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In 14 days, the Birds will have 21 players eligible to test the restricted or unrestricted free-agent market during the 2026 NFL offseason. Several factors will influence decisions on who will be retained and who will be allowed to leave, including a pending contract extension for Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, as well as the status of star tight end Dallas Goedert's contract. Reed Blankenship is one of the most notable names on the list, and the defense could change significantly with Nakobe Dean entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Free agency comes before the draft, and with the new league year just two weeks away for Philadelphia, here's an early examination of how free agency could impact Howie Roseman's draft decisions.
Goedert is a warrior, and when he's healthy, the talented pass catcher is one of the top tight ends in the NFL. In one of the healthiest seasons of his career, Goedert started 15 games, catching 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high and Eagles franchise high 11 touchdown catches. Goedert had touchdowns in the playoff loss. If Goedert departs along with Grant Calcaterra, Philadelphia could target a tight end in rounds two or three.
Nakobe Dean earned All-Pro votes with his performance during the Super Bowl season. After rehab from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in the NFC Wild Card win over Green Bay, Dean returned in Week 7 and logged 55 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in ten games. A free agent, Dean will have his suitors on the open market. If he departs, Jihaad Campbell would become a starter, while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enters year three, and Smael Mondon Jr. will enter year two.
The Eagles traded a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Phillips, who came to Philadelphia on the final year of his contract. The former Dolphins first-round pick finished with 28 tackles and two sacks in 8 games, and if his price tag is too high, Philadelphia could target an edge rusher early on.
A former Commanders first-round pick, Dotson spent two unproductive seasons with the Eagles, playing in 34 games and recording 37 catches on 69 targets for 478 yards and one regular-season touchdown. Philadelphia has Johnny Wilson returning from injury and Darius Cooper entering year two. If Dotson departs and A.J. Brown is traded, wide receiver could be a position to watch.
The 26-year-old Blankenship has been a starter the last three seasons, playing 50 games and logging 9 interceptions. Still, 2025 may have been his worst season. Philadelphia currently has Andrew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, and Andre Sam on the roster.
One of the best in the NFL this season, Mann punted 72 times in the regular season with a 49.9 average and a 43.1 net average, with 20 landing inside the 20-yard line.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How Eagles' free agency decisions could alter their NFL draft strategy
Continue reading...
Free agency comes before the draft, and with the new league year just two weeks away for Philadelphia, here's an early examination of how free agency could impact Howie Roseman's draft decisions.
TE Dallas Goedert- Void
Goedert is a warrior, and when he's healthy, the talented pass catcher is one of the top tight ends in the NFL. In one of the healthiest seasons of his career, Goedert started 15 games, catching 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high and Eagles franchise high 11 touchdown catches. Goedert had touchdowns in the playoff loss. If Goedert departs along with Grant Calcaterra, Philadelphia could target a tight end in rounds two or three.
LB Nakobe Dean-UFA
Nakobe Dean earned All-Pro votes with his performance during the Super Bowl season. After rehab from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in the NFC Wild Card win over Green Bay, Dean returned in Week 7 and logged 55 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in ten games. A free agent, Dean will have his suitors on the open market. If he departs, Jihaad Campbell would become a starter, while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enters year three, and Smael Mondon Jr. will enter year two.
OLB Jaelan Phillips: UFA
The Eagles traded a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Phillips, who came to Philadelphia on the final year of his contract. The former Dolphins first-round pick finished with 28 tackles and two sacks in 8 games, and if his price tag is too high, Philadelphia could target an edge rusher early on.
WR Jahan Dotson- Void
A former Commanders first-round pick, Dotson spent two unproductive seasons with the Eagles, playing in 34 games and recording 37 catches on 69 targets for 478 yards and one regular-season touchdown. Philadelphia has Johnny Wilson returning from injury and Darius Cooper entering year two. If Dotson departs and A.J. Brown is traded, wide receiver could be a position to watch.
DB Reed Blankenship- Void
The 26-year-old Blankenship has been a starter the last three seasons, playing 50 games and logging 9 interceptions. Still, 2025 may have been his worst season. Philadelphia currently has Andrew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, and Andre Sam on the roster.
P Braden Mann- Void
One of the best in the NFL this season, Mann punted 72 times in the regular season with a 49.9 average and a 43.1 net average, with 20 landing inside the 20-yard line.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How Eagles' free agency decisions could alter their NFL draft strategy
Continue reading...
