Eagles Cut Rookie TE After Failing to Meet Expectations

Philadelphia, PA – April 02, 2025, 05:45 PM PDT
The Philadelphia Eagles have released tight end Grant Calcaterra, a 2022 sixth-round pick, after the 26-year-old failed to meet expectations during his three-year tenure with the team, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. The move comes as the Eagles continue to reshape their roster following a Super Bowl LIX victory, aiming to bolster depth at the tight end position ahead of the 2025 season.

Calcaterra, selected 198th overall out of SMU, was expected to develop into a reliable TE2 behind Dallas Goedert. However, despite starting 13 of 17 games in 2024 due to Goedert’s injury, he struggled to make an impact, recording just 24 receptions for 298 yards and 1 touchdown. His production waned late in the season, with only 1 catch for 4 yards on 3 targets across his final 10 games, including the playoffs. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 62 tight end in overall offense (53.1), with career-low marks in run blocking (48.6) and pass protection (43.9), highlighting his deficiencies as a blocker (web ID: 0).

The Eagles’ recent signings of Harrison Bryant and Kylen Granson in the offseason intensified the pressure on Calcaterra, who was fighting for his roster spot. With Goedert’s future uncertain amid trade rumors, the team opted to move on from Calcaterra, whose $1.14 million cap hit in 2025 can be almost entirely shed, per Spotrac. The decision allows Philly to explore other options at TE2, potentially through the draft or additional free-agent signings (web ID: 0).

Eagles fans on X had mixed reactions. “Calcaterra never stepped up—good move to cut him,” posted @EaglesNation. Another fan wrote, “Sad to see him go, but we need a stronger TE2 for another title run” (@PhillyFanatic). As training camp approaches, the Eagles are focused on building a roster capable of defending their championship crown.