With the 2026 NFL offseason now in full swing, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at a crossroads - but one that still offers a clear path forward. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign, the team remains firmly in the NFC East driver’s seat, and early power rankings reflect that. In a “way-too-early” snapshot of where all 32 teams stand heading into the offseason, the Eagles landed at No. 9 overall, one spot ahead of the rising Houston Texans.
That ranking feels about right for a franchise that’s still built to contend but now faces some critical questions heading into the spring. Let’s break down where Philly stands and what lies ahead.
Still the Team to Beat in the NFC East - For Now
Despite some late-season turbulence, the Eagles are still the most complete roster in the NFC East. They’ve got the playoff pedigree, they’ve got the stars, and they’ve got a front office that knows how to reload rather than rebuild.
Under head coach Nick Sirianni, this team has operated with a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality - and for good reason. Over the last five seasons, they’ve been a postseason fixture, and their high-end talent has kept them in the contender conversation.
But 2026 brings new challenges, and this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal of the Sirianni era.
Offensive Overhaul: New Faces, Big Questions
The most immediate changes are coming on the coaching staff. Kevin Patullo is out as offensive coordinator, and in steps Sean Mannion - a name that might raise eyebrows.
Mannion, a former NFL quarterback, has just two years of coaching experience, both with the Green Bay Packers as an assistant. Now he’s tasked with guiding one of the league’s most scrutinized offenses.
It’s a bold move, no doubt. But the Eagles have never shied away from calculated risks, especially when it comes to maximizing their offensive ceiling.
Mannion inherits a unit that still features elite playmakers, but also one that looked out of rhythm at times last season. His ability to stabilize and innovate will be key.
Also gone is longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, a foundational figure in Philadelphia’s recent success. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, especially with questions swirling around veteran right tackle Lane Johnson, who is reportedly weighing retirement. Johnson has been a rock on the edge for years, and losing him - both on the field and in the locker room - would be a significant blow.
A.J. Brown and the Offseason Trade Watch
Then there’s the situation with A.J. Brown.
After a season that saw some ups and downs in his chemistry with the offense, Brown has emerged as a potential trade candidate. It’s not a guarantee that he’s moved, but the fact that his name is even in the conversation says a lot about the shifting dynamics in Philly.
Brown is one of the most physically dominant wideouts in the league, and when he’s locked in, he can take over games. If the Eagles decide to move on, it would signal a major philosophical shift - one that would likely be tied to salary cap maneuvering and a deeper commitment to younger talent.
Depth, Experience, and a Draft Track Record
Despite the turnover, this is still a roster with depth and experience - two things that matter deeply in the NFL’s war of attrition. The Eagles have built their identity on the trenches, and even with Stoutland’s departure and Johnson’s uncertain future, they’ve consistently found ways to replenish talent through the draft.
That’s something worth emphasizing: Philadelphia has a proven track record of identifying and developing talent at key positions. Whether it’s finding late-round gems or nailing first-round picks, the Eagles have kept their competitive window open by staying aggressive and smart in the draft room.
What’s Next?
The Eagles aren’t starting from scratch - far from it. But they are entering a transitional phase that demands sharp decision-making. From the coaching shuffle to potential roster shakeups, the moves they make over the next few months will shape the trajectory of the 2026 season.
They’ve got the core. They’ve got the culture.
And they’ve got a front office that’s shown it knows how to build a contender. Now it’s about execution - on the field and in the front office.
The NFC East may be catching up, but until proven otherwise, the Eagles are still the standard. And with the offseason just heating up, expect Philadelphia to stay aggressive as they aim to fly even higher in 2026.