Eagles’ Defense Leaves Lots of Questions as Big Offseason Looms

While the Eagles’ offseason is just a day old, I think it’s important to take a look at what lies ahead this offseason. After a disappointing year, there are sure to be changes, even within one of the league’s best defenses. The Eagles had the youngest and cheapest defense in the NFL this season, but that will not last forever.

The Eagles’ defense has many free agents that will bring difficult decisions on whether or not to bring them back.

The first is Nakobe Dean. Coming off an injury, we were not really sure what we would get from Nakobe, but he quickly had a major impact.

Dean has many strengths on the field, but he is also a major leader for the team off the field. The Eagles also drafted Jihaad Campbell in the first round, and he played well when he was on the field. With Zack Baun under contract and a first-round pick spent on Campbell, there really is no room for Dean. It’s a sad reality as he is not only a very good player, but also a fan favorite.

Another player who had a major impact in not a ton of games is Jaelan Phillips. The Eagles traded for Phillips at the trade deadline, and he made a massive impact.

While his sack numbers were not really there, he was consistently at the top of the team in generating pressure, and his good play opened up opportunities for other guys on the offensive line. Like Dean, Phillips has had injuries in his career, so that is something to consider for a long-term deal.

Besides Jalyx Hunt, it was a disappointing year from a few guys on the defensive line, and without the top go-to pass rusher, Phillips may have to be a priority to bring back this offseason.

One player who had the best season of his career and is going to be looking to cash in on that is Jordan Davis. The Eagles had picked up the 5th year option on Davis, so he is still under contract, but he is certainly going to look to get a long-term deal done this offseason.

Davis showed that when he is in shape, he can be the dominant nose tackle we all hoped he could be when he was drafted. The question is, though, if after getting paid, will he be motivated to keep the weight off? It took Davis 4 seasons to get into the shape the coaches wanted, so hopefully he can keep it up.

The last big decision the Eagles have to make this offseason on the defensive side of the ball is whether or not to pay Jalen Carter. Carter has just finished his third season in the NFL, making him eligible for a contract extension with the Eagles.

While he had an outstanding second year last year, this one was very up and down. Carter did end up missing time with the shoulder injuries, but his play was overall not at the level you would want it to be for a player that is about to get a huge deal. Even so, I still think the Eagles will pay him, but his play this year has definitely made it a question.

The Eagles also have Reed Blankenship, Brandon Graham, Marcus Epps, Adoree’ Jackson, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Ogbo Okoronkwo entering free agency on defense.

The Eagles’ defense has been great these last two years, but you can’t keep everyone. Howie Roseman has some tough decisions to make to keep this strong unit playing their best.

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