In the months following the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance, tight end Dallas Goedert faced uncertainty about his future with the team, as his contract neared its final year without any guaranteed money. During this stressful period, Goedert found comfort not only in family and friends in his hometown of Britton, South Dakota, but also through the support of his quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Hurts reached out to Goedert with words of encouragement, making him feel valued on the Eagles roster even as his future remained unresolved ahead of the 2025 season. This affirmation from Jalen Hurts was a decisive factor in Goedert’s decision to stay with the team.
He didn’t really recruit me back, but he made me feel like I was an important part of the team,
said Dallas Goedert.
I was important to him, and that was obviously a really good feeling.
The Influence of Coaching on Dallas Goedert’s Growth
Besides the morale boost from Jalen Hurts, Goedert credits his position coach, Jason Michael, for playing a significant role in his development. Michael, who joined the Eagles’ coaching staff under head coach Nick Sirianni in 2021, is considered one of the best tight end mentors in the NFL. His relationship with Goedert has deepened over the past four years, with Michael pushing him to reflect on his performance and methodology both on and off the field. This guidance has helped Goedert improve not only as a player but also as a person, reinforcing his connection to the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
I feel like he’s had a really big impact in my career,
Goedert shared when asked about Jason Michael.
He came the start of my fourth year, and he gave me a lot of confidence in myself. He asked me a lot of questions of why I was doing stuff, why I wasn’t doing stuff. And then over the last four years, we’ve been able to grow a lot but he’s definitely helped me improve as a tight end, improve as a person.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Quarterback Legacy and Jalen Hurts’ Role
For years, Eagles fans yearned for a franchise quarterback who could deliver under pressure, a role that past stars like Ron Jaworski, Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb, and Carson Wentz could not fully fulfill to satisfaction. With Jalen Hurts leading the team, Philadelphia now has a reliable and talented quarterback who performs at his best when the stakes are highest. Despite this, fans sometimes struggle to fully appreciate the team’s current greatness, as ongoing debates about Hurts’ standing among the city’s sports legends continue.
Challenges for Newer Eagles Players Seeking Their Roles
While Goedert’s status has stabilized, other players face challenges in securing prominent roles in the offense. For example, rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson arrived mid-summer via trade and had limited time to build chemistry with Hurts, who prioritizes trust in his receivers. With star players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert occupying the primary targets, Dotson’s opportunities were restricted, resulting in the least productive receiving season among NFL players with over 600 snaps in 2024. This dynamic underscores the difficulty newer players encounter in breaking through on an established offensive team.
Emerging Talent and Rookie Adjustments within the Eagles and NFL
Other emerging players, such as offensive lineman Drew Kendall, share similar backgrounds with veterans—Kendall, for example, comes from a football family, much like other drafted linemen. These rookies are adjusting to the professional level while learning from experienced teammates and coaches. Quarterback Kyle McCord expressed excitement about playing at the Eagles’ home stadium, describing the transition from fan to professional as surreal, highlighting the emotional challenges rookies face entering the NFL.
I think first game at the Linc. I grew up going to games as a fan, so to be out there playing, performing, in front of the people I sat with and cheered with, that’s going to be pretty surreal. The whole thing since the draft has felt that way and it has taken some time to settle in, but now it’s just football. The best of the best. I love every bit of this and to go out there and have a chance to play and show what I can do in the stadium I grew up going to and rooting for the Eagles, that is going to be so much fun.
Comparing the NFC East and AFC East Divisions
With Philadelphia reigning as Super Bowl champions, rivalry comparisons between divisions intensify, particularly between the NFC East and AFC East. Analysts highlight the presence of stars like Jalen Hurts and CeeDee Lamb rooted in prior college chemistry, as well as the strategic management by Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman. While the AFC East features MVP Josh Allen, some argue the surrounding talent is comparatively limited, giving the NFC East the competitive edge.
Additional NFL Team Updates Highlight Player Development and Roster Moves
Meanwhile, other NFL teams like the New York Giants continue to evaluate and develop young talent. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has impressed Giants coaches with his quick adaptation and smart style on the field, showing clear progress during offseason minicamps. Offensive line coach Brian Daboll reportedly praises former first-round pick Evan Neal for adapting well as he transitions from tackle to guard, with training camp remaining crucial for further development.
He’s done excellent picking up information,
Daboll said of Dart.
It’s really good to have Russ and Jameis and even Tommy because Tommy has been in this system for a few years here. Kind of the head statesman in terms of that with all the adjustments that take place and the calls. He’s fit right in with those guys. He’s smart, aggressive with the football, which I like. And then the true test will be once we start with live hitting and preseason games and things like that. He’s progressed since he’s been here. … He’s made improvement.
He’s picked up things well inside,
Daboll added about Neal.
You know, training camp will be an important time of the year for him as for all the offensive linemen.
Conclusion: The Impact of Support and Development on Eagles’ Future
The support Jalen Hurts provided to Dallas Goedert during contract uncertainty exemplifies the importance of leadership and team culture in maintaining player confidence amid NFL pressures. Coupled with coaching mentorship from Jason Michael and an evolving core of players adapting to roles within a championship-caliber team, the Eagles’ offseason efforts aim to sustain their success. As rookies gain experience and veterans solidify their value, the franchise looks positioned to continue competing at a high level in the coming seasons.