With about a week to go until free agency gets underway in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles still have the looming question about whether they should re-sign tight end Dallas Goedert or let him walk in free agency.
So far, all indications are that the Eagles are not completely counting it out, but it isn't their number one priority either, as they first focus on a potential A.J. Brown trade and on trying to get edge rusher Jaelan Phillips re-signed before free agency begins. NFL insider Mike Garafolo shared more on the situation with Goedert.
"With less than a week to the start of the negotiating window, Eagles TE Dallas Goedert is positioned to hit free agency for the first time in his career. Sources say the team has expressed interested in re-signing him and the sides will continue talking in the coming days. However, Howie Roseman has a few balls in the air (e.g. A.J. Brown) that are affecting budgeting for his pending free agents. There are some moving parts that could change on a few fronts in the next few days. If he gets to the market, Goedert will have significant interest from other teams interested in the proven, reliable eight-year veteran who had career-highs with 60 catches and 11 TDs last season."
Eagles interested in bringing back Dallas Goedert
Goedert was a second-round pick of the Eagles back in 2018 and instantly became a contributor on offense, eventually replacing Zach Ertz. His best season came in Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' first full season as the starter, with 830 yards and four touchdowns.
While last season saw Goedert hit a career high in receptions and break the franchise record for touchdowns by a tight end, he didn't make the kind of impact he had in the past. He averaged 9.8 yards per reception, the first time he has been under 10 yards per reception in his career.
The Eagles are in a position where it might be better to go with a cheaper option at tight end, since he could be looking at $6-7 million per year. Philly is already reportedly interested in free agent tight end David Njoku, and he's expected to land at about $5 million per year.
There is also the draft where the Eagles are expected to pick one high in the first three rounds. Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq and Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers have been popular names in mock drafts for the Eagles to select.
Read more: New Eagles mock draft couldn't help but have Howie Roseman pick Georgia star
Philly will have options at tight end, and while they appear to be interested in bringing back Goedert, it might still be a long shot for the team to do that.