Eagles bring Dick Rod back for a fourth stint in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles filled their final vacant roster spot by re-signing veteran tight end Richard Rodgers, according to an official announcement from the team.

This news was expected since Rodgers visited the Eagles on Monday.

The Eagles found themselves in need of more tight end depth after losing undrafted rookie free agent Noah Togiai to the Indianapolis Colts via waivers. Rodgers is a natural fit given his previous experience in Philly’s offense. Like the headline says, this is his fourth stint with the Eagles! To recap:

The Eagles originally signed Rodgers when the Green Bay Packers allowed him to enter free agency in 2018. With Trey Burton leaving to sign with the Chicago Bears, Rodgers was set to be the Eagles’ No. 3 tight end behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Rodgers was having a solid summer before suffering an injury that caused him to go on injured reserve. The Eagles eventually activated Rodgers off IR but he’d only go on to log one reception for seven yards. He mostly played special teams in addition to occasionally serving as a blocking tight end.

The Eagles re-signed Rodgers during the 2019 offseason. He won the home run derby at Carson Wentz’s charity softball game, which may go down as his most notable achievement in Philly. Rodgers suffered another injury during training camp and began the season on IR for the second year in a row before the Eagles cut him with an injury settlement. Rodgers re-signed with the Eagles on Christmas and appeared in the Eagles’ final two games as a special teams contributor.

Rodgers left the Eagles to sign with Washington Football Team earlier this year in March. New head coach Ron Rivera employs his dad, also named Richard Rodgers, as an assistant defensive backs coach. But nepotism wouldn’t allow Rodgers to stick with the Football Team. They released him this past weekend.

And so now Rodgers finds himself back in Philly. The 28-year-old will mostly play on special teams while also providing the Eagles with depth behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. It’s not an exciting pickup by any means but it’s a sensible and solid one.

Welcome back for a fourth time, Dick Rod.

On a separate note, the Eagles no longer have an open roster spot for a Cordy Glenn signing. They can clear one if they really wanted to add him, of course, but maybe that’s no longer in the plans with Jason Peters moving back to left tackle. Still makes sense to sign Glenn for depth if possible.