The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at a crossroads in 2026, facing a potential tight end crisis. With their top three tight ends—Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson—all hitting free agency, the team could be left scrambling to fill a critical position. What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the lack of appealing options in free agency. The market is thin, and the one standout young player, Kyle Pitts, has been franchise-tagged, effectively removing him from the equation. This leaves the Eagles with a clear path: explore trades to bolster their tight end room.
Why Trades Make Sense
Trading for a tight end is a strategic move for the Eagles, especially given the current landscape. Free agency offers little in terms of proven talent, and the draft is always a gamble when it comes to immediate impact. A trade allows the Eagles to acquire a player with NFL experience, someone who can step in and contribute right away. But which tight ends should they target? Let’s dive into three options that make sense, each bringing something unique to the table.
Pat Freiermuth: The Proven Veteran
Pat Freiermuth of the Steelers is an interesting case. At 27, he’s in his prime and has shown flashes of being a top-tier tight end. What stands out here is his production in a crowded Steelers tight end room. Despite sharing snaps with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington, Freiermuth led the group in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2025. However, his numbers took a dip compared to his 2024 season, which raises questions about his consistency.
My Take: Freiermuth’s contract is a bit of a sticking point. He’s set to make $9.1 million in 2026, which is a hefty price for a player who might not be a clear-cut starter. However, if the Steelers are willing to restructure his deal or eat some of the salary, he becomes a more attractive option. Personally, I think Freiermuth could thrive in the Eagles’ system, especially if they can get him at a reasonable cost. A sixth-round pick seems fair, but if the Steelers sweeten the deal, a higher pick might be justified.
Luke Musgrave: The High-Upside Project
Luke Musgrave is a bit of a wildcard. Drafted in the second round by the Packers in 2023, he showed promise early on but has been plagued by injuries. A lacerated kidney and a ligament tear in his ankle have derailed his career, limiting his playing time and production. However, at just 25 years old, Musgrave still has the potential to develop into a solid tight end.
My Take: What many people don’t realize is that Musgrave’s athleticism and size (6’6”, 253 lbs) make him an intriguing prospect. He’s not a dominant blocker, but his receiving skills are reminiscent of Zach Ertz’s early years in Philly. If the Eagles can get him for a sixth-round pick, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move. The key will be managing expectations and giving him time to develop. I see Musgrave as a project with significant upside if he can stay healthy.
Cole Kmet: The Salary Cap Puzzle
Cole Kmet of the Bears is another tight end who could be on the move. A second-round pick in 2020, Kmet has been a solid starter, averaging 58 catches, 587 yards, and 4 touchdowns from 2021 to 2024. However, his role diminished in 2025 after the Bears drafted Colston Loveland in the first round. With a $10 million salary in 2026, Kmet is an expensive backup, making him a prime trade or cut candidate.
My Take: Kmet’s situation is a classic example of a team overpaying for a player who no longer fits their plans. For the Eagles, acquiring Kmet would require the Bears to eat a significant portion of his salary. A fifth-round pick seems reasonable if the Bears are willing to make that concession. Alternatively, the Eagles could simply wait for the Bears to cut him and sign him as a free agent. In my opinion, Kmet is a reliable option who could provide stability at the position, but his cost will be the determining factor.
Broader Perspective
What makes this tight end dilemma particularly fascinating is how it reflects the broader challenges NFL teams face in roster construction. The Eagles’ situation highlights the importance of long-term planning and the risks of relying too heavily on free agency or the draft. Trading for a tight end allows them to address an immediate need while maintaining flexibility for future moves.
Final Thoughts: Each of these trade targets offers something different. Freiermuth brings proven production, Musgrave offers high upside, and Kmet provides reliability. The Eagles’ decision will likely come down to cost and fit within their system. Personally, I’d lean toward Musgrave if the price is right—his potential ceiling makes him the most intriguing option. Regardless of who they choose, one thing is clear: the Eagles need to act decisively to avoid a tight end shortage in 2026.
