Spring approaches, and it's an intriguing time to be a Philly sports fan, unless of course you were all in on the 76ers this season. Opening day comes for the Phillies in less than a month. The Philadelphia Eagles begin their title defense with free agency, and though the legal tampering doesn't begin until March 10, we've already seen our fair share of fireworks.
Saquon Barkley was given an extension by the organization. One day later, Zack Baun got paid. Their extensions become official on March 12 at 4 p.m. EST. Then, comes the free agency frenzy and eventually the NFL Draft.
Rumor has it the Eagles may move on from Dallas Goedert.
At the time this story is being written and published, we're still a few days away from the beginning of the new league year. The Eagles are already turning over the roster. Darius Slay was informed of his release. Shortly afterward, news broke that Philly will also release James Bradberry. Both were given post-June 1st designations.
Now, there are rumors that the Birds may also move on from Dallas Goedert.On a recent episode of unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane, it was mentioned that his return next season isn't certain.
"Goedert has been one of the best at his position for the last several years, but staying healthy has been an issue. He’s under contract for the 2025 season, but he doesn’t have any remaining guaranteed money remaining on his contract. And, he just turned 30."
Grant Calcaterra is, at best, a decent tight end. Still, Philly clearly doesn't have much at the position if they say goodbye to him and explore other options.
There isn't much to discuss on the market in terms of free agency. Mike Gesicki? Juwan Johnson?
That means their best tight end succession plan would come by way of the NFL Draft. The Birds would certainly find some options there if they choose to acquire a tight end.
Ranking the best draft options for replacing Dallas Goedert if the Eagles move on
Tyler Warren is the cream of the crop in the 2025 draft class at the tight end position. He figures to be the first one taken. It also stands to reason he'll be long gone before the Eagles are on the clock with the 32nd selection.
Philly also has more pressing needs. Taking an edge rusher in Round 1seems like the most sensible approach, and unless Goedert is gone, Philly can also ignore the tight end position in Round 2.
No one knows what this team will do yet. That includes the Philadelphia Eagles, but for the sake of argument, we've stacked the best tight ends in this draft class who are not named Tyler Warren.
All provide decent succession plans for Goedert. There's no reason to complain if any of these guys wind up in an Eagles jersey.
Colston Loveland, Michigan Wolverines
In 2024, Colston Loveland hauled in 56 catches en route to 582 yards receiving and five TDs. He missed time with injury but returned to action during the latter part of the season and didn't appear to be any worse for wear.
He only seems like a realistic option if Philly tries to add a tight end in Round 1, and as stated, we'd rather see them stock the defensive cupboard with a young edge rusher.
Elijah Arroyo, Miami Hurricanes
Arroyo racked up 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games last season. He tore an ACL tear on September 22, 2022. He suffered a setback in the 2023 preseason but played well last for Miami last year and enjoyed a nice showing at the most recent Senior Bowl.
Mason Taylor, LSU Tigers
The son of a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Mason Taylor and the nephew of HOFer Zach Thomas, He has shown he can catch the ball and help in pass protection.
38 career games at the collegiate level produced 129 receptions, 1,308 yards receiving, and six receiving TDs. He was recently mocked to the Eagles in a PFF skill-player-only mock draft.
Terrance Ferguson, Oregon Ducks
Terrance Ferguson was a good contributor for the Ducks over his four-year career at Oregon. A First Team All-Pac-12 nod in 2023 and a Third-Team All-Big Ten nod in 2024, he hauled in 43 receptions for 591 yards with three touchdowns last season.
Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green Falcons
Harold Fannin Jr. is a two-time First-team All-MAC nod (2023,2024). He earned MAC Most Valuable Player and MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 and was also named as a Consensus All-American. He owns the NCAA FBS record for most receiving yards by a Tight End in a season (1,555), but here's the kicker.
His former head coach at Bowling Green is now the Eagles' new QBs coach, Scot Loeffler. Don't be shocked if Philly shows some interest.
Honorable mentions:
Place the following names on your imaginary draft boards: Gunnar Helm (Texas Longhorns), Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame Fighting Irish), Benjamin Yurosek (Georgia Bulldogs), and Jake Briningstool (Clemson Tigers). All could rise during the pre-draft process. All could be viewed as being among the top 150 players in this class.
Keep something in mind about Dallas Goedert's current contract. Philly has a potential 'out' written into his deal, but he represents a cap hit of over $12 million next season and more than $11 million in dead cap space.
Despite being under contract, he has no guaranteed money on his deal. Philly can guarantee this year's salary. That could perhaps reduce his cap number. His base salary already appears to be at the league minimum. That eliminates any decent possibility of a restructure.
