The Philadelphia Eagles face a complex offseason decision regarding tight end Dallas Goedert, who is set to become a free agent in March. While Goedert delivered a statistically impressive 2025 season with 60 receptions, 591 yards, and 11 touchdowns, a closer look at the film reveals a decline in his blocking and inconsistencies in his overall impact, raising questions about whether his potential contract demands align with his current value.
Goedert’s red-zone efficiency was a key component of the Eagles’ offensive success in 2025. His 11 receiving touchdowns were a significant contribution, demonstrating his ability to exploit leverage against zone coverages and provide a reliable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts in scoring situations. Hurts clearly trusts Goedert, a dynamic that extends to tight windows and scramble drills, a connection that the Eagles may discover difficult to replicate quickly with a new target.
However, a significant concern revolves around Goedert’s blocking, an area that previously distinguished him as a complete tight end. Film review indicates a noticeable regression in his in-line run-blocking effectiveness throughout the 2025 season. Technique, anchor, and effort all appeared diminished compared to his earlier performance, resulting in lower run-blocking grades. This decline fundamentally alters his positional profile, shifting him from an all-around threat to a receiving tight end with limitations in the run game.
The Eagles’ offensive scheme, particularly its reliance on a strong running game, is heavily impacted by the tight end’s blocking ability. A diminished blocking presence restricts personnel flexibility and could hinder the scheme’s effectiveness. According to Spotrac, the Eagles currently have $13,624,388 in salary cap space for 2026, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. OverTheCap.com reports the team’s total cap liabilities at $306,822,556.
Beyond blocking, Goedert’s down-to-down consistency as a receiver also presents a concern. While his touchdown production was high, his overall receiving impact between the 20-yard lines was more average. Extended stretches during the season saw limited separation and a lack of explosive plays after the catch. This disparity between touchdown output and overall game impact suggests that his scoring production may have been somewhat inflated by schemed-open opportunities.
Adding to the complexity, Goedert’s injury history and age – he will be 31 at the start of the 2026 season – introduce further risk. The physical demands of in-line blocking, an area where he is already showing decline, are unlikely to improve with age. Paying a top-five tight end salary for a player with these concerns represents a significant gamble on past performance and touchdown variance rather than current film evaluation.
Despite these concerns, releasing Goedert carries its own risks. The Eagles’ tight end depth is currently thin, and replacing him would introduce short-term uncertainty at a critical position. His established chemistry with Jalen Hurts and his proven red-zone ability are valuable assets that would not be easily replaced, particularly through the draft, where tight ends often require significant development time.
The Eagles face a difficult decision. While Goedert remains a trusted target and a proven scorer, his declining blocking ability and inconsistencies in his overall play raise questions about whether his contract demands will align with his current value. The team must weigh the short-term benefits of retaining a familiar target against the long-term implications of paying a premium for a player whose all-around game is demonstrably in decline. The team has not publicly commented on their plans for Goedert beyond acknowledging the need to address the defensive side of the ball, according to reports from Eagles Wire.