BREAKING NEWS: Eagles Sign Albert O: Reasons Philadelphia Wanted Another Chance

PHILADELPHIA: The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to bring back veteran tight end Albert Okwuegbunam for a one-year contract derailled many “Stay or Go” drills in the Delaware Valley, while it wasn’t quite like ripping up an NCAA bracket when a few young Cinderellas pulled off shocks. In August of last year, the Eagles traded late-round picks with Denver in an attempt to take a chance on Okwuegbunam, hoping to improve the position after experienced starter Dallas Goedert.

As a fourth-round selection out of Missouri and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, the Eagles acquired the remaining year of Albert O’s rookie contract. Okwuegbunam had teased in Denver with his exceptional athleticism, and the Eagles, who were ranked 31st on the waiver wire, knew the Broncos were set to move on and they were unlikely to grab the TE in that form, so it appeared like a solid swing from general manager Howie Roseman.

In Denver, Albert Okwuegbunam displayed a few promising traits.USA Today USA Today As a backup tight end with the Broncos from 2020 to 2022, Okwuegbunam caught 54 passes for 546 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his unusual 4.49 speed at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds. It’s hardly a lot of productivity, but given what the Eagles have been getting from Grant Calcaterra behind Goedert and Jack Stoll, who plays mainly as a blocker, it was at least an upgrade on the receiving end.

Even though Goedert missed three games due to a damaged forearm, Okwuegbunam was an afterthought and buried on the depth chart in 2023. That sentiment, however, never materialized.Before being placed on injured reserve in December of 2023, Okwuegbunam played just 57 offensive snaps in total and was targeted just once during the season. Similar: TE with the Eagles ‘Fresh Start’ Albert O. Covets in Philadelphia Since Okwuegbunam’s contract was about to expire, it appeared certain that he would go unsigned in March. However, the Eagles presented him with a new one-year contract over three weeks before the league season began.

Given his track record of success with tight ends, it’s possible that Kellen Moore, the new offensive coordinator, wants to see Okwuegbunam in the spring and summer. In the meanwhile, Okwuegbunam should have a greater chance of earning a place if he starts from scratch with position coach Jason Michael assisting to improve both technique and route-running principles rather than arriving late on the eve of the regular season.

In essence, the extension concerns not only the contract but also the period from the August trade of the previous year until the first cutdown in 2024. The Eagles still have options to strengthen their TE position in the draft or through free agency despite this choice. It should be rather simple to let go of Okwuegbunam if things don’t work out well with him during the summer.