NFL Free Agency Approaching: How Will the Eagles Handle It?
Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
As the March free agency approaches, every person in Philadelphia tends to ask one question: What is Howie Roseman up to? The Eagles had a rocky season, which could be attributed to many problems — play-calling, Super Bowl hangover, or simply a lack of chemistry. Throughout NFL history, the best method to fix these issues has always been a great free agency haul.
Looking back on 2024, the Eagles had one of the greatest free agencies in NFL history, signing great players such as Zack Baun, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Mekhi Becton, and the Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley, leading to the second Super Bowl in franchise history. Although it is very unlikely we will see a free agency of that standard, it would not be surprising if a few key players left and joined the squad when the league-year begins on March 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
First of all, there is almost no chance A.J. Brown is anything but an Eagle in 2026. Brown has been a key player on this squad since 2022, racking up 339 catches for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns in 4 seasons, marking him as one of the best wide receivers over that span. On top of this, financially, it is almost nonsensical to let Brown walk/trade him, as the Eagles would be forced to pay a nearly $50 million cap hit over the next 2 seasons.
Following this, it is important to look at potential departures. Unlike last season, the Eagles’ potential free agent losses have less impact. The most notable of which are Dallas Goedert, Reed Blankenship, Jaelan Phillips, and Nakobe Dean.
Goedert, recently turning 31, has a long injury resume, as he has missed 25% of games over the last 4 seasons. On top of that, Goedert happens to be the same age Zach Ertz was when he was traded to the Cardinals in 2021. Seeing that Ertz walked when he was in the twilight of his career, a Goedert return in 2026 seems slight. Especially with Goedert having a career year in catches and touchdowns, he is expecting a pay-day, and that may not be coming from Howie Roseman.
Blankenship was vital to the squad during the Super Bowl, but his output in 2025 was much more limited. Although losing Blankenship would sting, the list of potential replacements is strong, such as potential rookies like Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, and Kamari Ramsey, or proven veterans in Jaquan Brisker, Jaylinn Hawkins, or Jalen Thompson as possible options. If Blankenship walks, it won’t be because he isn’t valued; it will be because safety is a replaceable position in 2026, and Roseman historically avoids paying market price for replaceable roles.
The Eagles’ midseason trade asset, Phillips, in 8 games with the Eagles had 28 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and a forced fumble alongside a recovery. Phillips coincided with a dramatic defensive turnaround, as before his debut, the Eagles allowed nearly 25 points per game, but with his arrival, the Eagles allowed just 14 points per game in the regular season, which marked them as one of the best defenses in the NFL. Roseman has proven that he loves his edge-rushers and may do everything to pull the strings to make Phillips an Eagle long-term.
Lastly, Dean’s future is likely in new colors. He had a stellar 2024 breakout season and followed it up with a solid 2025, despite missing half the season with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the Wild Card win against the Green Bay Packers in January 2025. However, Jihaad Campbell enters his sophomore season as a guy who seems to be the team’s future next to Baun. Over the last 10 years, Roseman has shown how his trust always ends up with the young guys, which is what built this current core. So, it would come as no surprise if Dean walks in 2026.
When it comes to free agency, taking into account the potential departures mentioned above, it is clear that the biggest immediate needs for next season are at tight end, guard, cornerback, and safety. After restructures and cuts, the Eagles will likely have just $25 million to work with. A lot of that will likely be sent to re-signing Phillips, meaning that this will likely be a boring free agency, with the best-case scenario being a potential Blankenship/replacement signing at safety or a new CB to fill Adoree’ Jackson‘s role.
Expectations are always high in March in Philadelphia, and although it is very unlikely the Eagles will be busy, that does not imply the Eagles will be bad. This current core is easily strong enough to contend for a Super Bowl, and the best method to keep this contention is to keep the core pieces together.
Overall, this free agency will likely not be one to remember. Unless Roseman pulls off another magic trick, the highlight will likely be re-signings and serviceable replacements, with the exception of a potential unexpected shock trade. The Eagles are still one of the NFL’s strongest rosters, and with the offensive coaching changes, we should see a revamped Eagles squad in 2026, still with equal talent and hopefully much more output.
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic, and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
Get New Articles Emailed Right To Your Inbox:
