You have to start there. It is the independent variable. You have to define it in order to solve the rest of the equation. You can’t have an opinion on how the Eagles should proceed with their All-Pro wide receiver if you don’t first have an opinion on what they should do without him.
Feel free to take as much time as you need. Just make sure that you don’t dwell too long on the internal options. Right now, there aren’t any.
Aside from DeVonta Smith, the Eagles have exactly two pass-catchers under contract who had a target for them last season. Darius Cooper and Britain Covey combined for 11 catches on 112 yards. Other than that, your options are limited to 2024 sixth-round pick Johnny Wilson, who missed last season with a knee injury. The tight end room doesn’t even have anyone to turn on the lights.
So … what’s the plan?
The draft is not a serious option. Not where the Eagles are picking, at least. Last year’s draft yielded 11 wide receivers and tight ends who played at least 50% of their team’s snaps. Four of those players were selected before pick No. 23. Five others played for the Titans, Browns or Jets. Maybe they’ll be in a position to draft this year’s Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 to the Bucs in 2024). But they could just as easily end up with this year’s Matthew Golden (No. 23 to the Packers). The best way to get yourself in trouble on draft day is to try to solve this year’s problems.
It isn’t outlandish to think Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard might be capable of what Deebo Samuel did as a rookie when the 49ers drafted him in 2019.
That’s not to say they shouldn’t be looking. Nor that they won’t find some help. Alabama’s Germie Bernard would make a worthy target, even at No. 23. Whatever he measures at the combine, the game speed is there, as is the hybrid 6-foot-1, 204-pound frame. It isn’t outlandish to think he could do what Deebo Samuel did as a rookie after the 49ers drafted him at No. 36 overall in 2019: 57 catches, 802 yards, 14 carries, 159 yards. But to feel comfortable trading Brown, you need a lot more certainty than “isn’t outlandish.”
Free agents? Sure, let’s talk. Alec Pierce would be a no-brainer. At 25 years old, the Colts wideout caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards with Daniel Jones, Philip Rivers and Riley Leonard at quarterback. He isn’t anywhere close to Brown as a singular talent. Still, if you combine him with a draft pick like Bernard, he could be part of a radical and positive identity shift in both the short- and long-term.
Only one problem: The Eagles are one of 32 teams that can bid on free agents. A team like the Patriots can offer more cap room and a better quarterback and an acute need at the position. I’m skeptical the Eagles would win out.
The free agent crop is interesting even beyond Pierce and presumptive Cowboys franchisee George Pickens. Jauan Jennings and Mike Evans could replace some of Brown’s physicality in traffic and in 50/50 situations. Again, though, you have to wonder. Will players who have multiple options err on the side of a team with a run-heavy approach and Jalen Hurts at quarterback?
The conundrum is the same as it was three months ago, when the annual pre-trade-deadline nonsense reached its crescendo. The dream that the Eagles might part ways with their WR1 died in a head-first collision with reality. However disgruntled Brown was, however diminished his skills were, nobody else on the roster would have done enough in his stead to survive such a move. To suggest otherwise was to betray a fundamental misunderstanding of how this Eagles passing offense works. It would not have functioned without him.
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had his first 1,000-yard season with Daniel Jones, Philip Rivers, and Riley Leonard throwing to him.
True, the Eagles barely functioned with Brown. But that only matters if you think they should have given up on the season at the trade deadline. That’s what they would have been doing by trading Brown. Look at their track record without him. Brown missed four (meaningful) games in his first three seasons with the Eagles. The Eagles lost three of them, and they scored 15 points in the game that they won. In 2025, the Eagles scored 38 points against the Giants without Brown. They also threw the ball 20 times. Smith was the only wide receiver to catch more than one of them.
Plenty of NFL teams have managed to win without two WR1 types. But we’ve never seen Hurts have to do it. Right now, the Eagles don’t even have a WR2 who is better than replacement level. Keep in mind, the Eagles already have a hugely pressing need at tight end. They could need to spend big bucks to retain Jaelan Phillips, or to sign a replacement. In the draft, they will be hard-pressed to turn down an opportunity to add another offensive lineman to their feeder system.
The preponderance of the circumstances says the Eagles probably shouldn’t trade Brown. Life would be a lot easier if they didn’t need to. The onus is on the case for how they can do so and survive. If you can make one, I’m sure they’d love to hear it.
Next week, 319 college football prospects will descend on Indianapolis for the annual NFL scouting combine, where they will be tested physically, mentally, and medically, interviewed by NFL front office personnel, and will speak with hundreds of media members.
This latest step in the 2026 NFL draft process allows teams to home in on the next crop of players that will fill their franchises. All 32 teams will have 45 “formal interviews,” which last just under 20 minutes, can include watching film or any questions teams want to ask a prospect, and typically take place in the Lucas Oil Stadium suites.
The first direct touch point with prospects happened at last month’s Shrine and Senior Bowl games. NFL teams will utilize this next piece of the puzzle to identify which prospects match their team needs.
Here is how we’re ranking the combine position groups from strongest to weakest — and how they could help the Eagles address some roster needs.
Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) is a potential target for the Eagles beyond the first round.
1. Cornerbacks
It’s a good year to add a secondary player, whether they play outside corner, nickel, or safety. But outside and boundary corners, specifically, will be plentiful from the first round to Day 3 of the draft.
This is a position the Eagles could address early, but not one that will likely be prioritized in the first round. Among the early projected draft picks at the position are LSU’s Mansoor Delane, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse.
Finding a corner to develop into a starter opposite of Quinyon Mitchell — assuming they don’t bring back Adoree’ Jackson, who is set to be a free agent — should be among the Eagles’ objectives. Keep an eye on San Diego State’s Chris Johnson, Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun, Arkansas’ Julian Neal, Georgia’s Daylen Everette, and Texas A&M’s Will Lee as players who could interest the Eagles.
Ole Miss wideout Harrison Wallace III (2) could be a depth or slot option for the Eagles.
2. Wide receivers
There is always a healthy stable of receivers entering the draft, and 2026 is no different. The Eagles, of course, won’t be drafting a wide receiver early — unless they trade A.J. Brown before the draft — but they will need to add more depth to the room regardless.
The top of the class is led by Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and USC’s Makai Lemon, but the receivers heading to the combine feature several skill sets.
The Eagles’ WR3 spot is a potential question mark heading into next season with Jahan Dotson heading into free agency. Players like Ole Miss’ Harrison Wallace, Baylor’s Josh Cameron, Georgia Tech’s Eric Rivers, and Clemson’s Antonio Williams are players to keep an eye on that can occupy either a slot role or have moved around the formation in their collegiate careers and could fit in a depth role for the Eagles.
Would Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) be a fit for the Eagles’ pass rushing group?
3. Edge rushers
There is an abundance of edge rushers worth drafting in this class, with Miami’s Rueben Bain, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk as the top names. With Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari set to become free agents and Brandon Graham’s status unknown for 2026, the Eagles’ edge rusher room desperately needs more depth.
The versatile edge rusher types might interest the Eagles more in this class, though, to complement the relatively light-body types in the edge rusher room currently. Alabama’s LT Overton, Florida’s Tyreak Sapp, and Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton are all players who are bigger in size and have the ability to play from three-techniques out to true pass rusher alignments.
As for developmental pass rushers, keep an eye on Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham, Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker, and Boston College’s Quintayvious Hutchins as late Day 2 and early Day 3 options as pure pass rushers.
Christen Miller (52) is another Athens-to-South Philly possibility for the Eagles.
4. Interior D-line
As the Eagles and Seattle Seahawks proved in the last two Super Bowls, an interior pass rush presence matters a whole lot, and the NFL has a deep group of prospects to choose from in this class.
There are run stuffer types such as Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, Iowa State’s Domonique Orange, and Georgia’s Christen Miller, and twitchy pass rushers including Clemson’s Peter Woods and Florida’s Caleb Banks.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis could soon get extensions from the Eagles, but adding more bodies to have a deeper rotation and talent level in the room would only help keep those players fresh. Michigan’s Rayshaun Benny, Missouri’s Chris McClellan, and Texas A&M’s Tyler Onyedim are a few Day 2 and 3 options to keep tabs on.
Eric Gentry is a local product who might be of interest to the Eagles.
5. Linebackers
The Eagles linebacker room became a strength of the defense over the last few seasons and they won’t need to expend an early-round pick on one. But this class has three first-round caliber players at the position: Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles and Georgia’s CJ Allen.
The Eagles could lose Nakobe Dean to free agency this offseason, but still have Jihaad Campbell and Zack Baun penciled in as starters. There are two players in this class with Philly-area ties: USC’s Eric Gentry, the former Neumann Goretti standout, and Missouri’s Josiah Trotter, the younger brother of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Josiah Trotter and Gentry are both expected to get drafted.
North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly (7) could be an intriguing target for the Eagles.
6. Tight ends
Put a big circle around this group, because tight end is one of the pressing needs for the Eagles. Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson are all set to be free agents, and regardless of whether any of those players return, the room needs more talent in it.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is at the top of the class, and likely the only tight end to go in Round 1. But this class is strong on Day 2 and 3.
Ohio State’s Max Klare, NC State’s Justin Joly, Georgia’s Oscar Delp, and Baylor’s Michael Trigg are all receiving tight end prospects worth taking on Day 2. Players who can thrive in-line as blockers and have some receiving chops as well include Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek, Penn State’s Khalil Dinkins, Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher, and Indiana’s Riley Nowakowski, who can also play fullback.
Other later names, including Utah’s Dallen Bentley, Ole Miss’ Dae’Quan Wright, and Stanford’s Sam Roush are developmental options on Day 3 and could fill roles as second or third options in multi-tight end formations.
Could Xavier Nwankpa (1) join Cooper DeJean as another ex-Hawkeye in the Eagles secondary?
7. Safeties
This is a position that probably needs more attention than it generally gets, considering Reed Blankenship and Marcus Epps are soon-to-be free agents. Drew Mukuba and Sydney Brown are the only players under contract for next season who have taken significant snaps at the position.
This is a strong safety class, led by Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, who is also one of the best players in the draft class. Quinyon Mitchell’s alma mater, Toledo, has another early-round pick in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and there are plenty of coverage specialists such as USC’s Kamari Ramsey, LSU’s A.J. Haulcy, and Arizona’s Genesis Smith.
Since Blankenship played more near the line of scrimmage, the Eagles could be looking to pair that skill set with Mukuba, and players including Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, and Iowa’s Xavier Nwankpa fit the bill.
Kadyn Proctor (74) is generating buzz as a possibility along the Birds’ offensive line.
8. Offensive linemen
This is the spot the Eagles need to upgrade most heading into next season, yet it’s among the weakest groups in this class in terms of starting caliber players. Still, there are players that will interest the Eagles.
The player most commonly linked to the Birds is Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, a massive offensive lineman with unique athleticism at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds. Is he a tackle or guard? That debate could get settled at the combine next week.
The other top offensive linemen are Utah’s Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. Fano and Mauigoa are also players that could move to the interior at the NFL level. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor, and Clemson’s Blake Miller are the next group of fringe first-round players who will strictly be tackles in the NFL and could serve as potential heirs to Lane Johnson whenever he retires.
As for interior offensive line, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane is the only true guard prospect that is Round 1 worthy. The Day 2 prospects like Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon, Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge, and Notre Dame’s drop-off could be players the Eagles have interest in, especially with Landon Dickerson’s uncertain future.
The overall O-line class has a steep drop-off after the starting-caliber players, so if the Eagles want one, they’ll need to draft one early.
9. Running backs
The Eagles seem set at the running back position for now with Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley. A quick glance at the running back invites at the combine shows a relatively limited group to pick from.
There’s only one running back right now that has first-round consideration, and that’s Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Beyond him, the next running back could wait a full one or two rounds before hearing their name called in the 2026 draft.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is a potential developmental QB the Eagles might evaluate.
10. Quarterbacks
As we alluded to in the All-Star game takeaways, this is not a strong quarterback class and it’s reflected in the number of combine invites. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the projected top pick, but beyond him, the class is wide open. Alabama’s Ty Simpson could go in Round 1, but the gap between the second and third quarterback taken in this class could be very wide.
The class overall lacks starting caliber players, and the sweet spot of the class is likely between Rounds 3-6. The Eagles could draft one to develop since Sam Howell is a free agent and Tanner McKee could move on over the next year via trade or free agency.
Some players attending the combine that could make sense for the Eagles include Kansas’ Jalon Daniels, Arkansas’ Taylen Green, and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer.
The Eagles are no longer the defending champions, and their early exit from the playoffs one month ago has already ushered in major changes. Out is offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, in is new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and with him more changes to the offensive coaching staff.
The Eagles are facing a key offseason as they aim to make changes and improvements to make sure their Super Bowl window remains open in 2026 and beyond.
Stoutland’s departure is a big one, as he has long been regarded as the best offensive line coach in the NFL. The Eagles hired his replacement on Monday by bringing in former Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper, who was with Minnesota as the line coach for the last four seasons before his contract expired. Kuper crossed paths with Mannion in 2023, when Mannion was a quarterback on the Vikings’ roster. He also worked under Vic Fangio as an assistant offensive line coach when Fangio was the head coach of the Denver Broncos (2019-21).
The new hires also indicate that Parks Frazier, the pass game coordinator this season, and Jason Michael, the tight ends coach, could be on their way out with the Eagles as the team revamps its offensive scheme under a new coordinator.
On the defensive side, there was a brief scare when Fangio was mulling retirement, but the defensive coordinator made the decision to return to the Eagles for the 2026 season. Fangio’s exit would have been a big blow, especially considering that the Dallas Cowboys plucked Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker, a highly regarded, 34-year-old up-and-comer, to be their new defensive coordinator. It had always seemed like a matter of time until Parker, who was also the defensive pass game coordinator, was lured to a better job with another team, and that time came.
Parker, of course, has been instrumental in helping the Eagles develop their two young All-Pro defensive backs, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Those young players will now be under the tutelage of Joe Kasper, who will assume the role of defensive backs coach after being promoted from safeties coach, a position the Eagles need to backfill.
Did Jaelan Phillips show the Eagles enough to get a new contract from them this offseason?
Roster decisions
Scheduled free agents
The Eagles have 20 pending free agents — 10 on offense, nine on defense, and punter Braden Mann.
Offense
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert reworked his deal last offseason to stay with the Eagles and scored a career-best 11 touchdowns, a tight end record for the team. Considering the Eagles don’t have any tight ends on the roster, they may look to bring the 31-year-old back after he got through the season relatively healthy.
WR Jahan Dotson: The little-used third receiver could find a new home this offseason. WR3 is a tough position on this team behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and it seems unlikely the Eagles will find it worth bringing Dotson back.
OT Fred Johnson: Johnson left for free agency after last season, but the Eagles traded for him before the season for some insurance at tackle, and they needed it. It remains to be seen how the Eagles approach the draft and free agency, but Johnson’s return would put an experienced body on the depth chart.
TE Grant Calcaterra: As mentioned, the Eagles don’t have any tight ends. Calcaterra has been productive when the Eagles use him as a pass catcher, but he’s not a great blocker, and the Eagles need their tight ends to block.
OL Brett Toth: The do-it-all lineman has been a valuable asset in the offensive line room. He can fill in at any position.
TE Kylen Granson: Granson was a big part of the Eagles’ special teams, despite having a limited role in the offense. The tight end position is in flux, but Granson could return as a depth piece.
OL Matt Pryor: The Eagles brought back a familiar and experienced face in the offseason for some depth. Pryor gave that and provided positional versatility. But he wasn’t all that great in relief.
RB AJ Dillon: Dillon started the season in the mix to get snaps behind Saquon Barkley, but he fell out of favor after the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby. Dillon was inactive for most of the second half of the season and logged just 12 carries. The Eagles are pretty set at running back with Barkley, Bigsby, and Will Shipley.
QB Sam Howell: The Eagles weren’t comfortable with Kyle McCord as QB3, so they acquired Howell before the season. McCord has since landed with Green Bay.
FB Ben VanSumeren: VanSumeren changed positions from linebacker to fullback and made the 53-man roster, but his season ended with an injury on the opening kickoff in Week 1. The Eagles signed Kansas City’s Carson Steele to a futures contract. Will they bring back VanSumeren and have a fullback competition?
Defense
Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips: The deadline acquisition stepped in right away and was a difference-maker along the defensive line. The Eagles need a top-end edge rusher to add to a unit that has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith under contract. Phillips would make sense.
LB Nakobe Dean: Dean returned from patellar tendon surgery in the middle of the season and looked like he didn’t miss a beat. But the Eagles drafted his replacement last season in Jihaad Campbell.
S Reed Blankenship: Blankenship has been a big part of the defense for the last four years. He has started 50 games and is a leader. The Eagles are thin at safety, but it remains to be seen what Blankenship’s market looks like and if the Eagles will be in the mix.
CB Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson was up and down in training camp and to start the season, but he played his way into a starting job opposite Mitchell. He’ll be 31 next season, and the Eagles probably want to get better at CB2.
S Marcus Epps: Epps stepped in as a starter after Drew Mukuba went down. He just turned 30, although he could find his way back to the Eagles and compete for a job.
Edge rusher Brandon Graham: Graham came out of retirement and briefly changed positions when Jalen Carter went down and the interior needed a boost. Will he go back into retirement?
Edge rusher Joshua Uche: Uche seemed to be playing his way into a bigger role when the Eagles brought Graham out of retirement, which forced Uche to a lesser role. The Eagles are thin on the edge, though Uche seems to be more of a depth piece right now.
Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari: Ojulari ended up behind Uche on the depth chart and then missed most of the season after being placed on injured reserve.
Edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo made the team out of training camp as a depth edge rusher but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4, the only game in which he played.
Special teams
P Braden Mann: Mann had a great season. He ranked fifth in the NFL in punt average (49.9 yards). It would make sense for the Eagles to want to bring him back.
New deals?
There are a few players under contract who could be in the running for a new contract with the Eagles.
DT Jordan Davis: The Eagles picked up Davis’ fifth-year option last offseason and he remains under contract for the 2026 season. But after a breakout 2025 season, he likely earned himself a lot of money.
DT Jalen Carter: The Eagles likely will do what they did with Davis and pick up Carter’s fifth year, but it might be time for an extension now. Carter didn’t have his best season after a dominant 2024. The Eagles may be able to sign him to a more team-friendly deal, though Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, may opt to play 2026 on his current deal and revisit the big-money deal next offseason.
DT Moro Ojomo: Ojomo is set to play the final year of his four-year rookie deal in 2026. The seventh-round pick has been a major success story. Will the Eagles look to lock him up beyond 2026? Will they be able to afford all of these defensive linemen with big contracts coming in the future for other defensive stars like Mitchell and DeJean?
Contracted players who could be on the way out
The Eagles have some players on the 2026 roster who may not be here when training camp starts.
K Jake Elliott: Elliott has had two consecutive seasons in which he didn’t perform well enough. His 2025 field goal conversion rate was just 74.1%, the lowest of any kicker who played a full season.
WR A.J. Brown: Will his frustrations with the offense cause him to ask for a trade? It would be a costly move for the Eagles, but they’ve willingly taken on dead cap in the past. The Eagles would have a big hole to fill if it came to that.
RT Lane Johnson: Johnson remains one of the best tackles in football, but his availability was an issue this season. He missed the final eight games after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. The Eagles probably would love him back, but Johnson will be 36 in May and won’t play forever.
LG Landon Dickerson: The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported in a podcast during Super Bowl week that Dickerson’s return was no sure thing. The 27-year-old played through a lot of pain in 2025 and his body has taken a toll with multiple injuries since his college football playing days. An early retirement would leave the Eagles with a big hole.
QB Tanner McKee: Will the Eagles look to ship McKee to another team for a draft pick? McKee’s Week 18 performance didn’t help their cause.
CB Kelee Ringo: Ringo remains under contract on his rookie deal, but he seems like a change-of-scenery candidate. He has struggled to get on the field with the Eagles, though he has been great on special teams.
2026 free agency targets
What do the Eagles need most? What kind of players will be on the market?
First, the Eagles need to know what happens with the futures of key offensive players like A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, and Landon Dickerson.
At the moment, they have just over $20 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. That’s not a lot, but Howie Roseman has shown the creativity to use void years and spread cap hits out over multiple seasons.
Free agency begins March 11.
Jordan Mailata (left) will be back, but what will become of tackle Lane Johnson (center) and guard Landon Dickerson (right)?
Position groups and players to target
Offensive line: Will Johnson return? Will Dickerson ever be fully healthy again? Can Cam Jurgens bounce back? Those are big questions facing the Eagles, who need to restore their offensive line this offseason. Reinforcements likely will come via the draft, but free agency offers some options.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith, for example, has dealt with injuries but could provide insurance for Johnson and help the Eagles bridge their way to the next young tackle. Old friend Isaac Seumalo fits that bill, too, at guard. Same with Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio.
Wide receiver: Regardless of what happens with Brown, the Eagles could use some more help at receiver. They won’t be playing in the George Pickens pool, and probably not Alec Pierce, either, but what about Romeo Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, or Van Jefferson at WR3?
EDGE: Jaelan Phillips should be at the top of the Eagles’ wish list. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith are the only two edge rushers under contract. The Eagles will draft at least one rusher, but they need a top-end talent like Phillips. If not Phillips, other top options would be Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. There’s always the possibility of Roseman figuring out a way to trade for Maxx Crosby, too.
Tight end: Dallas Goedert may be in the running to return. But if not, the Eagles could eye someone like Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts, who finally played to his potential this season. Pitts attended Abington and Archbishop Wood before playing at Florida in college. Other free agents include Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Tyler Higbee. The Eagles probably will use a draft pick on one, too.
Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell eventually will re-sign at the top of the market, and you don’t see many teams spending that type of money on two players at this position. But there are some options the Eagles could target, like Tariq Woolen, Roger McCreary, and Jamel Dean. Will those players be too costly? We’ll see.
Safety: Reed Blankenship has been solid for the Eagles, but he’s not great in coverage. The Eagles could be looking to pair Drew Mukuba with a better player on the back line, and they could look to do that via free agency. Old friend Kevin Byard has been really productive with the Chicago Bears, though he could command a bigger contract than the Eagles are willing to give out. Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl could be an option.
The 2026 NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The 2026 NFL draft
The Eagles’ needs here will become clearer after free agency, though our Devin Jackson released his first mock draft Monday morning and has the Eagles making a key addition to their offense at a position of need.
The draft will take place beginning on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
The yearly NFL Scouting Combine begins on Feb. 23; and teams have until April 15 to conduct visits, tests, and interviews with prospective draft picks.
League meetings (updated Jan. 17)
The annual league meeting is from March 29 to April 1 in Arizona. It is there that the Tush Push likely will be another big topic of conversation and could meet its demise.
But the Eagles’ lack of success using their signature play this season could result in some teams backing off a little bit. We’ll see.
There’s also another league meeting May 19 and 20 in Orlando.
2026 Eagles schedule (updated Jan. 17)
The Eagles’ opponents are known. They play home games vs. their three divisional opponents (Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants), as well as other games vs. the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Besides their three NFC East road games, the Eagles also travel to play the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles will get an international game.
The schedule is due out in May, but international dates will likely be released before that.
With the NFL season officially over, attention and focus over the next two months turns to free agency and the draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock with the No. 1 pick, with a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and an expected new quarterback next season.
There is much to consider for the teams picking next. The draft is much stronger on the defensive side of the ball in Round 1, and we could see a run on defensive players similar to what we saw in 2024 when the first 14 picks were offensive players.
The Eagles own the No. 23 overall pick, and their offensive philosophy is expected to undergo changes with Sean Mannion at offensive coordinator. Will they give Jalen Hurts more weapons, rebuild their offensive line, or add another defensive star?
Here’s how we’re projecting the first round of the 2026 NFL draft with the order now officially set:
It will be a surprise if the Raiders select someone other than Fernando Mendoza at No. 1.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, gives the Raiders staff a quarterback to build around as a new era and regime begin in Las Vegas.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State
New York has several needs to address and will have multiple first-round picks to do so. Reese is a physical player who has excellent run and chase ability and pass rushing potential, although his best position is linebacker.
Bain is a game-wrecker. Teams may question his arm length, but his impact on the game is felt no matter where he’s aligned. He would give Arizona some much-needed youth on the defensive line and could become a cornerstone piece on its defense.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Quarterback Cam Ward simply needs more weapons as the Robert Saleh era begins in Nashville. Tate is a three-level separator who can be a go-to receiver in a Titans offense that was devoid of a top target last season.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami
The right side of the Giants’ offensive line needs upgrades under John Harbaugh, and Mauigoa, the top overall lineman in the draft, can be an immediate starter at guard or tackle.
6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Cleveland and new coach Todd Monken need plenty of upgrades on offense, but Tyson, a dynamic wideout when healthy, gives whomever plays quarterback next season a top wideout option.
Could Sonny Styles make an impact for a shaky Commanders defense?
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Adding Styles would massively upgrade a spot that was constantly attacked last year. The “other” Ohio State linebacker is a reliable tackler, explosive athlete, and excels at slipping past blockers to make plays at and behind the line of scrimmage.
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Tyler Shough looked like a long-term quarterback option while closing out the Saints’ season. In Lemon, New Orleans gets a wideout to pair with Chris Olave who can win from multiple alignments and is special with the ball in his hands after the catch.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Defensive line could be an alternative priority here for Kansas City, but Love would give this offense a much needed dual talent in the backfield, which has not been the case for most of Patrick Mahomes’ career.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs is one of the smartest and most instinctual players in the draft, with the versatility to play in the box and manned up on a tight end. He would help raise the floor of Cincinnati’s secondary.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU
Miami must improve at corner under new coach Jeff Hafley, and Delane helps accomplish that. He’s a smooth cornerback with excellent anticipatory and ball skills who proved he can shut down his side of the field in 2025.
David Bailey was one of college football’s top playmakers last season.
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
Bailey is a relentless pass rusher who utilizes his snap count timing and burst to win on the inside and outside shoulders of offensive tackles. He gives Dallas the needed juice they lost after trading Micah Parsons before the start of last season.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee
McCoy missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the offseason. When he was healthy at Tennessee in 2024, he was a shutdown corner who got his hands on the football in both man and zone coverages.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
Faulk is closer to a defensive lineman than an outside linebacker, but he’s an excellent run defender who played a contain style of defense, which limited his pass rushing ability. He would give Baltimore a strong presence on run downs.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Buccaneers were in on Jihaad Campbell last year before taking wide receiver Emeka Egbuka instead in the first round. They won’t ignore the position twice, taking the Georgia linebacker with good instincts and playmaking skills at the second level.
16. New York Jets (via Colts): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
New York has a big hole in the middle of its defense after trading Quinnen Williams at the deadline last season. Banks, who played in only three games last season because of a foot injury, has game-wrecking ability that the Jets need on their defensive line.
17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT/OG, Utah
Detroit must do some reshuffling in its interior offensive line and needs a long-term replacement for Taylor Decker, who turns 33 in August. Fano can fit both roles, although he was primarily a tackle in college.
Former Eagle Isaiah Rodgers played well in 2025 for the Vikings, but the team needs to get younger at the position. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons defensive back AJ Terrell, excels in zone coverage and has a nose for the football.
19. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Derrick Brown continues to be one of the league’s most underappreciated defensive linemen, but Carolina needs another playmaker to pair with him. Woods wasn’t as good in 2025 as he was as a sophomore, but he still showed flashes of dominance as a pass rusher and run defender.
Could new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker be eyeing Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7)?
Another year, another Toledo standout goes in the first round. McNeil-Warren is an outstanding athlete with excellent ball skills who showed he could play a single high safety role.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
A long-term option at quarterback still looks possible here, but Aaron Rodgers is likely returning next year under new coach Mike McCarthy. Pittsburgh gets a ball winner in Boston, who is tough to defend in the red zone and is a smooth route runner.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
The Chargers continue to get the most out of Khalil Mack, but their edge rushing corps needs more youth in it. Parker, who recouped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, is a power rusher who can get after the quarterback off the edge.
Kenyon Sadiq might fill a huge need for a potentially depleted tight end position in Philly.
23. Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq has been mentioned as a popular pick possibility for the Eagles, and for good reason. He’s a dynamic athlete who can be a field stretcher and red zone target, and would fit a Mannion scheme that has Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan influences.
The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported on his podcast last month that Landon Dickerson returning to the Eagles next season is an uncertainty. While guard would become a top need if Dickerson unexpectedly departs, the depth of the interior offensive line class is much stronger on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.
Lane Johnson’s uncertainty also looms large. But look for the Eagles to give Mannion’s offense a much-needed, dynamic tight end who can also hold his own as a blocker with Dallas Goedert entering free agency.
Cleveland needs to get younger and improve its offensive line at multiple positions, and Proctor, a mauling lineman who can play guard or tackle, helps the Browns improve that area of their team.
25. Chicago Bears: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Hunter has been on an upward trajectory since the Big 12 championship game and continues to prove he’s more than just a run stuffer. Chicago needs a dynamic defensive lineman and Hunter brings a three-down presence that is desperately needed.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
It seems Josh Allen needs more receiving help every year, and 2026 is no different. Concepcion is dynamic with the ball in his hands and would give Buffalo’s offense a much-needed vertical threat.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Trent Williams is under contract for one more year in San Francisco but is entering the twilight of his career — he turns 38 in July. Lomu, an excellent pass protector with quick feet, gives San Francisco a long-term option at an important tackle spot.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Houston doesn’t have many holes on defense but could use more juice on the interior. McDonald is a run stuffer who has the quickness to shoot gaps on run downs and the power to push the pocket in drop-back scenarios.
29. Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Quarterback was a consideration here even with Matthew Stafford returning for 2026, but Freeling can upgrade either tackle spot for the Rams with his athleticism and experience playing both in college.
Both Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (left) and Josiah Trotter (right) starred as linebackers at St. Joe’s Prep.
30. Denver Broncos: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Denver’s linebacker situation needs to improve. Trotter, a St. Joseph’s Prep grad and the younger son of longtime Eagle Jeremiah Trotter Sr. and brother of current Eagle Jeremiah Trotter Jr., is a physical, throwback linebacker who can shed blocks and get after the quarterback in blitzing scenarios.
31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
New England is winning with older edge rushers right now but must get younger at the position. Howell is a pass rush specialist who can bend the corner despite having sub-31-inch arms.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
Seattle doesn’t have many needs, but center and right guard are spots that could be upgraded. Ioane is a bruising guard who generates displacement in the running game and is a stout pass protector.
MOBILE, Ala. — The snowstorms that swept the country over the last two weeks affected travel plans for many, including those within the NFL. Texas was hit with three inches between the first and second practices of the East-West Shrine Bowl, forcing NFL scouting staffs to change travel plans.
And getting from the Dallas area to Mobile, Ala., was no easier. Changed and canceled flights, long days in the airport, and sold-out hotels made scouting the next group of NFL players difficult. But that didn’t stop teams from sending big contingents of scouts, coaches, and front office executives in droves to watch and interview players who will soon fill their rosters.
Every team at both the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl all-star games meets with every participant, so the Eagles have not zeroed in on any prospects just yet, but that process has begun, With that in mind, here’s what we learned from attending the all-star game circuit:
All 32 teams were accounted for in some capacity in Frisco, Texas, for Shrine Bowl practices, and the Eagles sent several scouts, including personnel consultant Darren Sproles, director of college scouting Ryan Myers, West Coast area scout Rod Streater, and northeast scout Ben Ijalana.
Many of these scouts spend all season on the road meeting and making connections with prospects, and attending the all-star game circuit gives them an opportunity to watch players up close and interview them directly.
The Eagles were among a handful of teams that had strong representation from scouting personnel at the Shrine Bowl. The Lions, Rams, Dolphins, Colts, Raiders, and Panthers were among the teams with several scouts interacting and intently watching prospects from the sidelines at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility. Dallas, too, had many within the organization roaming the sideline.
Darren Sproles (center) with other Eagles scouting personnel during the Shrine Bowl quarterback throwing session on Jan. 22.
Eagles scouts were on hand during the quarterback throwing session the day before Shrine Bowl practices began. Considering that new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion was the OC of the West team in Frisco, Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski and Louisville’s Miller Moss could garner strong late-round consideration from the Eagles, who might consider drafting another QB after not retaining sixth-round pick Kyle McCord.
Hurtt and Singleton work directly with prospects
Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt relished his opportunity to be head coach of the National team at the Senior Bowl, and his direct involvement with draft prospects during the week could be helpful for the Eagles’ scouting process. Also, Eagles running backs coach Jemal Singleton served as offensive coordinator, allowing him to work directly and closely with offensive draft prospects in Mobile.
While Hurtt rotated between position groups during the three-day practice week, he told The Inquirer on Thursday that he gravitated toward the defensive side of the ball considering his experience on that side as a position coach and former defensive coordinator.
Prospects also talked about being able to pick Hurtt’s brain as well, especially defensive linemen. Western Michigan edge rusher Nadame Tucker was one of those players to soak up knowledge, and his strong week should garner intrigue from the Eagles.
Texas Christian safety Bud Clark was another standout who was complimentary of Hurtt’s energy, which seemed to resonate throughout the day even as things got chippy on the final day of practice.
Singleton’s opportunity to call plays also gave him a closer look at positions like tight end, offensive line, and wide receiver, all potential areas of need for the Eagles heading into the draft. Texas A&M tackle Dametrious Crownover and tight end Nate Boerkircher were standouts at their respective positions, while Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony and Baylor’s Josh Cameron looked like potential slot options to replace Jahan Dotson as WR3 if he doesn’t return to the team next season.
The Eagles typically have scouts in Mobile, and even chief of security Dom DiSandro made the trip down in recent years. But working directly with players and getting a chance to see prospects up close and getting direct coaching from people within the Eagles’ building gave them more insight and intel on prospects who could land in Philly in a few months.
It’s also worth noting that three of the 10 players the Eagles drafted last year were at the Senior Bowl and they have drafted at least one player who participated in the all-star game over the last six drafts.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama’s standout left tackle, stood in the end zone at The Star in Frisco, watching Shrine Bowl practice and talking with NFL scouts. He hadn‘t committed to any all-star games, but he was hanging around the practice facility and attending meetings along with other draft prospects who were competing that week.
Penn State O-linemen Drew Shelton and Olaivavega Ioane were also at the Shrine Bowl host hotel interviewing with teams. Proctor, Shelton, and Ioane are training with Duke Manyweather, the cofounder of OL Masterminds alongside Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. Manyweather trains current and soon-to-be NFL offensive linemen at Sports Academy in Frisco.
Proctor will be a hot commodity during the first round of April’s draft, partly because of his movement skills at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds, and partly because of the steep drop-off of true draft-eligible offensive tackles. The Shrine and Senior Bowl practices highlighted that further.
Along with Proctor, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, and Utah’s Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano seem to be the surefire first-round players at the position. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Clemson’s Blake Miller, and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor, who competed at the Senior Bowl last week, could be late first- or early second-round picks. Iheanachor in particular was in the best offensive lineman in Mobile, which is impressive considering that he didn’t play football in high school.
There are more players who will either need further development or project as depth linemen. As opposed to last year, finding a starting offensive lineman after Day 2 of the draft will prove difficult in this class.
The same can be said about interior offensive line, although there are several tackles, including Iowa’s Gennings Dunker, Duke’s Brian Parker, and Texas A&M’s Trey Zuhn, who will likely move to the interior at the NFL level.
#NotreDame OT Aamil Wagner having a good day of practice. Nice rep here during the one on one pass pro session at the Shrine Bowl. pic.twitter.com/ZKOTrAj4OU
For a team like the Eagles, who could be looking to upgrade their offensive line in the interior and identify a replacement for Lane Johnson, spending a premium pick early in the draft on linemen would be ideal. At both the Senior and Shrine Bowls, Eagles scouts were up close to the offensive and defensive line one-on-one drills.
With important contract extension decisions coming up on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles won’t have much wiggle room to make big swings via trade or free agency to upgrade the offensive line. Getting an impactful lineman early in the draft could prove critical to extending their win-now window.
Defensive lineman LT Overton of Alabama runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 28.
Edge rushers, cornerbacks in spotlight
Two positions the Eagles will likely need to address defensively are edge rusher and a second cornerback to complement Quinyon Mitchell. Jaelan Phillips was impactful as a midseason trade addition but needs a new contract, while Adoree’ Jackson is set to become a free agent.
If the Eagles chose to move on from Phillips, there’s a strong Day 2 and early Day 3 class of edge rushers to choose from, many of them showcasing their talents on the all-star circuit.
At the Shrine Bowl, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence and Wisconsin’s Mason Reiger were among the standouts of the week, although both excel more as pass rushers than run defenders. In Mobile, it was Illinois’ Gabe Jacas, Michigan’s Derrick Moore, Alabama’s LT Overton, Missouri’s Zion Young, and Western Michigan’s Tucker who flashed in either practice or the Senior Bowl game.
Of the players mentioned, Jacas and Overton would be ideal players to complement Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt in the corps of edge rushers. A 6-3, 260-pound, densely framed edge rusher, Jacas has heavy hands to knock back offensive linemen and has enough wiggle to beat tackles on their outside shoulders. He can pass rush from the interior and from the edge, and his playing style could match Brandon Graham’s role over the last two seasons in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Overton, who had a sack during the Senior Bowl, can play from multiple alignments, has powerful hands, and a strong bull rush on run downs. He has the skill set of a first-round player, but his impact has been inconsistent over the last two seasons. Overton, however, is the type of draft pick Howie Roseman has coveted: a former five-star prospect who hasn’t always lived up to his recruiting ranking.
#Alabama DL LT Overton didn’t have the strongest practice week but still intrigues me as a player that can play multiple spots on the D-line. Gets the sack here on the edge but I think his value as a pass rusher will excel better inside in the NFL.
The secondary groups at both the Shrine and Senior Bowls were the best position groups collectively, especially at corner and nickel. In Frisco, North Carolina State’s Devon Marshall, Toledo’s Avery Smith, and Oregon’s Jadon Canady were steady players throughout the practice week. Marshall’s ability to challenge wideouts at the line of scrimmage and be disruptive at the catch point helped prove he was one of the best overall players there.
Arkansas’ Julian Neal (6-1), San Diego State’s Chris Johnson (6-foot), and Tennessee’s Colton Hood (5-11) have ideal size and coverage skills to man the second corner spot for the Eagles, and Hood will likely go in the first round.
If either position turns into a pressing need for the Eagles, it’s a good draft to upgrade those spots.
MOBILE, Ala. — Across seven practices and two cities, hundreds of draft prospects participated in the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowls to kickstart the NFL draft evaluation process.
NFL scouts, general managers, and executives from nearly all 32 teams got a close look at players that will soon fill their rosters. At least five Eagles scouts attended the Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, and a handful of personnel, including chief security officer Dom DiSandro, made the trip to Mobile.
With just Saturday’s Senior Bowl game (2:30 p.m., NFL Network) left from the All-Star circuit, here are six prospects we monitored that could be targets for the Eagles:
Marshall, who began his career at Villanova, only practiced for two days but rarely allowed completions across the one-on-one and team sessions. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound cornerback challenges wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, can easily flip his hips in coverage, and has excellent recovery speed if a receiver gets a step ahead of him.
Over the last two seasons at N.C. State, Marshall has forced 24 incompletions, including nine against Florida State alone. Marshall’s anticipatory skills breaking on underneath routes and his ability to turn and run vertically with wide receivers made him one of the best corners across both All-Star games.
#NCState DB Devon Marshall is one of the most disruptive corners in the class and one of the best overall players heading to the Shrine Bowl next week. Anticipatory skills breaking on underneath routes, can turn and run vertically, lots of ball production (4 INTs, 27 PBUs since… pic.twitter.com/84CSOS2mff
If the Eagles are looking to add a secondary player on Day 2 of the draft, Marshall would be a worthy candidate to compete for a role opposite Quinyon Mitchell at corner.
Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
Wisniewski, who started his career as a linebacker, had a standout season with Texas Tech after missing the 2024 season for North Dakota State. The 6-3, 214-pound safety is physical at the catch point, is at his best playing a middle-of-the-field safety role, and can provide tight man coverage when matched up with tight ends.
His versatility to line up at several spots in the secondary is a strength. During the first day of practice, he aligned in the box at linebacker, as a slot defender, and even as a deeper safety, with his instincts and coverage ability shining most when driving on routes from depth.
Safety is a sneaky need for the Eagles with Reed Blankenship set to become a free agent. Wisniewski would bring some much-needed size in the secondary and is a willing and sound tackler in space.
Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
Bentley, who only played five snaps of high school football before an injury ended his career, was a pleasant surprise at the Shrine Bowl after putting up career-highs in catches (48), yards (620), and touchdowns (6) in 2025. Up close, Bentley, who was mostly a reserve tight end in 2023 and 2024, looked fluid as a route runner and did not drop a pass in the one-on-one and team sessions.
Nice rep here from #Utah TE Dallen Bentley during the one on one session at Shrine. Sticks the corner route and makes a strong catch. pic.twitter.com/rgtUDOvs8w
The standout Utah tight end already has a strong foundation in blocking, and in a draft class with few true three-down tight ends, Bentley could be of value. With Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra both set to become free agents, the Eagles will likely need to dip into the tight end class, and Bentley would be a worthy prospect to take early on Day 3 of the NFL draft.
Illinois defensive lineman Gabe Jacas saw his stock rise at the Senior Bowl.
Senior Bowl
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
The defensive linemen on the American team at the Senior Bowl feasted on the offensive linemen, and Illinois standout Jacas was among them. The 6-3, 260-pound densely framed edge rusher has heavy hands to knock back offensive linemen and has enough wiggle to beat tackles on their outside shoulder.
Spoke with #Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas earlier today and he told me a lot of teams view him as a 4-3 defensive end. His ability to get after the QB and hold his ground in the run game makes him a potential three-down contributor.
During Senior Bowl media day, Jacas told The Inquirer that teams view him more as a defensive end who sets the edge and rushes the passer as opposed to an outside linebacker, which typically requires coverage drops. His skill set matches that, with the power to push the pocket and the ability to reduce down inside at three-technique to beat interior offensive linemen.
With the uncertainty of the edge rusher room beyond Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, Jacas would be a perfect complement with his power profile to pair with Hunt and Smith’s speed off the edge.
Gennings Dunker, OT/OG, Iowa
Coming into the week, Dunker was among the highly anticipated players participating in Senior Bowl practice, and played both tackle and both guard spots throughout the week. Dunker was a three-year starter at right tackle for Iowa, displaying the power to displace defensive linemen in the run game and anchoring down against power rushers.
He lacks the foot quickness and recovery ability to last at tackle, and that likely played a factor in his getting interior lineman snaps. Dunker looked much more natural as a guard, where his powerful hands and leg drive can shine against players who typically offer less twitch and space to maneuver around him.
Nice guard rep from Gennings Dunker – I feel much better about him in pass pro on the inside. pic.twitter.com/y7gP7aw8Lm
The potential guard and tackle versatility would intrigue the Eagles, who could be looking to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Dunker has immediate run blocking upside and can be a long term answer at either guard or tackle for the Birds.
Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan
One of the week’s pleasant surprises, Benny, who had 35 tackles (three for loss) and 1½ sacks in 13 games, was one of the top players at his position in Mobile. He has strong hand usage and an explosive first step to get around opposing offensive linemen, though his production doesn’t always match the skill set he possesses.
Throughout the practice week, Benny, a squatty defensive tackle (6-3, 296 pounds), was unblockable, using hand swipes, swim moves, and showing stack and shed ability across multiple defensive line spots.
Interior defensive line isn’t a pressing need currently for the Eagles, but adding Benny can bring more depth and playmaking ability to a group led by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
FRISCO, Texas — Four days after a heartbreaking College Football Playoff national championship game loss, Levittown native David Blay was back in football pads.
Last week, Blay, whose five-year career spanned three schools and two levels of college football, practiced against some of the other draft-eligible prospects at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
His college career began locally at Division II West Chester, where he spent two years, then spanned two years at Louisiana Tech before he finished this past season with national runner-up Miami. Blay, a defensive lineman, played 22 snaps against Indiana in the College Football Playoff title game and finished with one tackle in the 27-21 loss.
Blay, a graduate of Harry S. Truman High School, gained a unique perspective in all three stops along the way, which included two years (his first at West Chester and first at Louisiana Tech) when he didn’t see the field much.
“For West Chester, time management, the process of doing things at certain times [at] the correct time, and doing the correct things,” Blay said about what he learned.
“And then for [Louisiana] Tech, they taught me the brotherhood aspect, because when I transferred into Louisiana Tech, about six or seven defensive linemen alone transferred in there at the same time. So it was like everybody had the same vision, the same goal. So it was easy to play against somebody I can call my brother.
“[With Miami], having camaraderie with the team wasn’t that hard. They’re outgoing guys, so bringing me in wasn’t that hard. Me, I’m more of — I guess you could say a quiet guy.”
Miami and David Blay (11, at rear left) got past Jeremiah Smith (4) and Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals on their way to an appearance in the title game.
At Miami, snaps weren’t easy to come by for Blay, with potential first-round NFL draft picks Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor manning the edge rusher positions and Ahmad Moten and Justin Scott starting in the interior.
Blay was on the field with Miami’s defense on 412 plays, according to Pro Football Focus. He played 443 defensive snaps in one fewer game in 2024 for Louisiana Tech.
But Blay, who amassed 95 tackles (23½ for losses) and 11½ sacks in four seasons at Louisiana Tech and West Chester, carved out a consistent rotational role on Miami’s D-line during a playoff run that Blay “will remember for the rest of my life.”
The 6-foot-2 and 302-pound lineman credits his discipline for refining his skills, which helped get him on the field at the Power Four level.
“In terms of getting on the field and playing, I just really had to be real technically sound,” said Blay, who had 28 tackles (2½ for losses) in 13 games with Miami. “Like I feel as if going to Miami, the big thing there was [to be] technical, technical, technical. That’s the difference between the levels in my head.”
Blay was joined by Indiana safety Louis Moore and Miami linebacker Wesley Bissainthe as players who appeared in the national championship game and also practiced at least one day at the Shrine Bowl. Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski also traveled to Frisco to interview with NFL teams but did not practice.
Throughout his practice sessions at the Shrine Bowl, which wrapped up with the game on Tuesday night — the West won, 21-17, on a touchdown with 6 seconds left — Blay showed his strength capable of pushing the pocket as a pass rusher and standing his ground as a run defender against double-team blocks.
“I give those guys a lot of credit,” Shrine Bowl director Eric Galko said. “And Wesley [Bissainthe] and David [Blay] are coming in like everyone else, they’re banged up, but they just played 16 games, right? Not 12, like other guys have.
“And David’s done great, in the practice he had and in the interviews he has had, too. … I think David showed a lot of character — especially with the way the season ended, not on a victory, but on a loss — and he still said, ‘You know what? Now I’m on [to] the NFL.’ And to be focused here, I give the guy a lot of credit.”
Added Blay: “Just the aspect that we’re getting better every day [motivates me]. You’re never at your best; in a sense you can always get better. And I also say to my mom, I’m trying to get her to understand the aspects of the game and how it could change your life.”
Blay played his high school and the beginning of his college career about 30 miles from Lincoln Financial Field. An opportunity to play for his hometown Eagles would be “a dream scenario.”
“Being around the crib, I could go work out, go practice, go do my job, and then essentially come home to the people I’ve seen my whole entire life,” Blay said.
FRISCO, Texas — Pennsylvania has been Drew Shelton’s home for the majority of his life. The Downingtown native, who starred at Downingtown West and was Penn State’s starting left tackle the last two seasons, is adjusting to life down South.
Shelton, 22, recently relocated to the Dallas area as he prepares for the next phase of his life with the impending NFL Scouting Combine next month and April’s NFL draft looming.
“It’s been a big transition down here,” Shelton told The Inquirer in a Frisco hotel lobby. “I haven’t lived away from home in a really long time, been in Pennsylvania pretty much all my life. I’m being down here and learning how to be on my own.”
It has been quite the journey for Shelton, who was a tight end in high school until he made a position switch to offensive tackle, helping further his playing career. Shelton sat behind 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu, although he briefly filled in for an injured Fashanu for five games in 2022 as a freshman.
The 6-foot-5, 296-pound Shelton started all 16 games for Penn State’s College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season and started all 12 regular-season games in 2025 for the Nittany Lions, whose season didn’t go as expected. But Shelton still thinks of his college experience fondly.
“Coming from Downingtown and growing into the offensive lineman that I needed to be at Penn State, and continuing to grow to be the offensive tackle I need to be in the NFL, it’s been fun. It’s been a challenge,” Shelton said. “You’re never going to be the player that you want to be overnight. It’s just you’ve got to consistently put in the work. And that’s really hard to tell an 18-year-old kid that you’re not going to be the starting left tackle at Penn State on Day 1. I guess it’s hard to come to terms with, but once you really understand and have the patience, that’s a big part of who you are and what you’re going to be.”
Drew Shelton will be joined by Penn State teammates Olaivavega Ioane and Nolan Rucci at the OL Masterminds workouts in Texas.
The next phase of Shelton’s life is in Texas because it’s where he is training for the combine, his pro day, and workouts with NFL teams. Shelton is working with Duke Manyweather, the cofounder of OL Masterminds, alongside Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. Manyweather trains current and soon-to-be NFL offensive linemen at Sports Academy in Frisco.
And he won’t be alone. Former teammates Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State’s left guard, and Nolan Rucci, the Nittany Lions’ right tackle, are among the 15 draft-eligible offensive linemen working with the offensive line guru.
Manyweather’s “got some of the top offensive linemen in the league and in the draft,” said Shelton, who had meetings with NFL scouts and executives while they were in town for the East-West Shrine Bowl. “He puts a lot of work into us, builds us up, breaks us all the way down to stance to the fundamentals and all that kind of stuff, and builds us right back up.”
Shelton, who accepted his invite for the Senior Bowl in December, will not participate in the All-Star game to focus on his training and pre-draft process. Throughout his journey, Shelton has remained connected to former teammate Will Howard, whom he played with at Downingtown West and has been one of his closest friends for a long time.
Howard led Ohio State to a national championship and was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shelton is hoping to follow in his footsteps, becoming the second Downingtown West alum to reach the NFL in as many years.
“Seeing someone that you know, and someone that you’ve played with … reach his goals, and obviously continuing to strive to for the next set of goals, that’s been cool,” Shelton said. “And for me personally, like, that’s a dream come true. Every kid dreams of being a professional athlete, and just to be have that be a reality here soon is pretty cool.”
The offseason is only two weeks old, but it’s already been an interesting one for the Eagles.
Kevin Patullo was removed from his role as offensive coordinator two days after their season-ending playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and the search for his replacement is underway.
Patullo’s post isn’t the only one in need of filling, though.
We’re keeping you updated on the comings and goings and the entire Eagles offseason at The Inquirer with news and analysis on the team as it goes through a critical offseason. This week’s update will start with the latest on the coaching front.
Coaching staff changes
The Eagles have interviewed multiple candidates for the offensive coordinator opening, and some of those candidates have landed elsewhere. We’ll get to the state of the OC search momentarily.
But the Eagles are also in need of a new defensive backs coach after the Dallas Cowboys plucked Christian Parker, a highlyregarded 34-year-old up-and-comer to be their new defensive coordinator. It had always seemed like a matter of time until Parker, who was also the defensive pass game coordinator, was lured to a better job with another team, and that time came now.
Christian Parker has long been heralded as the member of the staff primed for a bigger role.
Parker, of course, has been instrumental in helping the Eagles develop their two young All-Pro defensive backs, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. As far as candidates for that job go, it’s unclear what external candidates the Eagles might consider, but one internal candidate, safeties coach Joe Kasper, is a possibility.
As for the offensive coordinator spot, the search rolls on.
Two new names were added to the list this week when the Eagles on Wednesday interviewed longtime Andy Reid assistant and former Bears head coach Matt Nagy. They also reportedly requested to interview current Bears defensive coordinator Declan Doyle, a 29-year-old who has been a fast riser.
The candidate list has lost a few names. Zac Robinson was hired by Tampa Bay, and Mike McDaniel appears headed to the Chargers if he doesn’t get a head coaching gig. Brian Daboll, who the Eagles interviewed, is also in the running to be a head coach and, according to The Athletic, will likely land in Tennessee as the OC if he doesn’t. Still, Daboll probably should be considered a candidate until he officially isn’t one.
Other names on the list include Jim Bob Cooter, Josh Grizzard, Mike Kafka, and Bobby Slowik.
Since the last offseason update, special teams coordinator Michael Clay, whose contract was set to expire, was re-signed by the team.
Additional offensive coaching staff changes could occur, too, depending on the eventual OC hire.
Will Reed Blankenship be back with the Eagles in 2026?
Roster decisions (updated Jan. 17)
Scheduled free agents
The Eagles have 20 pending free agents, 10 on offense, nine on defense, and punter Braden Mann.
Offense
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert reworked his deal last offseason to stay with the Eagles and scored a career-best 11 touchdowns, an Eagles tight end record. Considering the Eagles don’t have any tight ends on the roster, they may look to bring the 31-year-old back after he got through the season relatively healthy.
WR Jahan Dotson: The little-used third receiver could find a new home this offseason. WR3 is a tough position on this team behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and it seems unlikely the Eagles will find it worth bringing Dotson back.
OT Fred Johnson: Johnson left for free agency after last season, but the Eagles traded for him before the season for some insurance at tackle, and they needed it. It remains to be seen how the Eagles approach the draft and free agency, but Johnson’s return would put an experienced body on the depth chart.
TE Grant Calcaterra: As mentioned, the Eagles don’t have any tight ends. Calcaterra has been productive when the Eagles use him as a pass catcher, but he’s not a great blocker, and the Eagles need their tight ends to block.
OL Brett Toth: The do-it-all lineman has been a valuable asset in Jeff Southland’s offensive line room. He can fill in at any position.
TE Kylen Granson: Granson was a big part of the Eagles’ special teams, despite having a limited role in the offense. The tight end position is in flux, but Granson could return as a depth piece.
OL Matt Pryor: The Eagles brought back a familiar and experienced face in the offseason for some depth. Pryor gave that and provided positional versatility. But he wasn’t all that great in relief.
RB AJ Dillon: Dillon started the season in the mix to get snaps behind Saquon Barkley, but he fell out of favor after the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby. Dillon was inactive for most of the second half of the season and logged just 12 carries. The Eagles are pretty set at running back with Barkley, Bigsby, and Will Shipley.
QB Sam Howell: The Eagles weren’t comfortable with Kyle McCord as QB3, so they acquired Howell before the season. Will McCord be ready after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad?
FB Ben VanSumeren: VanSumeren changed positions from linebacker to fullback and made the 53-man roster, but his season ended on the opening kickoff in Week 1. The Eagles signed Kansas City’s Carson Steele to a futures contract. Will they bring back VanSumeren and have a fullback competition?
Defense
EDGE Jaelan Phillips: The deadline acquisition stepped in right away and was a difference-maker along the defensive line. The Eagles need a top-end edge rusher to add to a unit that has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith under contract. Phillips would make sense.
LB Nakobe Dean: Dean returned from patellar tendon surgery in the middle of the season and looked like he didn’t miss a beat. But the Eagles drafted his replacement last season in Jihaad Campbell.
S Reed Blankenship: Blankenship has been a big part of the defense for the last four years. He has started 50 games and is a leader. The Eagles are thin at safety, but it remains to be seen what Blankenship’s market looks like and if the Eagles will be in the mix.
CB Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson was up and down in training camp and to start the season, but he played his way into a starting job opposite Quinyon Mitchell. He’ll be 31 next season, and the Eagles probably want to get better at CB2.
S Marcus Epps: Epps stepped in as a starter after Drew Mukuba went down. He’ll be 30 before the season starts, though he could find his way back to the Eagles and compete for a job.
EDGE Brandon Graham: Graham came out of retirement and briefly changed positions when Jalen Carter went down and the interior needed a boost. Will he go back into retirement?
EDGE Joshua Uche: Uche seemed to be playing his way into a bigger role when the Eagles brought Graham out of retirement, which forced Uche to a lesser role. The Eagles are thin on the edge, though Uche seems to be more of a depth piece right now.
EDGE Azeez Ojulari: Ojulari ended up behind Uche on the depth chart and then missed most of the season after being placed on injured reserve.
EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo made the team out of training camp as a depth edge rusher but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4, the only game in which he played.
Special teams
P Braden Mann: Mann had a great season. He ranked fifth in the NFL in punt average (49.9 yards). It would make sense for the Eagles to want to bring him back.
Jordan Davis, left, and Jalen Carter could both be in consideration for new deals.
New deals?
There are a few players under contract who could be in the running for a new contract with the Eagles.
DT Jordan Davis: The Eagles picked up Davis’ fifth-year option last offseason and he remains under contract for the 2026 season. But after a breakout 2025 season, he likely earned himself a lot of money.
DT Jalen Carter: The Eagles likely will do what they did with Davis and pick up Carter’s fifth year, but it might be time for an extension now. Carter didn’t have his best season after a dominant 2024. The Eagles may be able to sign him to a more team-friendly deal, though Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, may opt to play 2026 on his current deal and revisit the big-money deal next offseason.
DT Moro Ojomo: Ojomo is set to play the final year of his four-year rookie deal in 2026. The seventh-round pick has been a major success story. Will the Eagles look to lock him up beyond 2026? Will they be able to afford all of these defensive linemen with big contracts coming in the future for other defensive stars like Mitchell and DeJean?
Contracted players who could be on the way out
The Eagles have some players on the 2026 roster who may not be here when training camp starts.
K Jake Elliott: Elliott has had two consecutive seasons where he didn’t perform well enough. His 2025 field goal conversion rate was just 74.1%, the lowest of any kicker who played a full season.
WR A.J. Brown: Will his frustrations with the offense cause him to ask for a trade? It would be a costly move for the Eagles, but they’ve willingly taken on dead cap in the past. The Eagles would have a big hole to fill if it came to that.
RT Lane Johnson: Johnson remains one of the best tackles in football, but his availability was an issue this season. He missed the final eight games of the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. The Eagles probably would love him back, but Johnson will be 36 in May and won’t play forever.
QB Tanner McKee: Will the Eagles look to ship McKee to another team for a draft pick? McKee’s Week 18 performance didn’t help their cause.
CB Kelee Ringo: Ringo remains under contract on his rookie deal, but he seems like a change-of-scenery candidate. He has struggled to get on the field with the Eagles, though he has been great on special teams.
2026 free agency targets (updated Jan. 17)
What do the Eagles need most? What kind of players will be on the market?
First, the Eagles need to know what happens with the futures of key offensive players like A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson.
At the moment, they have just over $15 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. That’s not a lot, but Howie Roseman has shown the creativity to use void years and spread cap hits out over multiple seasons.
Free agency begins March 11.
Position groups and players to target
Offensive line: Will Johnson return? Will Landon Dickerson ever be healthy again? Can Cam Jurgens bounce back? Big questions facing the Eagles, who need to restore their offensive line this offseason. Reinforcements likely will come via the draft, but free agency offers some options.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith, for example, has dealt with injuries but could provide insurance for Johnson and help the Eagles bridge their way to the next young tackle. Old friend Isaac Seumalo fits that bill, too, at guard. Same with Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio.
Wide receiver: Regardless of what happens with Brown, the Eagles could use some more help at receiver. They won’t be playing in the George Pickens pool, and probably not Alec Pierce, either, but what about Romeo Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, or Van Jefferson at WR3?
EDGE: Jaelan Phillips should be at the top of the Eagles’ wish list. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith are the only two edge rushers under contract. The Eagles will draft at least one rusher, but they need a top-end talent like Phillips. If not Phillips, other top options would be Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. There’s always the possibility of Roseman figuring out a way to trade for Maxx Crosby, too.
Tight end: Dallas Goedert may be in the running to return. But if not, the Eagles could eye someone like Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts, who finally played to his potential this season. Pitts attended Abington and Archbishop Wood before playing at Florida in college. Other free agents include Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Tyler Higbee. The Eagles probably will use a draft pick on one, too.
Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell eventually will re-sign at the top of the market, and you don’t see many teams spending that type of money on two players at this position. But there are some options the Eagles could target, like Tariq Woolen, Roger McCreary, and Jamel Dean. Will those players be too costly? We’ll see.
Safety: Reed Blankenship has been solid for the Eagles, but he’s not great in coverage. The Eagles could be looking to pair Drew Mukuba with a better player on the back line, and they could look to do that via free agency. Old friend Kevin Byard has been really productive with the Chicago Bears, though he could command a bigger contract than the Eagles are willing to give out. Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl could be an option.
The 2026 NFL draft (updated Jan. 17)
The Eagles’ needs here will become clearer after free agency, though our Devin Jackson looked at a few potential targets at pick No. 23.
The draft will take place beginning on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
Before that, there are some other key dates and events to look out for.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is on Jan. 27; the Senior Bowl is on Jan. 31; the yearly NFL Scouting Combine begins on Feb. 23; and teams have until April 15 to conduct visits, tests, and interviews with prospective draft picks.
League meetings (updated Jan. 17)
The annual league meeting is from March 29 to April 1 in Arizona. It is there that the Tush Push likely will be another big topic of conversation and could meet its demise.
But the Eagles’ lack of success using their signature play this season could result in some teams backing off a little bit. We’ll see.
There’s also another league meeting May 19 and 20 in Orlando.
2026 Eagles schedule (updated Jan. 17)
The Eagles’ opponents are known. They play home games vs. their three divisional opponents (Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants), as well as other games vs. the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Besides their three NFC East road games, the Eagles also travel to play the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles will get an international game.
The schedule is due out in May, but international dates will likely be released prior to that.
The Eagles bowed out of the playoffs in the wild-card round, setting in motion an offseason that likely will feature a lot of change. Players and coaches will come and go, and the team won’t look the same when it takes the field for training camp in July. Some of that began right away, when offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was relieved of his duties two days after the season ended.
We’ll keep you updated on the entire Eagles offseason at The Inquirer with news and analysis on the team as it goes through a critical offseason.
Is a new deal in the cards for tight end Dallas Goedert coming off a career season?
Roster decisions
Scheduled free agents
The Eagles have 20 pending free agents, 10 on offense, nine on defense, and punter Braden Mann.
Offense
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert reworked his deal last offseason to stay with the Eagles and scored to a career-best 11 touchdowns, an Eagles tight end record. Considering the Eagles don’t have any tight ends on the roster, they may look to bring the 31-year-old back after he got through the season relatively healthy.
WR Jahan Dotson: The little-used third receiver could find a new home this offseason. WR3 is a tough position on this team behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and it seems unlikely the Eagles will find it worth bringing Dotson back.
OT Fred Johnson: Johnson left for free agency after last season, but the Eagles traded for him before the season for some insurance at tackle, and they needed it. It remains to be seen how the Eagles approach the draft and free agency, but Johnson’s return would put an experienced body on the depth chart.
TE Grant Calcaterra: As mentioned, the Eagles don’t have any tight ends. Calcaterra has been productive when the Eagles use him as a pass catcher, but he’s not a great blocker, and the Eagles need their tight ends to block.
OL Brett Toth: The do-it-all lineman has been a valuable asset in Jeff Soutland’s offensive line room. He can fill in at any position.
TE Kylen Granson: Granson was a big part of the Eagles’ special teams, despite having a limited role in the offense. The tight end position is in flux, but Granson could return as a depth piece.
OL Matt Pryor: The Eagles brought back a familiar and experienced face in the offseason for some depth. Pryor gave that and provided positional versatility. But he wasn’t all that great in relief.
RB AJ Dillon: Dillon started the season in the mix to get snaps behind Saquon Barkley, but he fell out of favor after the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby. Dillon was inactive for most of the second half of the season and logged just 12 carries. The Eagles are pretty set at running back with Barkley, Bigsby, and Will Shipley.
QB Sam Howell: The Eagles weren’t comfortable with Kyle McCord as QB3, so they acquired Howell before the season. Will McCord be ready after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad?
FB Ben VanSumeren: VanSumeren changed positions from linebacker to fullback and made the 53-man roster, but his season ended on the opening kickoff in Week 1. The Eagles signed Kansas City’s Carson Steele to a futures contract. Will they bring back VanSumeren and have a fullback competition?
The Eagles got a good look at linebacker Jaelan Phillips after acquiring him at midseason.
Defense
EDGE Jaelan Phillips: The deadline acquisition stepped in right away and was a difference-maker along the defensive line. The Eagles need a top-end edge rusher to add to a unit that has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith under contract. Phillips would make sense.
LB Nakobe Dean: Dean returned from patellar tendon surgery in the middle of the season and looked like he didn’t miss a beat. But the Eagles drafted his replacement last season in Jihaad Campbell.
S Reed Blankenship: Blankenship has been a big part of the defense for the last four years. He has started 50 games and is a leader. The Eagles are thin at safety, but it remains to be seen what Blankenship’s market looks like and if the Eagles will be in the mix.
CB Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson was up and down in training camp and to start the season, but he played his way into a starting job opposite Quinyon Mitchell. He’ll be 31 next season, and the Eagles probably want to get better at CB2.
S Marcus Epps: Epps stepped in as a starter after Drew Mukuba went down. He’ll be 30 before the season starts, though he could find his way back to the Eagles and compete for a job.
EDGE Brandon Graham: Graham came out of retirement and briefly changed positions when Jalen Carter went down and the interior needed a boost. Will he go back into retirement?
EDGE Joshua Uche: Uche seemed to be playing his way into a bigger role when the Eagles brought Graham out of retirement, which forced Uche to a lesser role. The Eagles are thin on the edge, though Uche seems to be more of a depth piece right now.
EDGE Azeez Ojulari: Ojulari ended up behind Uche on the depth chart and then missed most of the season after being placed on injured reserve.
EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo made the team out of training camp as a depth edge rusher but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4, the only game in which he played.
Special teams
P Braden Mann: Mann had a great season. He ranked fifth in the NFL in punt average (49.9 yards). It would make sense for the Eagles to want to bring him back.
Jordan Davis, left, and Jalen Carter could both be in consideration for new deals.
New deals?
There are a few players under contract who could be in the running for a new contract with the Eagles.
DT Jordan Davis: The Eagles picked up Davis’ fifth-year option last offseason and he remains under contract for the 2026 season. But after a breakout 2025 season, he likely earned himself a lot of money.
DT Jalen Carter: The Eagles likely will do what they did with Davis and pick up Carter’s fifth year, but it might be time for an extension now. Carter didn’t have his best season after a dominant 2024. The Eagles may be able to sign him to a more team-friendly deal, though Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, may opt to play 2026 on his current deal and revisit the big-money deal next offseason.
DT Moro Ojomo: Ojomo is set to play the final year of his four-year rookie deal in 2026. The seventh-round pick has been a major success story. Will the Eagles look to lock him up beyond 2026? Will they be able to afford all of these defensive linemen with big contracts coming in the future for other defensive stars like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean?
Contracted players who could be on the way out
The Eagles have some players on the 2026 roster who may not be here when training camp starts.
K Jake Elliott: Elliott has had two consecutive seasons where he didn’t perform well enough. His 2025 field goal conversion rate was just 74.1%, the lowest of any kicker who played a full season.
WR A.J. Brown: Will his frustrations with the offense cause him to ask for a trade? It would be a costly move for the Eagles, but they’ve willingly taken on dead cap in the past. The Eagles would have a big hole to fill if it came to that.
RT Lane Johnson: Johnson remains one of the best tackles in football, but his availability was an issue this season. He missed the final eight games of the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. The Eagles probably would love him back, but Johnson will be 36 in May and won’t play forever.
QB Tanner McKee: Will the Eagles look to ship McKee to another team for a draft pick? McKee’s Week 18 performance didn’t help their cause.
CB Kelee Ringo: Ringo remains under contract on his rookie deal, but he seems like a change-of-scenery candidate. He has struggled to get on the field with the Eagles, though he has been great on special teams.
Howie Roseman will be central to the selection of a new offensive coordinator.
Coaching staff changes
Patullo’s ouster kicked off an offseason that could see a few more coaching changes.
The Eagles, of course, are looking to hire an offensive coordinator. Nick Sirianni said he wants the Eagles’ offense to continue to “evolve” and the team appears to be going after some experienced play-callers to get their offense back on track.
Who else could be on the move?
For starters, special teams coordinator Michael Clay is not under contract for next season.
Additionally, defensive backs coach Christian Parker has been a popular name for defensive coordinator openings. Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has been a coordinator before and, after his work with the Eagles’ front, could get some interviews.
A new offensive coordinator could mean more shakeup on the offensive staff, too.
Guard Joel Bitonio has been a respected member of a Browns team that has otherwise struggled for most of his tenure.
2026 free agency targets
What do the Eagles need most? What kind of players will be on the market?
First, the Eagles need to know what happens with the futures of key offensive players like A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson.
At the moment, they have just over $15 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. That’s not a lot, but Howie Roseman has shown the creativity to use void years and spread cap hits out over multiple seasons.
Free agency begins March 11.
Position groups and players to target
Offensive line: Will Johnson return? Will Landon Dickerson ever be healthy again? Can Cam Jurgens bounce back? Big questions facing the Eagles, who need to restore their offensive line this offseason. Reinforcements likely will come via the draft, but free agency offers some options.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith, for example, has dealt with injuries but could provide insurance for Johnson and help the Eagles bridge their way to the next young tackle. Old friend Isaac Seumalo fits that bill, too, at guard. Same with Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio.
Wide receiver: Regardless of what happens with Brown, the Eagles could use some more help at receiver. They won’t be playing in the George Pickens pool, and probably not Alec Pierce, either, but what about Romeo Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, or Van Jefferson at WR3?
EDGE: Jaelan Phillips should be at the top of the Eagles’ wish list. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith are the only two edge rushers under contract. The Eagles will draft at least one rusher, but they need a top-end talent like Phillips. If not Phillips, other top options would be Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. There’s always the possibility of Roseman figuring out a way to trade for Maxx Crosby, too.
Tight end: Dallas Goedert may be in the running to return. But if not, the Eagles could eye someone like Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts, who finally played to his potential this season. Pitts attended Abington and Archbishop Wood before playing at Florida in college. Other free agents include Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Tyler Higbee. The Eagles probably will use a draft pick on one, too.
Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell eventually will re-sign at the top of the market, and you don’t see many teams spending that type of money on two players at this position. But there are some options the Eagles could target, like Tariq Woolen, Roger McCreary, and Jamel Dean. Will those players be too costly? We’ll see.
Safety: Reed Blankenship has been solid for the Eagles, but he’s not great in coverage. The Eagles could be looking to pair Drew Mukuba with a better player on the back line, and they could look to do that via free agency. Old friend Kevin Byard has been really productive with the Chicago Bears, though he could command a bigger contract than the Eagles are willing to give out. Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl could be an option.
The 2026 NFL draft
The Eagles’ needs here will become clearer after free agency, though our Devin Jackson looked at a few potential targets at pick No. 23.
The draft will take place beginning on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
Before that, there are some other key dates and events to look out for.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is on Jan. 27; the Senior Bowl is on Jan. 31; the yearly NFL Scouting Combine begins on Feb. 23; and teams have until April 15 to conduct visits, tests, and interviews with prospective draft picks.
Will there be more drama around the Tush Push this offseason?
League meetings
The annual league meeting is from March 29 to April 1 in Arizona. It is there that the Tush Push likely will be another big topic of conversation and could meet its demise.
But the Eagles’ lack of success using their signature play this season could result in some teams backing off a little bit. We’ll see.
There’s also another league meeting May 19 and 20 in Orlando.
2026 Eagles schedule
The Eagles’ opponents are known. They play home games vs. their three divisional opponents (Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants), as well as other games vs. the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Besides their three NFC East road games, the Eagles also travel to play the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles will get an international game.
The schedule is due out in May, but international dates will likely be released prior to that.
