Dallas Goedert is entering his ninth professional season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and at 31 years old, he's fresh off what appeared to be his most productive fantasy football year to date. With star wide receiver A.J. Brown having departed and a new rookie tight end on the roster, the key question for fantasy enthusiasts is: should Goedert be a target in your 2026 draft?
Initially, there was a prevailing sentiment to disregard Goedert for the upcoming season, largely because his stellar 2025 performance was viewed as an anomaly. While he averaged an impressive 12.3 fantasy points per game, this figure was heavily inflated by an extraordinary 11 touchdowns. His target count and receiving yards remained consistent with his historical averages, and his yards per reception actually hit a career low of 9.9. This suggests that his increased scoring was an outlier, making his overall efficiency questionable. When you remove the touchdown factor, his performance was notably less impactful, evidenced by a low 1.38 yards per route run (ranking 27th among tight ends) and a mere 19.2% target rate despite being on the field for 91.6% of Philadelphia's pass plays.
Despite these earlier reservations, a shift in perspective has emerged regarding Goedert's potential. This change is primarily influenced by the current state of the Eagles' tight end and wide receiver positions. The team invested a first-round pick in Eli Stowers, but early reports indicate that Stowers is unlikely to make a significant impact in his rookie year, essentially securing Goedert's role for the season. More crucially, A.J. Brown's departure leaves a considerable void in target volume. While DeVonta Smith is poised to become the clear WR1, the supporting cast of Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Makai Lemon may not collectively command the same level of attention Brown did. This scenario could lead to Jalen Hurts relying more heavily on his established and trusted targets, which predominantly include Smith and Goedert. Therefore, while another 11-touchdown season is improbable and his efficiency at 31 isn't expected to surge, Goedert's potential for increased target share makes him a plausible "last hurrah" option, especially if you're looking for a tight end beyond the top-tier selections.
Ultimately, Dallas Goedert represents a solid fallback option in fantasy drafts, especially for those who choose to prioritize other positions early. His current TE12 ranking, slightly above his TE13 ADP, positions him as a strong candidate for teams willing to wait on the tight end position. While a repeat of his high touchdown total is unlikely, his established role and the shift in offensive dynamics within the Eagles' lineup could still provide valuable fantasy production, offering a dependable choice for managers seeking value later in the draft.
