Eagles Face Crucial Tight End and Fullback Decisions as 2026 Offseason Looms
The Philadelphia Eagles are approaching a critical juncture in their offseason preparations, with several key positions on the roster set to be resolved. The tight end and fullback roles are among those that will likely go through significant changes, with some players certain to return while others may not.
Dallas Goedert, who has been the team's top tight end for years, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While he still possesses skills as a receiver, his lack of ability in the run-blocking department and age (31) raise questions about whether he will be able to command a lucrative contract from other teams.
It appears that Goedert may not attract offers as high as those Josh Sweat might have received last year, but he is sure to receive some interest. Contending teams with tight end holes could make a move for him in free agency.
On the other side of the spectrum, Grant Calcaterra seems like a player stuck in limbo. He doesn't excel enough as a pass-catcher to warrant being considered an elite tight end, and his inability to block makes it clear that he has limited value on the field.
Calcaterra's performance last season should have made it clear that he shouldn't be returning to any capacity, but it remains to be seen if the Eagles will share this view.
Kylen Granson played a low-key role for the Eagles in 2025, and with a relatively inexpensive contract, it would not be surprising if they choose not to re-sign him.
However, Cameron Latu has found himself a reliable fullback in the past, particularly on special teams. While his roster spot may be uncertain, he is still expected to make an appearance at training camp this year.
VanSumeren, who sustained serious knee injuries and suffered a broken patellar tendon last season, might not be able to hold onto his spot after becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The Eagles could try to bring him back for one final stint as the team's top fullback / special teams player, but only at a very low cost. If VanSumeren can recover and regain some of his lost form, he may still have a role with the team in 2026.
The Philadelphia Eagles are approaching a critical juncture in their offseason preparations, with several key positions on the roster set to be resolved. The tight end and fullback roles are among those that will likely go through significant changes, with some players certain to return while others may not.
Dallas Goedert, who has been the team's top tight end for years, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While he still possesses skills as a receiver, his lack of ability in the run-blocking department and age (31) raise questions about whether he will be able to command a lucrative contract from other teams.
It appears that Goedert may not attract offers as high as those Josh Sweat might have received last year, but he is sure to receive some interest. Contending teams with tight end holes could make a move for him in free agency.
On the other side of the spectrum, Grant Calcaterra seems like a player stuck in limbo. He doesn't excel enough as a pass-catcher to warrant being considered an elite tight end, and his inability to block makes it clear that he has limited value on the field.
Calcaterra's performance last season should have made it clear that he shouldn't be returning to any capacity, but it remains to be seen if the Eagles will share this view.
Kylen Granson played a low-key role for the Eagles in 2025, and with a relatively inexpensive contract, it would not be surprising if they choose not to re-sign him.
However, Cameron Latu has found himself a reliable fullback in the past, particularly on special teams. While his roster spot may be uncertain, he is still expected to make an appearance at training camp this year.
VanSumeren, who sustained serious knee injuries and suffered a broken patellar tendon last season, might not be able to hold onto his spot after becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The Eagles could try to bring him back for one final stint as the team's top fullback / special teams player, but only at a very low cost. If VanSumeren can recover and regain some of his lost form, he may still have a role with the team in 2026.
I mean, I think the Eagles are being pretty reckless if they consider bringing back Grant Calcaterra. Like, what's the point? He's just not doing his job as a tight end. 
And VanSumeren's injuries were super serious, I don't know how he'll bounce back from that. 
Maybe it's better to cut their losses and find someone new who can actually contribute. The team needs guys who are gonna make a difference, you know? 
. but idk maybe hes just getting old 
, 31 is like middle aged in football terms? 
hes not bad but never good enough to be an elite tight end... and hes all over the place when it comes to blocking 
. i guess he might stick around just because hes a decent player, not great, but decent 
.
and they were so close to winning! but anyway back to this tight end and fullback thingy... it sounds like Dallas Goedert is kinda old now? Like, shouldn't he be more valuable if he's been good for years? And what's with Grant Calcaterra not being able to block 
, 'specially with Goedert's age comin' up and Calcaterra just not doin' it for 'em as a pass-catcher 
!
. as for calcaterra, i'm not sure what the eagles are thinking... dude just cant seem to get it right on the field 
maybe calcaterra won't get a chance 2 prove himself anymore 
, but kylen granson's contract is pretty cheap so idk why not give him another shot 
and can we talk about how much faith they have in cam latu tho? like he's been reliable on special teams, but is that enough? 
he's still got it despite bein old, but i guess that's what they say 'bout every player who gets lucky 
. Meanwhile, Grant Calcaterra just sucks right now 
. He can't even block! On the other side of things, Kylen Granson was pretty meh last year, but he's got a cheap contract so I guess that's something 
This means he might not get the same level of offers as some younger players. Meanwhile, Grant Calcaterra's performance last season was pretty mediocre 
, with only 23 receptions and 0 touchdowns on 45 targets. 
. According to Pro Football Focus, Latu had an 82.1 grade as a blocker last season, which is above average. 
However, his roster spot might still be uncertain due to VanSumeren's injury and recovery status.
and im trying to get used to this snapchat thing 
anyway back to nfl news... so apparently dallas goedert is getting old 
like 31? that's old for a football player, right? and what's up with grant calcaterra not being able to block? cant he just use his hands or something 
. And VanSumeren... yeah, I don't know how long he's got left in his career 
. One final stint as the team's top fullback could be it for him.