For a while this offseason, it looked like Dallas Goedert was going to leave Philadelphia after 8 seasons. And he had opportunities to go somewhere else.

Ultimately, though, the 31-year-old signed a one-year deal to return to the Eagles for his ninth season.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” Goedert said at mandatory minicamp this week. “I was able to test free agency a little bit. Had opportunities to go elsewhere. Nothing was a better opportunity than I thought I could have here. 

“Being able to play in the same place for 9 years is special. It would have had to be something really drastic to have me try to sign somewhere else.”

That “really drastic” deal elsewhere never came about and Goedert signed a one-year deal worth just $7 million for this season. Based on his one-year deal in 2025, that’s actually a pay cut, which was a bit surprising. While Goedert’s blocking ability seemingly took a step back last season, he was productive and healthy.

In Year 8, Goedert started 15 games and had 60 catches for 591 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.

A big part of the opportunity Goedert saw in Philly this season was about playing under Sean Mannion in the Eagles’ new-look offense. This offseason, Goedert has watched tight ends who have thrived in similar systems — guys like George Kittle and Tucker Kraft.

“You can only do so much on offense but a lot of the key emphases are a little different,” Goedert said. “I feel like through watching what he wants to happen, there’s a lot of easy touches to the tight end, getting the ball in space, scheming ways to get us open. So I’m excited for that. I think the tight end is kind of a backbone of the offense in the run game, play-action, pass game. I think it’ll be a really good system to play in.”

It’s hard to believe that Goedert will enter his ninth NFL season in 2026. The Eagles drafted him in the second round back in 2018 and he has already had an impressive career.

When the Eagles used a second-round pick on Eli Stowers in April, general manager Howie Roseman brought up the team’s history of drafting tight ends in the second round. Before Goedert in 2018, it was Zach Ertz in 2013. Both became great players in Philly.

The Eagles are hoping Stowers will continue that trend and Goedert is willing to help him do it.

“I’m here for whatever he needs,” Goedert said. “Obviously, anytime you can bring more competition into the room it just elevates everybody. So I’m excited to compete, work with him all the time. But really whatever he needs, I’m here, that he can lean on me. I’m excited to push him. Obviously, going way back, we’ve had a good flow of tight ends and hopefully I can help him carry that legacy ultimately.”

For now, though, Goedert remains the Eagles’ top tight end. He won’t turn 32 until early January and played at a high level in 2025.

If the Eagles are going to make a deep run this season, they’re going to rely on Goedert, especially after trading A.J. Brown. Goedert and Jalen Hurts have always had a strong connection and Goedert could see even more targets this season.

“Being able to play here for 8 years, we’ve put a lot of good runs together, been able to do special things,” Goedert said. “I feel like playing in an organization like the Eagles is special and I think we can do special things this year. I didn’t want to leave and not be part of it. Ultimately, I chose to come back and hopefully put another great year together.”