When Dallas Goedert's future with the Philadelphia Eagles hung in the balance this offseason, he found an unexpected source of comfort from his quarterback. The 30-year-old tight end has opened up about how Jalen Hurts reached out during his contract negotiations, providing crucial moral support during one of the most uncertain periods of his career.
Following the Super Bowl, Goedert entered the final year of his contract with no guaranteed money remaining. The uncertainty surrounding his future in Philadelphia created what he described as a "stressful" situation that led him to spend time with friends and family back home in Britton, South Dakota, while negotiations played out. The veteran tight end spent the first couple months of the offseason in limbo, unsure whether the organization would prioritize keeping him in the fold.
During this difficult period, Hurts demonstrated the leadership qualities that have made him the face of the franchise. The quarterback took it upon himself to reach out to Goedert, offering words of validation and support when they were needed most. "He didn't really recruit me back, but he made me feel like I was an important part of the team," Goedert told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday. "I was important to him, and that was obviously a really good feeling."
The gesture speaks volumes about Hurts' character and his understanding of what it takes to build and maintain team chemistry. Rather than staying silent during the business side of football, the quarterback chose to let his teammate know where he stood.
That good feeling intensified when Goedert agreed to a restructured $10 million deal in early May, guaranteeing his return to Philadelphia for an eighth season. The resolution allowed both player and team to move forward with certainty, and the positive impact was immediately visible during organized team activities. At the first open practice in late May, the connection between quarterback and tight end was on full display. Goedert became Hurts' preferred target, and during the second practice, the duo connected on a rare OTA deep ball that showcased their renewed chemistry.
The relationship between Hurts and Goedert extends beyond typical quarterback-receiver dynamics. At the conclusion of OTAs, Hurts made sure to express his happiness about Goedert's return, reinforcing the value he places on their partnership. "The connection that we have, being able to play with him ever since he became a starter, and I feel like we just grow as a duo each year," Goedert explained. "I've got so much confidence in him, and I think that's reciprocated the other way, too. Playing with a quarterback that you're comfortable with was also important to me. Someone that values you just makes that even better."
This mutual respect has been built over years of working together, with both players growing into their roles as key components of the Eagles' offensive success. Goedert's importance to the Eagles was never more evident than during their championship postseason run. The tight end led the team in receiving yards during the playoffs, hauling in 17 receptions on 20 targets for 215 yards and a touchdown. His 24-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers, where he stiff-armed cornerback Carrington Valentine three times on his way to the end zone, became one of the most iconic images from the Eagles' playoff success.
Despite missing seven games during the regular season due to injury, including a four-game stint on injured reserve because of a knee ailment, Goedert remained a crucial part of the Eagles' offensive success when healthy. He finished with 496 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 42 catches, and his 11.8 yards per reception were the third-most in his seven seasons. Perhaps more importantly, he was an invaluable part of the Saquon Barkley-led run game, with the Eagles averaging 6.3 yards per designed rush with Goedert on the field compared to 4.9 yards without him.
With contract negotiations behind him and his relationship with Hurts stronger than ever, Goedert is focused on helping the Eagles capitalize on their championship window. The continuity on offense, with 10 of 11 starters returning, creates an opportunity for even greater success. "For us to have the people that we have on the team sign and with the window that we're in right now, it's really exciting to be a part of that," Goedert said, reflecting on the team's potential.