The Eagles' Tight End Dilemma: Finding a Replacement for the Disrespected Star
In the world of American football, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing a crucial decision as they prepare for the upcoming season. With a star tight end likely moving on, the team is left with a void to fill and a challenging task ahead.
The Eagles' general manager, Howie Roseman, has his work cut out for him. Entering the offseason, the team's tight end position is in dire need of reinforcement. Only two players, Cameron Latu and E.J. Jenkins, are currently under contract for the 2026 season, leaving the Eagles with a gaping hole to patch up.
Starting tight end Dallas Goedert, along with his top backups Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson, are all set to become free agents. Goedert, who took a pay cut to stay with the team last year, may be seeking a fresh start after not receiving the extension he desired. This leaves the Eagles in a tricky situation, needing to find a suitable replacement to fill the shoes of a key offensive player.
Roseman's plan? To sign or draft a pass-catching tight end and multiple blocking specialists to bolster Philadelphia's run game. He's got his eye on the upcoming draft, potentially selecting one tight end in the early rounds and another later on to rebuild the team's depth at this position.
Over the past few days, the Eagles have been busy at the NFL Combine, meeting with several tight end prospects, including Oscar Delp, Max Klare, and Eli Stowers. These players could be potential targets to address the team's needs.
Here's a look at 10 tight ends the Eagles might consider drafting, with the top five being potential starters and the bottom five more likely to be backups. We've included direct quotes from the players' combine interviews to give you a glimpse into their playing styles:
1. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Height/weight: 6'3", 245 lbs
2025 stats: 51 catches, 560 yards, 8 TDs
Play style: "My athletic abilities are my foundation. Everyone will see that tomorrow. I approach screens and short passes like a running back, always fighting for extra yards."
2. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Height/weight: 6'5", 243 lbs
2025 stats: 43 catches, 488 yards, 2 TDs
Play style: "I excel at creating separation at the top of routes, allowing the quarterback to find his spot. I'm always working on improving my movement against longer defenders."
3. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Height/weight: 6'4", 235 lbs
2025 stats: 62 catches, 739 yards, 4 TDs
Play style: "My athleticism and size create mismatches. I've improved my run blocking significantly over the last two years, and I continue to get better."
4. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Height/weight: 6'5", 245 lbs
2025 stats: 20 catches, 261 yards, 1 TD
Play style: "I'm a receiving tight end who learned to block. I can play anywhere on offense, get open, and beat defenders in man coverage. My versatility is my strength."
5. Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
Height/weight: 6'5", 250 lbs
2025 stats: 29 catches, 416 yards, 4 TDs
Play style: "Coming from a wide receiver background, I excel in space and catching the ball on the perimeter. I'm a fluent H-back tight end, comfortable with in-line blocking as well."
6. Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Height/weight: 6'6", 245 lbs
2025 stats: 74 catches, 727 yards, 6 TDs
Play style: "I'm dominant. A good ball and a good catch can beat any coverage, and with my size and catch radius, I can develop a great connection with any quarterback."
7. Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Height/weight: 6'5", 262 lbs
2025 stats: 15 catches, 168 yards, 2 TDs
Play style: "Physical blocking is my game. I take pride in doing the dirty work and imposing my will on another player all game."
8. Justin Joly, TE, NC State
Height/weight: 6'3", 251 lbs
2025 stats: 49 catches, 489 yards, 7 TDs
Play style: "Fluidity is my strength. Like water in a water bottle, I'm unpredictable but effective."
9. Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Height/weight: 6'5", 259 lbs
2025 stats: 49 catches, 545 yards, 2 TDs
Play style: "I love dominating another individual. I want to embody the quote, 'There's no greater feeling than moving a man against his will.'"
10. Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
Height/weight: 6'2", 239 lbs
2025 stats: 32 catches, 387 yards, 2 TDs
Play style: "I'm physical and versatile. I dominate the point of attack and can play in-line, wide, and H-back positions."
But here's where it gets controversial... Which of these players do you think the Eagles should target? And is drafting multiple tight ends the right strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The Eagles' decision could shape their season, so stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches.
