Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with tight end Dallas Goedert (88) after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic via USA TODAY Sports Michael Chow
One of the biggest reasons why the Eagles are seen as one of the favorites to win Super Bowl LX is their continuity, especially on offense.
Mekhi Becton was the lone starter that wasn't under contract for this upcoming season and he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. The only other player in question was Dallas Goedert. The tight end had one year left on his deal, but there were reports that he was on the trade market.
Instead, the Eagles reworked Goedert's contract and brought him back for an eighth season in Philadelphia. Amid Goedert's contract negotiations, he received words of encouragement from Jalen Hurts.
"He didn't really recruit me back, but he made me feel like I was an important part of the team," Goedert told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Olivia Reiner. "I was important to him, and that was obviously a really good feeling."
Goedert's importance isn't understated with the Eagles. Hurts is clearly comfortable throwing to the tight end, despite having A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as his main targets. Goedert was the Eagles' leading receiver in the postseason with 17 receptions, 215 yards and a touchdown.
"The connection that we have, being able to play with him ever since he became a starter, and I feel like we just grow as a duo each year," Goedert said of his relationship with Hurts. "I've got so much confidence in him, and I think that's reciprocated the other way, too. Playing with a quarterback that you're comfortable with was also important to me. Someone that values you just makes that even better."
In 2021 — Hurts' first full season as a starter — Goedert recorded a career-high 830 receiving yards. The Eagles acquired Brown that offseason, which pushed Goedert to the third option. He was still effective with 702 yards in 12 games.
Goedert is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, especially when factoring in his run-blocking ability. The problem is that he's often plagued with injuries. Goedert has missed 15 games over the past three seasons. When he's on the field, he's effective, though his health caused the Eagles to evaluate his future with the team.
The Eagles had a chance to draft a tight end in April, but decided against it. Instead, they restructured Goedert's deal, which had him take a $4 million pay cut, according to The Inquirer's Jeff McLane.
2025 will be a big year for Goedert. He's been a constant fixture of the Eagles offense since 2018, but his future with them isn't certain beyond this season. Whether he can stay on the field will likely dictate whether the Eagles commit to Goedert long-term or not.
