The 2019 NFL offseason has begun for the Philadelphia Eagles, which means Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson will spend the next couple of weeks evaluating the 2018 roster. It’s time to start figuring out what this team needs to do to get back to the Super Bowl. Today we’ll continue this roster outlook series by looking at the tight end position.

THE PLAYERS

ZACH ERTZ

Regular season stats: 1000 snaps, 156 targets, 116 receptions, 1163 yards (10.0 average), 8 TD, 1 fumble

Playoff stats: 15 targets, 10 receptions, 102 yards (10.2 average), 0 TD

Review: Remember when “This is going to be Ertz’s breakout year!” used to be a meme? That feels so long ago now as Ertz has legitimately established himself as one of the best players at his position in the league. Ertz broke the league’s single-season record for tight end receptions in 2018.

Outlook: Ertz is well on pace to eventually become the Eagles’ all-time leader in career receptions, which is currently held by Harold Carmichael. Ertz is only 28 and he’s signed through 2021 so he’s going to continue to be a big contributor in Philly for years to come. Especially with Carson Wentz loving to throw his way!

DALLAS GOEDERT

Regular season stats: 523 snaps, 44 targets, 33 receptions, 334 yards (10.1 average), 4 TD

Playoff stats: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 20 yards, 1 TD

Review: Goedert had a very impressive rookie season. His volume numbers were obviously restricted with Ertz being ahead of him on the depth chart but he was still an incredibly efficient contributor. Including the playoffs, 60% of Goedert’s receptions went for either first downs or touchdowns. He showed great potential as a blocker and his ability to generate yards after the catch is exciting.

Outlook: Goedert’s future is bright. The Eagles need to find a way to get him even more involved in 2019. The increased usage of 12 personnel saved the Eagles’ season in 2018. Hopefully they’ll realize they need to use it more often in 2019.

JOSHUA PERKINS

Regular season stats: 95 snaps, 11 targets, 5 receptions, 67 yards, 0 TD

Review: Perkins made the 53-man roster since the Eagles needed a third tight end and Rodgers was seriously hurt. Perkins was then forced into significant playing time when the Eagles got down to being without three of their top four receivers. Yikes. Thankfully, that didn’t last too long and he was eventually moved back to contributing as a third tight end. He was placed on injured reserve when the Eagles decided to activate Rodgers off IR.

Outlook: It remains to be seen if Perkins’ season-ending injury will linger long into the offseason. If healthy, Perkins will compete for the third tight end spot.

RICHARD RODGERS

Regular season stats: 42 snaps, 1 target, 1 reception, 7 yards

Review: Rodgers was having a solid offseason before getting hurt during Philadelphia’s second preseason game. The Eagles placed Rodgers on injured reserve and he remained there until the team activated him to the 53-man roster prior to Week 11. He mostly contributed as a special teams player and an extra blocker in three tight end sets.

Outlook: Rodgers is going to be a free agent. He essentially signed for a minimum deal last year and he should be available at that price again this offseason. The Eagles might as well bring him back as the third tight end. Prior to 2018, Rodgers only missed one game in his career, so last year’s injury shouldn’t be a big deterrent.

WILL TYE

Review: The Eagles signed Tye to their practice squad in mid-November. Then they signed him to a reserve/future contract after the 2018 season ended.

Outlook: Tye has some NFL experience; he’s made 18 starts in 32 career games played. He’ll have a chance to compete for the third tight end spot.

FREE AGENCY OR TRADES

This is simple. There’s no need to spend on the tight end position in free agency with Ertz and Goedert around. Just re-sign Rodgers.

NFL DRAFT OPTIONS

No need to draft someone, either. Just sign a guy or two in undrafted free agency to compete with the likes of Rodgers, Perkins, and Tye for the third tight end spot.