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The 2026 NFL off-season is barreling along, and the Eagles have quietly gone about the business of restocking one of the youngest rosters in the league. There have been significant changes on the offensive side of the football; the two most critical components for the defense are at the pass-rusher position. Vic Fangio's unit has lost multiple free agents, including star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Eagles have breakout contenders at several positions, but none more important and valuable than the continued development of Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith. Hunt is the one player to watch, and thankfully, Philadelphia's most underrated player.
The loss of key players will create opportunities for advancement and promotions on the depth chart. Here are five Eagles players who could earn bigger roles in 2026, spotlighting rising contributors and key depth pieces ready to step into larger opportunities this season.
Carter II, a fifth-year veteran, struggled in coverage last season and was under contract through 2027. Carter signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the Jets through the 2027 season, but renegotiated his contract and could be moved to the safety position. Carter II played 106 snaps after joining the Eagles, with the most coming in Week 12 against the Cowboys (25) and in Week 18 against the Commanders (65). In those games, Carter II had a 75.5 grade from PFF.
Philadelphia has a big three at defensive tackle of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. The goal for Robinson will be to earn the fourth defensive tackle spot. A physical specimen and dominant defensive tackle, Robinson (6-5, 288 pounds) played sparingly as a rookie. Prior to Week 18, Robinson had played 53 defensive snaps and another 29 on special teams, spanning ten games. We'll be watching to see how he's improved since last season.
Nakobe Dean joined the Raidesrs, and Jihaad Campbell, a 2025 first-round pick, will replace Dean in the starting lineup. Campbell will miss the off-season after having shoulder surgery, allowing Trotter Jr. all the reps
Wilson suffered a season-ending knee and ankle injury during the preseason finale and missed the entire 2025 season after establishing himself as a big, physical target. The 6'6" second-year player was having a standout camp and was poised for a key role as a backup receiver and blocker.
Sam was among three defensive backs signed to future deals, joining Tariq Castro-Fields and Brandon Johnson after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad. Sam signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of LSU and has spent his entire three-year NFL career in Philadelphia. He has appeared in four games in the NFL, including three in 2025 when he was elevated from the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles players set to see increased roles in 2026
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The loss of key players will create opportunities for advancement and promotions on the depth chart. Here are five Eagles players who could earn bigger roles in 2026, spotlighting rising contributors and key depth pieces ready to step into larger opportunities this season.
DB Michael Carter II
Carter II, a fifth-year veteran, struggled in coverage last season and was under contract through 2027. Carter signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the Jets through the 2027 season, but renegotiated his contract and could be moved to the safety position. Carter II played 106 snaps after joining the Eagles, with the most coming in Week 12 against the Cowboys (25) and in Week 18 against the Commanders (65). In those games, Carter II had a 75.5 grade from PFF.
DT Ty Robinson
Philadelphia has a big three at defensive tackle of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. The goal for Robinson will be to earn the fourth defensive tackle spot. A physical specimen and dominant defensive tackle, Robinson (6-5, 288 pounds) played sparingly as a rookie. Prior to Week 18, Robinson had played 53 defensive snaps and another 29 on special teams, spanning ten games. We'll be watching to see how he's improved since last season.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Nakobe Dean joined the Raidesrs, and Jihaad Campbell, a 2025 first-round pick, will replace Dean in the starting lineup. Campbell will miss the off-season after having shoulder surgery, allowing Trotter Jr. all the reps
WR Johnny Wilson
Wilson suffered a season-ending knee and ankle injury during the preseason finale and missed the entire 2025 season after establishing himself as a big, physical target. The 6'6" second-year player was having a standout camp and was poised for a key role as a backup receiver and blocker.
DB Andre Sam
Sam was among three defensive backs signed to future deals, joining Tariq Castro-Fields and Brandon Johnson after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad. Sam signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of LSU and has spent his entire three-year NFL career in Philadelphia. He has appeared in four games in the NFL, including three in 2025 when he was elevated from the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles players set to see increased roles in 2026
Continue reading...
