Dallas Goedert’s Future in Philly: What the 2026 Mock Drafts Are Telling Us

Eagles Nation, let's get straight to it: the 2026 NFL offseason is already heating up, and the name on everyone's lips—well, aside from Howie Roseman's—is Dallas Goedert. You've seen the mock drafts, you've caught wind of the cap talk, and you're wondering if number 88 will still be tearing up the turf in midnight green come September. Trust me, you're not the only one asking.

The Mock Draft Smoke: Kenyon Sadiq to Philly?

If you've been scrolling through the latest first-round projections, you've probably spotted Idaho's Kenyon Sadiq landing in Philadelphia with the 23rd overall pick. Now, I've been around long enough to know mock drafts are often more fiction than fact, but when a tight end keeps popping up for a team that already has a Pro Bowl-calibre one, it's time to sit up and take notice. Sadiq is raw but explosive—the kind of chess piece that gets offensive coordinators salivating. But here's the real question: why would the Eagles invest a first-rounder in a position where they've already got an established star like Dallas Goedert? That's the million-dollar question, and the answer might have more to do with the salary cap than Sadiq's 40-yard dash time.

The Cap Crunch: Can They Afford Both?

Word around the NovaCare Complex is that the Eagles are walking a financial tightrope. With A.J. Brown commanding top-five receiver money and Devonta Smith due his own payday, the chequebook is feeling the strain. Insiders have been suggesting that Philadelphia simply can't afford to keep both Brown and Dallas Goedert at their current cap numbers. Goedert, who turns 31 this year, is entering the final stretch of his deal, and while his production has been rock-solid—he's ranked in the top eight tight ends for yards per game since 2022—the front office has to decide whether splashing serious cash on a tight end in his 30s is the smartest move, especially with a young quarterback on a rookie deal who needs weapons.

• Red-zone dominance: Goedert's size and body control make him a nightmare inside the 20—something the offence would sorely miss.
• Cap hit for 2026: He's set to count nearly $12 million against the cap, a figure that could be massaged with a restructure or extension.
• Draft capital: If they do go for Sadiq, it signals a long-term view, potentially grooming him as the heir apparent.

Goedert's Place in Eagles History

Let's not kid ourselves—Dallas Goedert has been a cornerstone since arriving as a second-round pick in 2018. He's weathered quarterback changes, offensive coordinators, and even played through injuries that would sideline most mere mortals. Remember that playoff run a couple of years back? The guy was virtually uncoverable. He's earned the right to be mentioned alongside the franchise's best tight ends. But in the NFL, sentimentality doesn't win roster battles—the cap does. If Roseman spots a chance to get younger and cheaper at the position, while also freeing up space to lock down someone like Milton Williams or add a pass-rusher, he'll pull the trigger. That's just how he operates.

What Happens Next? Three Possible Outcomes

So where does that leave Dallas Goedert? I see three paths, and they all depend on how the board falls on draft night.

Scenario A: They keep him and draft a project. Maybe they take Sadiq or another tight end in the middle rounds, let him learn behind Goedert for a year, and then reassess. This keeps the offence intact for 2026 and plans for the future.

Scenario B: They trade him during the draft. If a team misses out on a top tight end prospect, Goedert's name could surface in trade talks. He'd fetch a decent return—likely a Day 2 pick—and clear significant cap space. Teams like the Chargers or Bengals, who are in win-now mode, might come calling.

Scenario C: Restructure and run it back. The Eagles could approach Goedert about a pay cut or an extension that lowers his 2026 hit. He's been a team player from day one, so it's not out of the question. But would he take less when he knows he can still produce at a high level?

The Bottom Line

One thing's for sure: Dallas Goedert isn't done yet. Whether he's hauling in passes from Jalen Hurts or someone else, he's got plenty of football left in him. But the combination of a deep tight end draft class, Philly's cap constraints, and that number 23 pick means his name will stay in the rumour mill until the commissioner calls it a night on day one. Eagles fans, buckle up—this offseason just got a whole lot more interesting.