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The Philadelphia Eagles re-signed veteran tight end Richard Rodgers on Friday afternoon, according to an official announcement from the team.
This development marks the fourth time the Eagles have re-signed Rodgers since he first signed a contract with the team back in April 2018. The other ones before now took place in March 2019, December 2019, and September 2020.
Rodgers coming back for yet another stint in Philly hardly qualifies as a surprise. We wrote about the possibility earlier this year:
REVIEW: The Eagles brought Dick Rod back for his fourth stint in Philly early last season. It ended up being a decent signing with Ertz and Goedert both suffering injuries! Rodgers experienced the second-best season of his career. In what should serve as a huge indictment on the quality of the Eagles’ roster, he was one of the most efficient offensive options last year.
OUTLOOK: The Eagles could do worse than to bring back Rodgers on the minimum. Ideally, though, they’ll be looking to churn the bottom of the roster and not bring back a 29-year-old without upside.
Eagles fans here at BGN leaned towards wanting to see Dick Rod return:
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Now back in the fold, Rodgers will likely serve as the Eagles’ No. 2 tight end behind presumed starter Dallas Goedert. Zach Ertz is currently still on the roster but it only feels like a matter of time until he’s actually traded or released. On that front, Josina Anderson recently suggested the Buffalo Bills could still be in play:
As of conversations today, my understanding is that apprehensions with production & consistency at the #Bills tight end spot are still a topic of conversation in Buffalo. Something to keep an eye on, especially with folks still staking out Zach Ertz's situation in Philly.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 11, 2021
With Goedert and Rodgers likely ending up as the top two options, there’s a competition for the third spot behind them. The contenders include Jack Stoll, Jason Croom, Caleb Wilson, Hakeem Butler, and Tyree Jackson. It’s possible the Eagles could keep two from that group instead of Rodgers, especially since he likely re-signed for the minimum (or close to it). But the guess here is that Dick Rod sticks. And Stoll might be the favorite as the No. 3 option.
Rodgers has the makings of a cromulent No. 2 tight end. He’s an adequate pass-catcher and he contributes on special teams.
Welcome back for another ride, Dick Rod.