Eagles’ Tight End Conundrum: Howie Roseman’s Risky $11.8 Million Investment in Dallas Goedert
Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ general manager, has received praise for his decisions in recent years, but even he acknowledges that not every move pans out. Despite some personnel missteps, one glaring issue remains unaddressed: the tight end position. Since selecting Dallas Goedert in the second round seven years ago, Roseman has only drafted one tight end, Grant Calcaterra, in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. While Roseman has attempted to bolster the position through undrafted free agents and under-the-radar signings, the patchwork solutions have not always been successful.
The Eagles find themselves in a bind with Goedert, who is still a valuable player coming off an impressive postseason performance. However, his $11.8 million salary-cap charge for the upcoming season raises concerns, especially considering his history of missing games and never completing a full season. At 30 years old and in the final year of his contract, Goedert’s future with the team is uncertain.
Trading Goedert would be a risky move, as it’s unlikely that Calcaterra, the only other tight end drafted by Roseman, could step up as a starter. Additionally, cutting Goedert would result in significant dead money and cap implications. To navigate this situation, Roseman may need to restructure Goedert’s contract, potentially adding additional years with voidable clauses.
The upcoming draft presents an opportunity for the Eagles to address their tight end dilemma, with a promising class of prospects available. When Roseman drafted Goedert, Zach Ertz was the established starter, but with Ertz’s departure, the need for a new tight end has become more pressing. Despite the lack of tight end picks in recent drafts, Roseman may have no choice but to prioritize the position this year.
As Roseman navigates the complexities of Goedert’s contract and evaluates draft prospects, the Eagles’ future at the tight end position hangs in the balance. The upcoming decisions will be crucial in shaping the team’s success in the seasons to come.
