Eagles Position Battle Preview: Does Johnny Mundt Provide Enough To Be TE2?
The Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t afford to run it back with the same exact tight end group in 2026. While several familiar faces are still in the City of Brotherly Love, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has made quite a few changes to Philadelphia’s tight end room. Even long-time tight ends coach Jason Michael was replaced by Ryan Mahaffey this offseason.
After finding each of Philadelphia’s last two starting tight ends in the second round of the NFL Draft, Roseman went back to the well in the 2026 NFL Draft. While Eli Stowers is widely viewed as Dallas Goedert’s eventual replacement, there is skepticism about his ability to contribute from day one for the Eagles. Therefore, it’s going to be fun to watch the tight end battle play out.
While Goedert is still expected to hold down the TE1 role in 2026, Roseman has made enough additions this offseason to create competition around him. Does veteran blocking tight end Johnny Mundt provide enough as a pass catcher to be TE2? Here’s a closer look at Philadelphia’s tight end battle.
Johnny Mundt
Chance of winning the TE2 job: 65%
When the Eagles hired first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, many were unsure what type of control he would truly have with the play-calling and personnel. Yet following the hiring of Mahaffey, trade for Dontayvion Wicks and signing of Mundt, it seems like Mannion’s opinion certainly holds weight. While Mundt only signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract, his skillset is a departure from what the Eagles usually value at the position.
Roseman admitted earlier in the offseason that he sometimes focused too much on what a tight end can do as a pass catcher. Yet Mundt is a bit too far in the other direction as he has almost strictly served as a blocker in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Mundt has blocked on 1,284 of his 2,036 career snaps (63%). For the sake of comparison, Goedert has blocked on 46.8% of his snaps and Grant Calcaterra has blocked on 59% of his snaps.
Yet in Mannion’s offense, Mundt’s skillset could be exactly what the Eagles need. Mundt was teammates with Mannion for two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He was also with the Minnesota Vikings when new Eagles offensive line coach Chris Kuper was there. Mundt is regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL and he’ll have to offer just enough as a pass catcher to keep defenses honest, which I believe that he’ll be able to do.
Eli Stowers
Chance of winning the TE2 job: 30%
Stowers is the shiny new toy in Philadelphia at tight end. The 23-year-old rookie is such an intriguing player due to his size, athleticism and potential at a relatively new position. Yet he is likely a bit too raw to contribute in a major role during his rookie season with the Eagles. In fact, rookie tight ends selected in the second round of the NFL Draft don’t normally produce at a high level in year one.
According to Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice, rookie tight ends selected in the second round of the NFL Draft average 28 receptions for 267 receiving yards and two touchdowns during their first season. Therefore, everyone should temper their expectations for Stowers in 2026. While his role could certainly grow if Goedert misses time due to an injury, my guess is that Stowers is too raw as a blocker and will be limited to a specialized, pass catching role during his rookie season.
Grant Calcaterra
Chance of winning the TE2 job: 3%
Anyone that follows me likely understands how difficult it was for me to even type out the name above. Yet the unfortunate truth is that Calcaterra re-signed with the Eagles this offseason. Despite being 27-years old and failing to improve as a blocker at all in his first four seasons with the team, Philadelphia has inexplicably brought him back in 2026.
Given his experience as TE2 in Philadelphia in recent years, I’m giving him a slightly higher percentage than others to win the job. Yet in reality, there’s a legitimate chance that Calcaterra won’t even make the Eagles final 53-man roster next month. Roseman has made enough additions at the position this offseason to put pressure on Calcaterra and force him to improve as a blocker in order to stick around in Philadelphia.
Cameron Latu
Chance of winning the TE2 job: 2%
Latu is one of Philadelphia’s latest developmental success stories. While Latu was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he missed his rookie season due to injury and was eventually waived. After spending the following season on the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, Latu signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles in 2025.
The 26-year-old made the most of his first season in Philadelphia, as he developed into a special teams ace and backup tight end. Fast forward to 2026 and he feels like an ideal TE3 in Mannion’s offense due to his blocking ability and alignment versatility. While I’ll give Latu an outside chance at becoming TE2, he seems like a better fit in the TE3/FB hybrid role.