The Philadelphia Eagles rolled out one of the NFL’s top defensive units in 2025, but as we turn the page to 2026, the big question hanging over the franchise is this: can they keep that dominance intact?
There’s plenty to like about the core, but also a handful of contract decisions and positional logjams that could shape the defense’s identity moving forward. Let’s break down where things stand across the board - from the trenches to the secondary - and what’s on the horizon for the Birds.
Jalen Carter: Extension Watch Is On
Jalen Carter has already proven he’s a foundational piece on the defensive line. He’s eligible for a contract extension now, and while the Eagles have until May 2 to exercise his fifth-year option, history tells us they like to get ahead of the market with their stars. When Philly knows they’ve got a stud, they don’t usually wait around.
The question now is what Carter’s camp, led by agent Drew Rosenhaus, is looking for. The Eagles have been proactive in locking up talent early, but with the price of elite interior linemen skyrocketing, this could turn into a high-stakes negotiation. Carter’s disruptive ability is rare - he’s the kind of player you build around, not one you let test the waters.
Edge Rusher: A Crowded (and Talented) Room
The Eagles made a midseason splash in 2025 by trading a third-round pick for Jaelan Phillips, and the move paid off. Phillips quickly became a fixture on the edge, logging more snaps than any other defensive end after joining the team. His fit in Philly’s scheme was seamless, and locking him up long-term feels like a smart move if the front office can make the numbers work.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Jalyx Hunt, the rookie edge rusher, is already a year ahead of schedule in his development. That’s great news for the defense - but it raises questions about Nolan Smith’s future.
Smith made a big leap in Year 2 before a triceps injury cut his season short. Around the league, there’s a growing belief that he’s a better run defender than pass rusher, which complicates his long-term value in a system that thrives on pressure off the edge. If the Eagles don’t see him as part of the future rotation - especially with Hunt’s emergence and Phillips potentially sticking around - it’s fair to wonder if Smith could be a trade chip down the line.
Inside Linebacker: Youth Movement Incoming?
Nakobe Dean is set to hit free agency, and while his journey back into the starting lineup last season was impressive, the writing may be on the wall. First-round pick Jihaad Campbell is waiting in the wings, and he’s the kind of player you don’t keep on the bench for long.
Dean’s leadership and football IQ have always been his calling cards, but Campbell brings a different level of athleticism and upside. If the Eagles are looking to get faster and more dynamic in the middle of the field, Campbell’s time could be now.
Nickel and Cornerback Depth: Cooper DeJean’s Role Matters
Cooper DeJean showed serious promise at nickel, but if that’s where he’s staying in 2026, the Eagles are going to need reinforcements on the outside. Right now, the cornerback room looks like it’s one veteran short and one young upside pick away from being where it needs to be.
Expect the Eagles to both sign and draft a corner this offseason. And if Jakorian Bennett can make a second-year jump, that would be a huge bonus.
But banking on that alone would be risky. Depth and competition will be key here.
Reed Blankenship: Undrafted, Undervalued?
Reed Blankenship has become a trusted voice on the back end of the defense. Coaches love him - not just for his play, but for how well he gets everyone lined up. That kind of reliability is gold in today’s NFL.
But here’s the dilemma: Blankenship was undrafted, and that label tends to follow players around when it comes time to get paid. It’s the same issue Kam Curl faced in Washington - talented, productive, but fighting an uphill battle for market value.
Blankenship recently changed agents, which could signal he’s gearing up for a contract push. His market will be one of the more intriguing ones to watch this offseason. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s the kind of player who keeps a defense glued together.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles’ defense was elite in 2025, no question. But staying on top in the NFL is about more than just talent - it’s about timing, cap management, and knowing when to double down or pivot. With big decisions looming on Carter, Phillips, Blankenship and others, this offseason could define the next era of Eagles defense.
There’s no rebuild happening here - but there might be a reshuffle. And if Philadelphia plays its cards right, this unit could stay among the league’s best for years to come.