Getting A Leg Up

PHILADELPHIA – When asked in the spring about candidates for the third receiver role, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni first named a relatively unknown third-year tight end.

“Grant Calcaterra has done an unbelievable job,” Sirianni had said. “He’s shown toughness – and mental toughness – to get better every single day. He’s a guy that’s in there, you know. I’m pleased with our depth.”

Calcaterra, who appeared in 30 games over his first two NFL seasons, has yet to make his mark, generating only 120 receiving yards on nine receptions (13 targets).

His role has been limited to a sparingly-used, one-dimensional receiver who, albeit willing, offers little as an in-line player.

While those qualifications would seemingly appear to impede Calcaterra’s path to the roster for a third season, they aren’t clouding a bigger picture.

When the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end returned for spring practices, he was considered the odds-on favorite to run away with the third spot on the depth chart, squeezing out the enigmatic Albert Okwuegbunam because of his homegrown status and special teams acumen.

But Calcaterra, without contact, this spring showcased more detail in his route-running and spacing as well as a knack for finding the soft spots in zone.

GETTY IMAGES: Third-year TE Grant Calcaterra has been among the early training camp standouts.

He snared nearly every pass thrown in his direction, often attacking the ball at its highest point and demonstrating body control. He also exhibited the attributes to develop into a second- and third-level threat.

Spring standouts, however, don’t always parlay their success into training camp, the NFL’s most critical evaluation period. Still, Calcaterra has continued to show up, establishing a rapport with his quarterbacks, continuing to command mind-range targets and create separation at the top of routes.

He’s also flashed at times after the catch. Except for a high, wide sideline pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts that soared over Calcaterra’s hands and out of bounds, the timing between them has virtually been automatic.

Also working in Calcaterra’s favor is special teams contribution. He accounted for 40 percent of special teams snaps in 2023. And if the spring and early training camp sessions are any indication, Calcaterra is primed to moonlight as a core member for coordinator Michael Clay.

But that value boost would have been especially critical if Calcaterra was considered a bubble player trying to ward off multiple players to punch his ticket onto the 53-man roster.

For his part, Calcaterra has out-performed veteran C.J. Uzomah, a free-agent signing expected to fulfill the second tight end void that vacated when Jack Stoll departed in free agency.

Instead, Uzomah has fallen behind in the No. 2 race, struggling to separate and appearing sluggish in his movement ability by comparison.

Though camp is obviously in its early stages and the pads have yet to come on, Uzomah has some work to in order to claim a roster spot. And while the first instinct is often to minimize his achievement given the lack of depth at the position, Calcaterra’s early emergence warrants attention.

Perhaps helping Calcaterra’s emergence is new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who has a history of incorporating tight ends into his offensive vision.

And per Moore, the early returns on Calcaterra have been promising.

“Grant has really done an excellent job to be the second tight end currently,” he said. “His consistency throughout OTAs, early in training camp. He has a great awareness and understanding of the game.

“He teams up with Dallas [Goedert] really, really well. So we’re excited about that and hopefully continues to build.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.