There was a very specific reason for the madness: the Philadelphia Eagles' handling of the Dallas Goedert situation, which ultimately led to him landing a one-year, $7 million contract.
Philly moved back Goedert's void date twice last week as they were trying to get a new contract negotiated with the veteran tight end, so that one, the team didn't take a $20 million dead cap hit from him leaving the team, and two, trying to keep a weapon on offense in case they end up trading wide receiver A.J. Brown away. Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer added another reason, as the Eagles knew Goedert would be popular in free agency, with one team keeping an eye on the tight end before he was re-signed.
"I’m not sure the Broncos are done yet at tight end," Breer said. "Denver has had interest in Dallas Goedert, and David Njoku is still unsigned."
Eagles could have lost Dallas Goedert to the Broncos
Goedert had one of the best statistical seasons of his career, posting career highs in receptions (60) and touchdowns (11), but hit a career low with 9.8 yards per reception. That average yards per reception mostly came with him catching passes in the red zone, with his touchdowns being an Eagles tight end franchise record.
The Eagles got a nice break from Goedert to get him signed for $7 million per year, as he had a good chance of commanding more money in free agency. Over the last couple of years, though, Goedert has shown his loyalty to the Eagles and wants to stay in Philly by taking a $4 million pay cut last offseason to avoid being traded.
Denver was a Super Bowl contender last season and could have used Goedert to help their passing game out. The Broncos could have given him more money, but instead of testing the free agent market, Goedert stuck to his guns and helped the Eagles out.
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Philly will be grateful to have one of Jalen Hurts' favorite targets in the passing game back for the 2026 season, where Goedert could play a bigger role if Brown is indeed traded.