After much offseason back and forth, the Eagles and tight end Dallas Goedert were able to agree on a restructured deal to keep the TE in Philly. He spoke to reporters during OTAs and explained how he was prepared for either outcome, but is glad to try and run it back with this team.
When asked if there was a point this offseason that the TE didn’t think he’d be back with the Eagles, Goedert admitted that there was.
“There was a little bit of uncertainty going into the offseason. Talked to my agent, talked with Howie [Roseman]. There was a time where — I wasn’t here for the beginning of OTAs, we were trying to figure out what was going to happen. And, you know, we came to the agreement of the contract I’m on, and I’m super stoked to be back here.
Got a lot of love for a lot of people in this building. Got a lot of love for Philadelphia, so super glad to be back.”
He went on to say that there were talks between his agent and the organization about different trade options and cuts, and Goedert let his agent know what he thought would end up being best and what the numbers needed to look like.
Goedert explained that all the uncertainty led to a lot of different emotions, including being sad to possibly leave the city he’s played his whole career, but also a little bit of excitement about the possibility of trying something new. Ultimately, though, he’s happy they were able to get a new deal that keeps him in Philly, somewhere he’s really comfortable.
“At some point, I wouldn’t want to play for less. I feel like I know my value, I feel like the Eagles know my value, and just finding something I was okay with — a number I felt excited, my time was worth it. Whatever I can do on the field, I feel like there was a threshold I deserved, and like I said, we were able to get there.”
He was loosely familiar with other teammates who have dealt with similar contract situations, but knew not to take things personally. Goedert said he was still in contact with Jalen Hurts, and Howie Roseman was upfront with the TE about what he thought was the best thing for the organization and the best for him.
Goedert also clarified speculation that he asked for a trade or release. Still, when asked if he considered this new deal a one-year stop or if he still wanted to be in Philly long term, the TE hedged a bit and said that he’s really looking forward to this season.
“Obviously, I’d like to play my entire career in Philadelphia, but I’m not too worried about that. I’m excited to see what happens this year. Excited to put up a really good year — have a successful year with an incredible team, and, you know, let my agent handle his job and talk after this season. Like I said, I’m excited to be back.”
The tight end said it was really important that things didn’t get acrimonious and that things were handled respectfully from both parties. He reiterated that he has a lot of respect for how people in the organization handle things, and he wasn’t letting his ego get in the way. At the end of the day, Goedert didn’t care to be the highest paid or anything like that, he just wanted something that he thought was fair.
