Eagles in Flux: Why the NFC East Door Is Cracking Open for the Cowboys
For much of the 2025 season, Dak Prescott did everything he could to keep the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East race. But let’s be real-Philadelphia had the inside track, and despite a few stumbles, they crossed the finish line first. That might not be the case next year.
Right now, the Eagles are staring down one of the most uncertain offseasons they’ve had in years. After a deflating home playoff loss to the 49ers, the ripple effects are starting to hit hard. Trade rumors, retirement buzz, and coaching departures are stacking up-and fast.
Let’s start with the trenches, where Philly has built its identity for the better part of the last decade. The offensive line has been the engine of this team, and now that engine is sputtering.
Longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland-one of the most respected position coaches in the league-is officially stepping away after 13 seasons. That’s a massive loss, not just in terms of X’s and O’s, but in culture, development, and continuity.
Stoutland’s fingerprints are all over the Eagles' dominance up front, and replacing that kind of presence isn’t a plug-and-play situation.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Landon Dickerson, the Pro Bowl left guard and one of the anchors of that offensive line, is reportedly uncertain about returning in 2026. At just 27 years old, Dickerson’s career has already seen its fair share of wear and tear.
He battled through a meniscus injury this past season-gutting out 15 starts-but it was clear he wasn’t at full strength. If he decides to step away or even take time off, the Eagles lose not just a top-tier guard, but a tone-setter in the trenches.
And then there’s Lane Johnson.
The five-time All-Pro right tackle is the heartbeat of this offense. When he’s healthy, he’s arguably the best lineman in football-regardless of position.
But Johnson missed seven games this season, and now retirement is very much on the table. According to reports, he’s weighing the physical toll and asking himself the same question every aging player eventually faces: *Can I still do this at the level I expect from myself?
If Johnson and Dickerson both walk away, the Eagles' offensive line goes from elite to uncertain in a hurry. Even with Howie Roseman’s knack for roster building, replacing two All-Pro-caliber linemen and a legendary position coach in one offseason is a monumental challenge.
And that’s just the offensive side of the ball.
There’s also uncertainty swirling around A.J. Brown, with trade rumors beginning to gain traction.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio reportedly considered retirement himself. The Eagles aren’t just dealing with a couple of tough decisions-they’re facing a potential identity crisis.
Meanwhile, down in Dallas, the Cowboys are gearing up for what’s expected to be one of their most aggressive offseasons in recent memory. They’ve been on the doorstep of taking control of the division, and now the opportunity is staring them in the face.
The NFC East has been a slugfest in recent years, but if the Eagles are heading into a transitional phase-and all signs point to that being the case-the Cowboys have a real shot to seize control. Prescott is still playing at a high level.
The core is intact. And if the front office delivers on its promise of a bold offseason, Dallas could be positioned to reclaim the division.
Nothing’s set in stone yet. Johnson and Dickerson could decide to run it back.
A.J. Brown might stay put.
But right now, the Eagles look like a team on the brink of major change, and the Cowboys are lurking-ready to pounce.
The NFC East power balance may be shifting. And for the first time in a while, it’s tilting toward Dallas.