The Philadelphia Eagles face a significant decision this offseason regarding their tight end position, as questions arise about moving on from longtime player Dallas Goedert. Drafted in the second round in 2018, Goedert has spent his entire eight-year career with the Eagles, but with his contract expiring in 2026, the team may be looking for a replacement.
One potential successor is Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who will become an unrestricted free agent soon. Philadelphia’s pursuit of Likely could provide a youthful and dynamic option at the tight end spot, addressing a looming transition in the Eagles’ roster. This potential move is gaining traction among insiders and analysts closely monitoring the team’s offseason strategy.
Reasons Behind Targeting Isaiah Likely to Fill the Tight End Role
The Eagles’ tight end group appears poised for change. Alongside Goedert, Grant Calcaterra is also expected to become a free agent, leaving the team with fewer options at a position critical to head coach Nick Sirianni’s offensive scheme. The possible departure of both players intensifies the search for strong replacements.
Likely will have suitors on the open market, and thanks to the addition of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, the Eagles could offer the talented pass catcher a chance to win now, while establishing himself as one of the best at his position,
Glenn Erby of Eagles Wire wrote on February 23.
The Eagles knew when to move on from Zach Ertz, and they could make a similar decision with Dallas Goedert,
Erby added, continuing,
While Likely isn’t a homegrown option, he’s younger and just as explosive.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Isaiah Likely has the size to perform both in-line blocking duties and as a receiving threat. Turning 26 this April, Likely likely has several prime years ahead. His statistics through recent seasons demonstrate his steady progression in the Baltimore offense, despite sharing targets with Mark Andrews and operating in a run-oriented system.
Likely’s regular season performances include:
- 2022: 16 games, 36 receptions, 373 yards, 3 touchdowns
- 2023: 17 games, 30 receptions, 411 yards, 5 touchdowns
- 2024: 16 games, 42 receptions, 477 yards, 6 touchdowns
- 2025: 14 games, 27 receptions, 307 yards, 1 touchdown
In Philadelphia, Likely would likely enjoy a clearer path to more consistent targets, especially if Goedert moves on. From a financial perspective, Likely’s free agency status could be advantageous for the Eagles, as he is projected to command a mid-tier contract, potentially around two years and $17.5 million, making him an affordable option for the team.
Growing Indicators Suggest Goedert May Exit Philadelphia by 2026
Several sources and insiders covering the Eagles increasingly believe Dallas Goedert will not return to the team beyond 2025. This viewpoint stems from attempts by the Eagles to restructure Goedert’s contract last offseason and the team’s ongoing efforts to reshape their offensive identity under new leadership.
The Eagles delayed addressing this position group by reconstructing Dallas Goedert’s contract last offseason. But the eight-year veteran is scheduled to hit free agency after setting the team record for single-season touchdown catches by a tight end (11),
Brooks Kubena of The Athletic wrote on February 23.
It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which Goedert returns with the Eagles for his age-31 season, a year after the organization shopped him around. But, foremost, this position group is undergoing an identity shift under the new offensive coaching staff.
As the Eagles plan toward the future, getting younger and more athletic at the tight end position seems inevitable. Signing Isaiah Likely could serve as a practical step to achieve this goal. Additionally, Philadelphia might select a promising rookie through the draft to complement Likely, blending immediate impact with longer-term potential.
With these developments, it appears likely that Dallas Goedert could be in a different uniform starting in the 2026 season, marking the end of an era for the Philadelphia Eagles at tight end.
