Team goals trump individual accomplishments. We've been told that since we were children, and even though the dream of playing for the Philadelphia Eagles ended for most of us in high school, we're very much aware that phrase doesn't quite tell the entire story.
Individual accomplishments do matter. They're mentioned when players sit at the negotiating table with their agents to hammer out extensions. Everyone's well aware of how many Pro Bowl rosters they made, how many sacks they're responsible for, and each time they reached the end zone to score a touchdown.
Let's not lie to ourselves. A.J. Brown isn't selfish. He's a businessman, and even if he was selfish, here's some truth serum. Every player is a little selfish. Everyone hopes to make that extra million.
Dallas Goedert's number has come up again. He's one of 20 Eagles whose contract expires when the new league year begins. He'll be part of much offseason discussion, but he lands outside of a recent ranking of top NFL free agents.
Dallas Goedert lands outside ESPN's top 50 free agents ranking, instead earning an honorable mention.
ESPN recently released a list of the NFL's top 50 impending free agents. Three Eagles were named (Jaelan Phillips, Reed Blankenship, and Nakobe Dean). Phillips takes up residency at number five.
Goedert earns an honorable mention, which is surprising. He has never been a top target in the Eagles' offense, but he does have that ability, as evidenced this season.
He set a franchise record for TD receptions by a tight end. In the postseason, he accomplished a rare feat. He became one of only six NFL tight ends in the game's history to record a rushing and receiving TD in the same game.
He regressed a tad as a blocker this season, but he's still part of a rare breed, new-school tight ends who block and catch the football with equal proficiency. He lands among our list of Eagles this organization can't afford to let out of the door.
Ultimately, an increased price tag may force a difficult and unwanted decision. Keep in mind the fact that the Eagles are nearing the time when they'll need to pay their extraordinary defensive talent. That will certainly help influence Philadelphia's decision. One thing we can promise is this. We are near yet another intriguing free-agency cycle.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Dallas Goedert lands outside ESPN's ranking of Top 50 NFL free agents
