The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a tight end crisis, and it’s one that could reshape their offensive strategy entirely. With star tight end Dallas Goedert likely walking away after feeling disrespected last season, the team is left scrambling to fill a massive void. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Goedert’s departure seems inevitable, the question remains—can the Eagles find a replacement who not only matches his skill set but also fits their evolving game plan? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about finding one player; it’s about rebuilding an entire position group that’s crucial to both the passing and running game.
As the offseason kicks into high gear, the Eagles’ front office, led by general manager Howie Roseman, has a daunting task ahead. With only two tight ends under contract for 2026—Cameron Latu, who doubles as a quasi-fullback, and practice squad player E.J. Jenkins—the team is staring at a near-empty depth chart. Goedert, along with backups Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson, are set to hit free agency. Goedert, in particular, is expected to sign elsewhere after taking a pay cut in 2025, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the Eagles undervalued their star player.
Roseman’s strategy is clear: sign or draft a pass-catching tight end to replace Goedert’s production, while also adding multiple blocking tight ends to bolster Philadelphia’s run game. The NFL Draft in April presents a prime opportunity, with the Eagles potentially targeting one tight end in the first three rounds and another on Day 3. But will this approach be enough to fill the leadership and on-field void left by Goedert?
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. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, but none are guaranteed to step into Goedert’s shoes seamlessly. Here’s a closer look at 10 potential draft targets, divided into top-tier replacements and backup candidates, based on their playing styles and combine interviews.
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (6-3, 245 lbs)
2025 Stats: 51 catches, 560 yards, 8 TDs
Play Style: Sadiq describes himself as a relentless ball carrier, drawing comparisons to a running back in his approach to short passes and screens. His athleticism is his standout trait, and he’s determined to prove it on the field.
2. Max Klare, Ohio State (6-5, 243 lbs)
2025 Stats: 43 catches, 488 yards, 2 TDs
Play Style: Klare prides himself on his route-running precision, creating separation at the top of routes to give quarterbacks a clear target. His ability to improve against longer defenders is a work in progress but shows promise.
3. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (6-4, 235 lbs)
2025 Stats: 62 catches, 739 yards, 4 TDs
Play Style: Stowers is a mismatch nightmare, combining rare athleticism with size. He’s also made significant strides in run blocking, making him a well-rounded threat.
4. Oscar Delp, Georgia (6-5, 245 lbs)
2025 Stats: 20 catches, 261 yards, 1 TD
Play Style: Delp defies the traditional ‘blocking tight end’ label, seeing himself as a versatile receiver who can block, find zones, and beat defenders in man coverage.
5. Joe Royer, Cincinnati (6-5, 250 lbs)
2025 Stats: 29 catches, 416 yards, 4 TDs
Play Style: With a wide receiver background, Royer excels in space, making him a fluent H-back type. His smoothness in route running and catching stands out.
6. Tanner Koziol, Houston (6-6, 245 lbs)
2025 Stats: 74 catches, 727 yards, 6 TDs
Play Style: Koziol’s size and catch radius make him a dominant force, capable of beating any coverage. He’s confident in his ability to connect with any quarterback.
7. Will Kacmarek, Ohio State (6-5, 262 lbs)
2025 Stats: 15 catches, 168 yards, 2 TDs
Play Style: Kacmarek takes pride in his physical blocking, a role he finds fulfilling. His ability to impose his will on defenders is a key strength.
8. Justin Joly, NC State (6-3, 251 lbs)
2025 Stats: 49 catches, 489 yards, 7 TDs
Play Style: Joly describes his play style as fluid, unpredictable yet effective, much like water in a bottle.
9. Sam Roush, Stanford (6-5, 259 lbs)
2025 Stats: 49 catches, 545 yards, 2 TDs
Play Style: Roush thrives on dominating his opponents, embodying the mindset of moving a defender against their will.
10. Riley Nowakowski, Indiana (6-2, 239 lbs)
2025 Stats: 32 catches, 387 yards, 2 TDs
Play Style: Nowakowski is a physical, versatile player who excels at the point of attack, capable of playing in-line, in the backfield, and as an H-back.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can any of these prospects truly replace Goedert’s leadership and on-field impact? And more controversially, did the Eagles mishandle Goedert’s situation, potentially setting themselves up for a long-term struggle at the tight end position? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Eagles can recover from this, or is this the beginning of a steep decline for their offense?
