Dallas Goedert, Eagles Engaged in Contract Talks Amid Zach Ertz Trade Rumors

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly discussing trades for tight end Zach Ertz. At the same time, they're working to secure their future at the position should those offers materialize.

Dallas Goedert, who is eligible for a contract extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, told reporters his "contract stuff is still in discussions," but is eager to get something down on paper. 

"If I could get the contract extension, I would love to be in Philly forever," he said. "Having the second contract is the ultimate goal. The sooner you can get to it, I feel like is the better." 

Ertz is not participating in the voluntary portion of the offseason program at this point, something that isn't expected to change, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

That puts Goedert, the team's second-round pick out of South Dakota State in 2018, at the forefront of the position group. The 26-year-old has started nine games for the Eagles in each of the past two seasons. A calf injury limited him to a career-low 11 games in 2020, though he averaged a career-best 11.4 yards per reception en route to finishing with 524 yards and three scores.

In 2019, he had 607 yards and five scores on 58 receptions through 15 games. 

Ertz has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason after the team gave the three-time Pro Bowler permission to look for a deal back in March. The 30-year-old has played all eight seasons of his career in Philadelphia. 

The Eagles recognize his worth and have maintained since the initial report that they want something in return for Ertz. They doubled down on that stance, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who wrote they've "made it clear" they're expecting legitimate offers and are unlikely to release their 2013 second-round pick. 

The Eagles have already made other major changes this offseason, parting ways with quarterback Carson Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson, and they're more than primed to survive the loss of Ertz with a receiving group that includes Jalen Reagor and DeVonta Smith alongside Goedert.