that, when it was all said and done, Trey Burton would end up as the third tight end on the depth chart. We were right on all counts.

Here’s a quick flashback.

In 2017, Ertz would answer the call, play his most consistent football of his career and, eventually, haul in the biggest fourth-down completion in Eagles history. Moments later, he’d score the touchdown that would put the Eagles up for good in Super Bowl LII, but that was only after the aforementioned Burton would throw a touchdown pass at the end of the second quarter on what will forever be known as the greatest trick play in Super Bowl history.

The Eagles would win Super Bowl LII by a score of 41-33. Shortly thereafter, Celek would retire, and Burton would end up with the Chicago Bears. Just like that, one of the more solid position groupings on the Eagles offense was in a state of flux.

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Then, almost as quickly as that happened, the Eagles drafted Dallas Goedert with the 49th-overall selection, and all was right with the world again.

Fallout always comes during the offseason.

These days, it’s actually become quite easy to forget just how many bodies the Eagles have at tight end. The signing of Richard Rodgers, a move that didn’t excite many when it happened, now seems like it was more of a move to provide insurance rather than being something that was done out of necessity.

In addition to everyone we’ve already mentioned, the Eagles have Billy Brown, who would have probably made the team had it not been for Burton. Then, there’s Joshua Perkins and Adam Zaruba. The final name on that list belongs to a man who’s spent most of his life playing rugby.

Related Story: Some way-too-early predictions about the Eagles RB position battle

It’s obvious, unless there’s some catastrophic injury, that Ertz and Goedert will make the active roster. Expect Brown and Rodgers to battle throughout camp for the third spot, but when it’s all said and done, this is how we, at ITI, see things turning out.

Active roster:

Zach Ertz

Dallas Goedert

Billy Brown

Out:

Richard Rodgers

Josh Perkins

Practice squad:

Adam Zaruba

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