The Eagles are going to be down to one tight end, Brent Celek, after veterans L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel go on the free agent market, then sign with another team.
Plus, despite that career performance by Celek in the NFC championship game, I don’t think he has the speed to be the Eagles answer at tight end. He also is lacking when it comes to run blocking.
The Eagles aren't going to be able to find a draft pick at tight end, who can come in to Philadelphia and give them what they need immediately.
On the other hand, if they add a great tight end like future Hall of Famer and current Kansas Chief Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez or Houston Texan Owen Pro Bowler Daniels to their offense, it will immediately improve both their running and passing games.
The Eagles offense is in dire need of a tight end like these guys, who can block for the run, as well as be a downfield pass receiving threat versus zone and man-to-man coverages.
DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis will threaten teams deep, Jason Avant and Hank Baskett will pound them over the middle, while one of their safeties is tied up keeping an eye on the Eagles tight end.
No longer would teams be able to double Westbrook without paying a price. They also would be forced to reexamine the practice of covering the Eagles tight ends with linebackers.
Gonzalez is a tremendous target in the red zone. He caught 96 passes for 1058 yards with 10 touchdowns.
Daniels caught 70 passes for 862 yards with only two touchdowns. As you can see, Daniels isn't nearly as potent in the red zone as Gonzalez and he has only 10 touchdowns in his three year career.
Whichever tight end they decide to go after, they would improve the Eagles offense in the red zone, which is what the Eagles are desperately in need of. Just their presence alone, will force teams to single cover the tight end or Westbrook.
I personally would like to see them grab Gonzalez, whereas Daniels is only 26 years old. Gonzalez will be 33 years old this month, but Daniels is a restricted free agent which means the Eagles will have to relinquish draft picks if they sign him.
I think they could get Gonzalez for a 2nd or possibly 3rd round draft pick. Getting Daniels would be more expensive when it comes to draft picks, but I don't know the exact price right now.
Gonzalez equals the very best right now or do you with Daniels who may get better and could be a good contributor for six years.
Which way would you like to see them go?
