No Philadelphia Eagles fan thought tight end Dallas Goedert would be back in 2026, but after a statistically strong season from him and all the departures in free agency, his return became more important than ever.
Last season, Goedert led all NFL tight ends with 11 touchdowns, a franchise record for tight ends, and added 60 receptions for 591 yards. At the same time, his 9.8 yards per reception was the lowest of his eight-year NFL career.
With Goedert back on a one-year contract, many wonder where he ranks among the rest of the tight ends in 2026. ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler had the answer to that, surveying league executives, coaches, and scouts regarding the top tight ends in the NFL, but Goedert wasn't even in the top 15, falling under the category "also receiving votes."
Dallas Goedert isn't getting the love he deserves from the NFL
The problem was that most of Goedert's touchdowns last year were from short yards. Philly loved getting the ball in Goedert's hands with quick screen passes and fake Tush Push tosses to him when they were inside the five-yard line.
At 31, Goedert is on the decline; he isn't the same tight end the Eagles had back in 2021 and 2022. That doesn't mean that he isn't a threat in the passing game, though. Jalen Hurts liked getting the ball to Goedert to pick up a first down, with 33 of his 60 receptions last year going for first downs.
This season, Goedert could end up playing a very different role in the Eagles' offense. The wide receiver room is crowded with talent, but many of whom don't have Hurts' 100% trust yet. Goedert could end up getting more targets and yards just based on that.
His numbers might also see a dip, depending on how second-round pick Eli Stowers plays. The Eagles are looking to run more 12-personnel this season with two tight ends, giving Goedert and Stowers equal opportunity on the field together.
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While this might be Goedert's last year with the Eagles, there is so much for him to play for. He might either be playing for another one-year deal for Philly or trying to prove the rest of the NFL wrong that he can start at a high level in the league.
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