Re-evaluating every Eagles tight end after Arcega-Whiteside’s departure

And, then there were five. The Eagles’ competition at tight end no longer carries discussions about J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

Well, it had to end at some point. Most of us are just pumped because the Philadelphia Eagles found some value.

Perhaps you’ve heard, but the Birds have moved on from J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. In his place, they’ve added a safety, Ugo Amadi.

Two of their tight ends, Tyree Jackson and Jaedean Graham sit on the physically unable to perform list and the injured reserve, respectively. Five remain on the preseason roster.

For Grant Calcaterra, someone many of us were excited about, the clock may be ticking, especially if Philadelphia plans to carry three tight ends on the 53-man roster.

Once a teammate of Jalen Hurts’ at Oklahoma with the Sooners, Grant Calcaterra didn’t haul in a ton of passes during Jalen’s final season at the collegiate level (five snags for 79 yards to be exact). Unfortunately, a string of head injuries forced him to retire from the game he loved playing.

In 2021, he caught a break. Grant was cleared medically to return to the gridiron.

Now a star with the SMU Mustangs, Calcaterra racked 38 receptions, 465 yards receiving, and four trips to the end zone during his final season as an NCAA star. Shortly after the Birds added him with the 198th-overall selection of 2022’s NFL Draft, the theory was he could wind up being a steal and someone that can contribute early. Then, adversity came knocking again.

He’s missed a ton of time with a hamstring injury, and if Philly had to piece together a 53-man roster today, he might be one of the odd men out. Time will tell. We’re sure he hasn’t given up on himself, but right now, all roads for the six-foot-five, 247-pounder seem to be leading to the practice squad.