This Eagles veteran could have left in free agency. Why his return is so important

The Philadelphia Eagles are less than a month away from the start of training camp. We’ll be counting down the 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.

25. Marcus Epps

24. Jake Elliott

23. Eli Stowers

22. Dontayvion Wicks

21. Moro Ojomo

20. Nolan Smith

19. Dallas Goedert

Eli Stowers, the Eagles’ second-round rookie, was featured earlier on this list. But now it’s time to highlight the veteran Stowers will be learning from — and one day, will likely succeed.

It’s true that the Eagles drafted Stowers to take the baton from Dallas Goedert. But that day isn’t today, and it’s not expected to be this season.

Goedert is still an integral member of this Eagles offense. And coming off a career year, the 31-year-old still projects as one of Jalen Hurts’ top targets entering the 2026 season.

For the 2026 season, the Eagles are listed at +215 on DraftKings to win over 11.5 regular season games. Our complete DraftKings Sportsbook review makes it easy to learn how to use their app. Also, view our Eagles win total prediction, along with our expert analysis.

There was doubt that Goedert would return for a ninth season with the Eagles. For much of the offseason leading up to free agency, it looked like he was going to leave.

“I was able to test free agency a little bit. Had opportunities to go elsewhere,” Goedert said last month. “Nothing was a better opportunity than I thought I could have here. ... It would have had to be something really drastic to have me try to sign somewhere else.”

But that “really drastic” offer never came in free agency. Goedert signed a one-year deal worth only $7 million — a pay cut compared to what he made in 2025.

That was a shock considering how well Goedert played last year. He stayed healthy, starting 15 games, and he produced 60 catches for 591 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.

The Eagles’ front office had to be thrilled to bring Goedert back at that number. Having a tight end of his caliber — and as a target with Hurts’ inherent trust — was always going to help. That’s especially the case after the departure of A.J. Brown.

Goedert now returns, alongside DeVonta Smith, as mainstays in the passing game. The offense is changing under OC Sean Mannion. But there’s optimism that Goedert will once again be a major factor in a scheme that allowed George Kittle, Tucker Kraft and others to thrive.

Goedert, who turns 32 in January, isn’t getting younger. On a one-year deal with the Stowers succession plan looming, there’s a chance this is his last season in Philadelphia.

But Stowers will need time to develop, and Hurts needs reliable players to target. That’s why Goedert is such an important player for this team in 2026.

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