Eagles entertain pre-draft TE discussion as Goedert negotiation remains unsettled

Okay, let's take some inventory about one of the best players on the Philadelphia Eagles' offense. Dallas Goedert is one of the top tight ends in the National Football League. That part is obvious.

He's one of those rare talents at the position who catches the ball, runs after the reception, and blocks with equal proficiency. It seems that should be the case with every NFL tight end, but that just isn't what we've seen league-wide.

Trust us. 88 is special.

There are a few issues though. He gets hurt a lot. He's also on the wrong side of 30, and that evokes some trepidation. The likelihood of injuries figure to increase as he gets older.

There's also the financial portion. He has one year remaining on his current deal. If he plays it out, he'll represent an $11.7 million cap hit this season.

That being said, it should be obvious why leadership has spent its time trying to find ways to move on by trading him. There's a theory that he'll be released if there are no takers.

Must read: Howie Roseman isn't ruling out another Day 1 NFL Draft surprise

Howie Roseman discusses Dallas Goedert's effect on draft strategy.

Nine days before the NFL Draft, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman spoke with the media about just about everything that anyone was interested in discussing. As you might imagine, Goedert's name came up.

Per NBC Sports' Dave Zangaro: With the unsettled nature (of) Dallas Goedert right now, how does that affect the approach of (handling) that position going into the draft?

Here's what Howie offered on that front.

Nick Sirianni discusses what the Eagles are looking for from a tight end.

Nick Sirianni was asked about important characteristics he looks for at the tight end position. This has no doubt been discussed by Howie, Nick, and their respective staffs as we inch closer to draft time.

We know what you're thinking. Yes, Dallas Goedert can do all of those things well. That still won't guarantee that he will be on this roster for opening day.

As you know, he's still a part of this organization (for now). ESPN's Tim McManus believes there's only one way he'll still be here when the regular season begins.

In short, the long-time Eagles insider thinks 88 will need to take some sort of pay cut.

We'll see if any roads lead us to that destination, or if the Birds invest any draft capital in adding a tight end come draft time. They'll have some options, but as it stands now, Grant Calcaterra is the only notable player they've added at the position via the selection meeting since Philly used the 49th overall selection to acquire Goedert during the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.