Where does Dallas Goedert land in a ranking of NFC East tight ends?
Where does Dallas Goedert land in a ranking of NFC East tight ends?
Geoffrey A Knox, Eagles WireMon, July 27, 2026 at 8:09 PM UTC
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The Philadelphia Eagles spent much of the offseason answering questions about Dallas Goedert's future. Now, heading into the new season, those conversations have shifted back to what he does best: dominating when used as an offensive threat. Divisional rivalries have a way of making every comparison personal. Whether it's quarterbacks, edge rushers, wide receivers, or offensive tackles, fans are always eager to debate which team has the best player at each position. The tight end position is no different.
The NFC East features four capable starters, each bringing a different skill set to the table. The New York Giants are betting on Isaiah Likely's untapped upside as he follows John Harbaugh to town from the Baltimore Ravens. The Dallas Cowboys continue to rely on Jake Ferguson's toughness after the catch.
The Washington Commanders added Chigoziem Okonkwo in free agency, hoping his athleticism unlocks another dimension of their offense. Still, if we're ranking the division's starting tight ends entering the 2026 season, Goedert remains the cream of the crop.
1. Dallas Goedert - Philadelphia Eagles
Goedert claims the top spot because no tight end in the division combines production, consistency, and complete play quite like he does. His 11 touchdown receptions last season tied for the most among NFL tight ends and set an Eagles franchise record.
His 4,342 career receiving yards rank among the league's leaders at the position. He's equally valuable as an in-line blocker and receiving threat, making him one of the NFL's most complete tight ends and a cornerstone of Philadelphia's offense.
2. Isaiah Likely - New York Giants
Likely finally gets the opportunity many believed was coming. After spending four seasons behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore, he'll enter 2026 as the Giants' projected starter. Injuries interrupted his 2025 campaign, but his 2024 tape showed why New York was willing to invest in him.
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Likely breaks tackles when healthy and does so probably about as well as anyone in the league, proving he has the tools to become one of the division's better playmakers. There are many reasons to bet against him.
3. Jake Ferguson - Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson has quietly become one of the Cowboys' most dependable offensive weapons. Few tight ends are tougher to bring down after the catch. He also breaks a lot of tackles. Ball security has occasionally been an issue, but Ferguson remains a reliable target who can make life difficult for opposing defenses.
4. Chigoziem Okonkwo - Washington Commanders
Okonkwo brings plenty of explosiveness to Washington's offense. The former Tennessee Titans standout ranked among the NFL leaders in yards after the catch. That showcases the athleticism that earned him a three-year free-agent contract.
His struggles as a run blocker keep him behind the rest of the division's starters for now. That isn't necessarily a huge flaw. It's becoming increasingly tougher to find tight ends who catch the football and block with equal proficiency.
Final thoughts
This isn't a knock on the rest of the NFC East. Likely has breakout potential, Ferguson continues to produce, and Okonkwo is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Still, entering the 2026 season, Dallas Goedert remains the division's gold standard.
The gap between these four may not be enormous, but Goedert's all-around game still puts him at the top. He's the standard the rest of the NFC East is trying to catch.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Where does Dallas Goedert land in a ranking of NFC East tight ends?
Source: “AOL Sports”
