Philadelphia Eagles bring back tight end Albert Okwuegbunam for another stint: The reasoning behind Philly’s renewed interest.
In Philadelphia, the decision to re-sign veteran tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on a one-year deal disrupted several “Stay or Go” evaluations in the Delaware Valley. While not akin to tearing up an NCAA bracket following Cinderella upsets, the Eagles’ move prompted reconsideration across the region.
Seeking to bolster the position beyond established starter Dallas Goedert, the Eagles initially acquired Okwuegbunam during the final roster cutdown to 53 last August, trading late-round picks with Denver. Securing Okwuegbunam’s final year under his rookie contract, obtained as a fourth-round pick from Missouri, alongside a 2025 seventh-round pick, was deemed a strategic maneuver by GM Howie Roseman. Aware of Okwuegbunam’s potential and Denver’s likelihood of parting ways, the Eagles capitalized despite their low waiver priority.
Okwuegbunam’s exceptional 4.49 speed coupled with his imposing 6-foot-5, 258-pound frame showcased promise, evidenced by his 54 receptions, 546 yards, and four touchdowns as a backup tight end for the Broncos between 2020 and 2022. Although his production was modest, particularly compared to the Eagles’ current alternatives, which include primarily blocking tight end Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra, Okwuegbunam presented potential as a receiving threat.
However, the anticipated impact failed to materialize in 2023, with Okwuegbunam relegated to obscurity on the depth chart, even during Goedert’s three-game absence due to a fractured forearm. Limited to a mere 57 offensive snaps and targeted only once throughout the season before landing on injured reserve in December, Okwuegbunam’s prospects seemed dim entering free agency.
Surprisingly, the Eagles extended a new one-year deal to Okwuegbunam nearly three weeks before the new league year commenced. The move suggests potential interest from new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, known for his prowess with tight ends, in evaluating Okwuegbunam during the offseason. Furthermore, beginning anew with position coach Jason Michael could afford Okwuegbunam a chance to refine his technique and route-running skills, unlike his late arrival on the eve of the previous regular season.
Ultimately, the extension reflects not only contractual matters but also considerations spanning from the August trade in 2023 to the initial cutdown in 2024. Moreover, the decision to retain Okwuegbunam does not preclude the Eagles from exploring other avenues to fortify the tight end position via free agency or the draft. Should Okwuegbunam’s progress prove unsatisfactory over the offseason, the Eagles retain flexibility in moving on from him.
