The tight end position will be one of interest for the Eagles. It is a position with a lot of current depth going into training camp, but there will be plenty of moves before and throughout the pre-season. I take a look at how the Eagles should handle the current players on the roster.
Zach Ertz
Ertz's 2020 was certainly one to forget. Regarding personal statistics, it was his worst in every category, and he was also hampered by injury. He played in 11 games and had as many catches as he did during his rookie season (36). The talks surrounding his contract in the offseason carried into the regular season, and he never seemed to get around it.
Verdict: GO. Ertz saw his impact on the offense dwindle significantly in 2020. With his contract almost up and a new one not expected, it appears Ertz's days in Philadelphia are coming to an end. His final press conference after the Washington game, where he shed tears, highlighted that he knew his time was up. Being moved on before June 1st would save the Eagles over $4.7 million in cap space. Regardless, a sad ending for one of the greats in midnight green.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert is entering the final year of his rookie deal, meaning it will be a huge year for him. He suffered his injury woes this past season but did well considering the Eagles offense was a shambles. He will be hoping to beat his career-high in receiving yards (607) and touchdowns (five) this year to cement his place as a key playmaker on the team.
Verdict: STAY. The Eagles need to get younger, and keeping hold of their 26-year-old tight end does exactly that. Goedert is one of Howie Roseman's few draft successes since 2016, and if they want to build an offense for success, they need to keep him. His abilities in the passing game are strong, and he is an excellent blocker. The best-case scenario is that he is extended before the season starts.
Richard Rodgers
The 29-year-old was one of the few positive surprises to come from the 2020 season. Across eight games, Rodgers had 345 yards receiving and a couple of touchdowns. However, his involvement died down after Carson Wentz's benching.
Verdict: STAY. A player that will likely split the fan base on whether he should remain on the team in 2021. Rodgers will be a cheap option to carry as a backup tight end heading into the new season. However, being an unrestricted free agent means that there will be no guarantees. His position on the roster will depend on what the Eagles do with the sixth pick and in free agency. I would like to see him return as a third option at tight end.
Caleb Wilson
Wilson has a contract for the 2021 season, but he never had a reception in 2020.
Verdict: Go. Wilson will likely be a camp body with the chance to prove himself in pre-season. He could be a practice squad player candidate, but you would imagine Nick Sirianni has some players in mind to bring in.
Joshua Perkins
Perkins did not feature in 2020 after being placed on the season-ending injured reserved list. He made some positive plays down the stretch of the 2019 season, including the touchdown in the NFC East clincher against the New York Giants.
Verdict: GO. The 27-year-old had been around on the practice squad for a couple of seasons, but with a new regime he will likely be let go. He is also an unrestricted free agent.
Jason Croom
Jason Croom will go down as the man with a 100% record in every receiving category with the Eagles. One target, one reception, and a touchdown is quite the record.
Verdict: GO. Croom is a restricted free agent, but it is hard to see him make the 53-man roster. He will be in a similar situation to Wilson in using the pre-season to showcase their talents and make a case to be on the practice squad.
Hakeem Butler
Butler has signed a futures contract ensuring he will be with the team for the start of training camp. When joining the Eagles, he decided to become a tight end having initially, been a wide receiver.
Verdict: GO. Butler has never caught an NFL pass and joined the team through the practice squad. He will get his chance in pre-season and will be hoping that the practise squad rules that were implemented in 2020 remain for the 2021 season.
Tyree Jackson
Jackson was signed as a quarterback by the Buffalo Bills and played in the XFL for the DC Defenders. However, at six foot and seven inches, Jackson has signed a futures contract as a tight end with the Eagles.
Verdict: DECIDED IN TRAINING CAMP. Jackson is an intriguing player that the Eagles view as a project. If he shows glimpses of promise, they will likely keep him on the practice squad.