The Philadelphia Eagles face an unprecedented situation heading into the 2026 offseason, with their tight end group entirely vacant. With Dallas Goedert, along with backups Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson, all set to become free agents, the Eagles have no immediate successor lined up, creating a void at this crucial position.
This roster uncertainty opens the door for potential new talent to emerge, and one prospect drawing significant attention is Baylor’s Michael Trigg. Known for his remarkable athleticism, Trigg could fit the Eagles’ evolving offensive strategy, especially as they prepare for life after Goedert.
Michael Trigg Emerges as a Possible Fit for Philadelphia’s Tight End Role
Michael Trigg has attracted longstanding interest thanks to his extraordinary physical traits, but only recently has his on-field production matched his potential. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Trigg combines size, agility, and an extended catch radius, traits that make him a difficult matchup for defenders.
According to PFSN analyst Jacob Infante,
“Michael Trigg has been on my draft radar for years due to his freakish athletic traits, but it wasn’t until 2025 that he put it all together. His large catch radius, fluidity, and ball skills should make him one of the first tight ends picked in the 2026 class.”
His 2025 season at Baylor confirmed his status as a genuine threat, with 50 receptions, 694 yards, and 6 touchdowns, averaging nearly 14 yards per catch and over two yards per route run. Across his college career, he has logged 14 touchdowns, demonstrating that his athletic gifts translate into consistent, impactful performance.
Alignment with the Eagles’ Offense Under Sean Mannion
The timing of Trigg’s breakout aligns with the Eagles’ anticipated offensive adjustments under new coordinator Sean Mannion. Drawing inspiration from the Mike Shanahan coaching philosophy, Mannion’s system is expected to emphasize versatility and creative use of tight ends, deploying them as versatile weapons who can move across the formation.
Trigg’s profile fits this scheme perfectly, as he often plays more like a large slot receiver than a traditional tight end. His ability to exploit space, challenge linebackers, and force safeties into difficult coverage matches his skill set to the demands of the Eagles’ offense.
With quarterback Jalen Hurts, who posted a 78.3 rating on PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric in 2025, this kind of dynamic tight end threat is essential. Goedert led the team with 11 touchdown receptions last season, serving as a reliable red zone target when windows tightened. The Eagles will need a comparable player to maintain that passing effectiveness.
Moreover, with only wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith signed for the next year, there is a pressing requirement for a dependable third option who can operate in the middle of the field to keep opposing defenses honest, and Trigg appears poised to fill that role.
Looking Ahead: What the Tight End Void Means for Philadelphia
As the Eagles prepare for the 2026 campaign, the absence of established tight ends presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The departure of Goedert and other tight ends leaves the team with an empty roster spot in a traditionally integral offensive role.
If Philadelphia chooses to invest in a promising prospect like Michael Trigg, they may be able to seamlessly transition into a more versatile, Shanahan-inspired scheme that maximizes movement and mismatches in the passing game. Such a move would be critical to supporting Hurts and sustaining offensive momentum amid significant roster turnover.
Ultimately, the decisions the Eagles make regarding their tight end room this offseason will shape the team’s offensive identity and ability to compete for years to come.
