Philadelphia, PA – April 25, 2025 – Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra has ignited a firestorm among fans and teammates after publicly urging the team to trade starter Dallas Goedert, expressing his desire to claim the TE1 role. The comments, made on The Pat McAfee Show, have stunned Philly faithful still reeling from their Super Bowl LIX triumph.
Calcaterra, the Eagles’ TE2, didn’t mince words: “I love Dallas, but I’m ready to start. Trading him could open doors for me and keep our cap healthy.” The 26-year-old, in year three of a four-year, $3.7 million deal, believes he’s outgrown his backup role behind Goedert, who signed a three-year, $24 million extension days ago.
In 2024, Calcaterra recorded 24 receptions, 298 yards, and 1 touchdown across 17 games, stepping up with 8 receptions, 130 yards in three games when Goedert was sidelined by injuries. His PFF receiving grade of 68.2 trails Goedert’s 78.6, but Calcaterra’s 14.6 yards per catch showcases his big-play potential.
Goedert, 30, remains a fan favorite, with 42 receptions, 496 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 10 regular-season games, plus 17 receptions, 215 yards, 1 touchdown in the playoffs. His blocking fueled Saquon Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards, making Calcaterra’s remarks a lightning rod for criticism.
“Grant’s out of line,” said A.J. Brown on X. “Dallas is our guy.” Fans echoed the sentiment, flooding social media with outrage, with @PhillyFaithful tweeting, “Calcaterra’s good, but Goedert’s Philly. Sit down.” Coach Nick Sirianni addressed the tension: “We handle family matters internally. Dallas is our starter.”
The Eagles, with $60 million in cap space and eight draft picks, including No. 32, face a delicate situation. GM Howie Roseman, fresh off quashing Goedert trade rumors, may now field offers for Calcaterra, whose $1.1 million cap hit is trade-friendly. A fourth-round pick could be in play.
As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds in Green Bay, Calcaterra’s outburst threatens team unity. “It’s a bold move, but risky,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah noted. With Roseman eyeing prospects like Shemar Stewart, Philly’s focus remains on another title, but Calcaterra’s gambit has cast a shadow over the locker room.
