Philadelphia might not be big enough for two big-time tight ends. But, while we wait to see what happens with Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert says he’s still in talks about a new multi-year deal (via NJ.com). 
“I think contract stuff is still in discussions, a little bit,” Goedert said. “I’m not too worried about that. I have to go out there and play really good football. I’ve got to worry about getting better 1% every single day … I’m leaving my contract stuff to my agent.”
Goedert is slated to earn $1.24MM this year and serve as the Eagles’ No. 1 TE. He’s been in the mix since his 2018 rookie year, though he’s spent the bulk of his career in Ertz’s shadow. After a 2019 campaign that saw him haul in 58 receptions for 607 yards and five scores, Goedert continued to produce through the first two-plus games of the 2020 season, hauling in 13 receptions for 138 yards and one score before succumbing to an ankle injury. After some time on IR, he returned to finish with 46 grabs, 524 yards, and three TDs in eleven games.
Moving forward, the Eagles have big plans for Goedert and young quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts still has plenty to go on his rookie deal, so their next step will be to keep key cogs like Goedert under club control.
“If I could get the contract extension, I would love to be in Philly forever,” Goedert said. “Having the second contract is the ultimate goal, so the sooner you can get to it, I feel like it’s the better. But, either way, whether I get it or not, I’m going to have the same mentality.”
Goedert was quite literally the only player on the Eagles’ roster who individually looked good last year. When he went down, the offense what little momentum it had and tumbled to the low level that we will remember. If Goedert hadn’t been injured, it’s easy to believe that Ertz would have been overtaken entirely by Goedert. It looked like he was already doing that before the injury, and Ertz’s failure to step up to recapture his old form (which of course was also partially the result of the general bad play all across the team) in Goedert’s absence lowered his trade value enough to leave Philly with uncertainty.
If Goedert stayed healthy and Ertz faded in to the background, it’s easy to see Ertz released or traded for a low pick. But Ertz got significant snaps, making him a full starter, and didn’t play well, making him look like a starter out of gas. The Eagles want starter compensation now, and teams won’t pay for uncertain play. Things would have a lot more clear for both Goedert and Ertz if Goedert hadn’t been injured, but he looks to have firm hold of the number one position.
Good post , but recall Ertz went down with high ankle sprain before trade deadline killing any potential deals then
True, my post was more in regards to his current value than previous value. They likely could have moved him if not for the injury, but his being forced to come back and the offensive lack of production lowered his stock to the point where Philly won’t get what they want from a trade. Ertz played just enough to make him a viable option start, but not well enough to get what the Eagles would want for a starter.