Dallas Goedert: 'I'd love to play my entire career in Philadelphia, but I'm not too worried about that'

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Eagles this offseason was whether Dallas Goedert would be back. That was put to bed a few weeks ago whenThe Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported that Goedert and the Eagles reached an agreement to rework his contract to keep him in Philly. 

Goedert was set to make $14.25 million, while in the final year of a four-year $57 million extension he signed during the 2021 season. According to McLane, the tight end will earn $10 million, taking a $4 million pay cut to stay with the Eagles.  

For the first time since the deal was announced, Goedert spoke to local reporters during OTA's at the NovaCare Complex Wednesday. 

"There were a lot of emotions that went on through the offseason," Goedert told reporters, including Nick Tricome of Philly Voice. "Not sure if you're gonna be here, not sure if you're not. There were sad emotions of leaving. There was the excitement of a change, seeing something different...it just kind of went back and forth. You tried to just kind of balance those seven offseasons and this is the first time I had to deal with this. So I'm pretty lucky, but it was an interesting feeling for sure."

There were points in the offseason where Goedert's return seemed unlikely. Despite being a reliable option in the passing game since getting drafted in 2018 — accumulating 4,085 career receiving yards — he's struggled to stay healthy. The 30-year old hasn't played a full slate of games since his rookie season and has missed 15 over the last three years. 

With one year left on his contract, rumors swirled about a possible trade ahead of the NFL Draft in April. In free agency, the Eagles signed tight ends Harrison Bryant and Kyle Granson, along with having Grant Calcaterra already on the roster. Granson and Bryant were likely brought in for reserve roles, while Calcaterra could've been seen as a Goedert replacement. Calcaterra recorded 298 receiving yards during Goedert's six-game absence this season. The Eagles could've also replaced Goedert in the draft with a talented class that included Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Harrold Fannin Jr., Elijah Arroyo, Mason Taylor and others. Instead, they didn't pick a tight end with any of their 10 selections.

Eventually, a deal was worked out between Goedert's agent Chase Callahan and Howie Roseman.

"I let them talk about it," Goedert said of the negotiations. "Different things that went on, possibilities of trades, possibilities of cuts, things like that. I told my agent what I thought would be best for me, certain numbers that I wanted to have. I hired my agent for a reason. I trusted his opinion on stuff, but I kind of told him what I thought I wanted, and he worked that out and got it done."

Goedert said he was "stoked" to still be with the Eagles in 2025. His return means the Eagles will retain all their main weapons from last season. Since trading for A.J. Brown in 2022, Goedert has been the concrete No. 3 receiving option behind Brown and Devonta Smith. When healthy, Goedert has thrived in his role, especially during last season's postseason run. 

He had 17 catches for 215 yards, including a highlight-reel touchdown in the Wild Card round versus the Green Bay Packers, where he stiff armed Carrington Valentine into the ground. 

DALLAS GOEDERT WITH THE DOUBLE STIFF ARM TD 💪

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/qZIM7JmUG8

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 12, 2025

PFF released their tight end rankings ahead of the 2025 season and Goedert was ranked eighth, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce and in front of the Baltimore Ravens' Isiah Likely. Per PFF, Goedert had a 75.8 receiving grade in 2024. 

He's also valuable in the run game as a blocker, while Calcaterra isn't. 

Also, if Brown or Smith were to get injured, Goedert could step in as a No. 2 target. It also keeps a consistency within the Eagles' offense. 

This will be Brown, Smith and Goedert's third straight season together. Although all three aren't always on the field together due to injuries, they were during the Eagles' postseason run last season and it led to elite results. 

Depending on Goedert's performance (and health), this season could be his last with the Eagles. Though if he puts together a solid season, he could stay with the franchise for the foreseeable future.

"I'm really excited about this year," Goedert said. "Obviously I'd love to play my entire career in Philadelphia, but I'm not too worried about that. I'm excited to see what happens this year, excited to put up a really good year, have a successful year with an incredible team, and let my agent handle his job and talks after the season."