As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2026 campaign, their tight end corps presents a blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent. Leading the group is Zach Ertz, whose resilience and experience continue to make him a cornerstone in both blocking assignments and as a reliable red-zone target. Complementing Ertz is the promising rookie Jalen Hawkins, whose agility and catching ability have already begun to add a new dimension to Philadelphia’s aerial attack. However, beyond these two, the depth chart thins considerably, with backups primarily contributing on special teams and in specific game situations.

The coaching staff emphasizes versatility, seeking tight ends capable of lining up in various formations to keep defenses guessing. The current depth chart highlights the following key players:

• Zach Ertz – Veteran starter, pivotal red-zone target, and leader
• Jalen Hawkins – Rookie with explosive athleticism and receiving upside
• Marcus Lee – Specialist in run blocking, essential for ground game support
• David Moore – Special teams contributor and depth option

With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Eagles’ front office faces crucial decisions regarding the financial commitments tied to their tight ends. Beyond on-field contributions, the salary cap ramifications of each player’s contract will heavily influence roster construction. Philadelphia must strike a balance between retaining experienced veterans and nurturing younger talent, all while maintaining cap flexibility to pursue other roster needs.

Key factors influencing these decisions include:

• Cost-effectiveness: Are the players’ performances commensurate with their salary cap charges?
• Health and availability: Does the player’s injury history warrant cautious financial investment?
• Positional priorities: Could allocating significant cap space to tight ends limit resources for other vital positions?

Ultimately, the Eagles’ ability to manage these financial variables will be instrumental in assembling a competitive and sustainable tight end unit for the upcoming season and beyond.

The tight end position in Philadelphia is poised for exciting developments, with several players showing potential to elevate their roles in 2026. Among the most promising is second-year player Jaylen Morris, whose speed and refined route-running skills suggest he could become a reliable red-zone threat. Additionally, undrafted free agent Marcus Ellington has impressed coaches with his dual ability to block effectively and extend his catch radius, positioning him as a valuable asset on third-down situations.

The rookie class also injects fresh competition and promise. First-round selection Caleb Bennett has demonstrated strong hands and a high football IQ during offseason workouts, making him a candidate for early playing time in passing packages. Key attributes that will determine rookie impact include:

• Ability to quickly grasp complex defensive schemes
• Contributions on special teams as a pathway to increased snaps
• Developing rapport with the quarterback to enhance offensive chemistry

To strengthen the tight end position for the 2026 season, the Eagles should adopt a balanced approach that combines shrewd free agency acquisitions with continued development of internal talent. Prioritizing affordable veterans who bring versatility—both as blockers and receivers—can provide immediate depth and reliability. Simultaneously, scouting mid-round draft prospects offers a cost-effective method to infuse youthful potential into the roster.

Strategic priorities include:

• Securing key players with high upside and reasonable salary demands
• Targeting free agents capable of contributing in multiple tight end roles
• Emphasizing positional flexibility to enhance offensive adaptability
• Investing in young tight ends through the draft to build sustainable depth