Eagles Sign TE Stone Smartt: Details & Career Overview
The Philadelphia Eagles added depth to their tight end room on Monday, signing Stone Smartt to a one-year deal. The move comes as the team continues to evaluate options behind starter Dallas Goedert.
Smartt, a 27-year-old who has bounced around the league since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022, most recently played for the Recent York Jets in the season. He appeared in 15 games for the Jets, primarily on special teams, and caught seven of nine targets for 52 yards.
His journey to the NFL is unconventional. Smartt began his collegiate career as a quarterback, earning First-Team JUCO All-American honors at Riverside City College in and being named the NJCAA Athletic Bureau Offensive Player of the Year. He then transferred to Old Dominion University, where he spent two years continuing to play quarterback before making a surprising transition to tight end in . In his single season at the position, he recorded 17 receptions for 167 yards.
Prior to his time with the Jets, Smartt spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Throughout his 53-game NFL career, which includes seven starts, he has accumulated 38 catches for 432 yards and one touchdown. His most productive season came in with the Chargers, where he set career highs with 16 receptions for 208 yards.
The Eagles’ interest in Smartt likely stems from his athleticism. He reportedly ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, showcasing a level of speed that could be valuable in the team’s offense. While he’s described as more of a pass catcher than a run blocker, his versatility could prove useful in a tight end room already featuring established players.
Philadelphia already has a solid foundation at the tight end position with the return of Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. The addition of Smartt adds further competition and depth to the group, which also includes Johnny Mundt, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins, and Jaheim Bell. The team recently brought in Ryan Mahaffey as Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, and he will be tasked with integrating Smartt into the offense and maximizing the potential of the entire unit.
The Eagles’ tight end situation has been a point of focus this offseason. Goedert remains the clear number one option, but Calcaterra has shown promise as a receiving threat. Smartt’s signing suggests the team is prioritizing depth and versatility at the position, potentially looking to utilize different personnel groupings to exploit matchups and create offensive opportunities.
Smartt’s ability to contribute on special teams could also be a factor in his signing. The Eagles have consistently emphasized the importance of special teams play, and a player who can contribute in multiple phases of the game is always valuable. His experience in the league, despite being primarily a role player, should allow him to quickly adapt to the Eagles’ system.
The Eagles’ decision to bring in Smartt is a low-risk, high-reward move. The one-year deal allows the team to evaluate his potential without committing to a long-term contract. If he can develop his blocking skills and continue to improve as a receiver, he could become a valuable asset for the Eagles’ offense. Even if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup, his versatility and athleticism could make him a useful contributor in specific situations.
The Eagles will begin offseason workouts in the coming weeks, providing Smartt with an opportunity to showcase his skills and compete for a roster spot. The tight end competition will be one to watch as the team prepares for the season.