The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season came to a screeching halt in the Wild Card round-again. That’s now three early playoff exits in five years under Nick Sirianni.
And while the Eagles have remained a playoff-caliber team on paper, the reality on the field has been far messier, especially on the offensive side of the ball. This wasn’t just a team that underachieved-it was a team that never looked like itself when it mattered most.
Now, with the offseason arriving sooner than expected, the focus shifts to what comes next. There’s no use dwelling on the missed opportunity-though it’s fair to say this one will sting for a while.
Instead, it’s time to start turning over the roster and building toward 2026. And that begins with the draft.
Let’s take an early look at what the Eagles’ draft board might look like as they head into another pivotal offseason.
1. Reinforce the Offensive Line - It Starts in the Trenches
If there’s one thing the Eagles have done consistently well over the past decade, it’s building a dominant offensive line. But 2025 tested that foundation.
Lane Johnson battled injuries, and both Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson never seemed to be at full strength. The depth behind them?
Virtually non-existent.
It’s hard to believe, but Philadelphia hasn’t spent a first-round pick on an offensive lineman since 2019, when they took Andre Dillard. That might change this year.
Johnson, as reliable as he’s been, is finally starting to show signs of wear. The future of the interior line is murky, and the Eagles can’t afford to let the strength of their offense become a liability.
Expect offensive line to be front and center in draft war room conversations. Whether it’s a tackle to eventually replace Johnson or a versatile interior lineman who can step in immediately, the Eagles need to invest in protecting Jalen Hurts and reestablishing their identity in the trenches.
2. Add Juice to the Edge Rush
Philadelphia’s pass rush wasn’t bad in 2025, but it wasn’t the game-wrecking force fans have come to expect either. Nolan Smith showed flashes.
Jalyx Hunt looked like a solid rotational piece. Jihaad Campbell’s versatility is intriguing.
But the Eagles are still missing that one guy who can consistently collapse the pocket and change the course of a game.
Brandon Graham’s legendary run is winding down, and relying on aging veterans or unproven depth won’t cut it. The Eagles need a new alpha on the edge-someone who can line up on third-and-long and make opposing quarterbacks sweat.
Edge rusher is one of the league’s premium positions, and Philly knows that better than most. Don’t be surprised if they make a move early in the draft to find their next cornerstone pass rusher.
3. Start Planning for Life After Dallas Goedert
Tight end isn’t always the flashiest position, but it’s one the Eagles have quietly leaned on for years. Dallas Goedert has been a steady presence, but he’s also dealt with injuries and is heading into a potentially complicated offseason. The top three tight ends on the roster are all set to hit free agency, and the Eagles are already heavily invested in their offense financially.
It’s not just about replacing Goedert-it’s about finding long-term stability at a position that’s quietly become a question mark. There was some buzz last April that the Eagles might go tight end in the draft. They didn’t, and now the depth chart is looking thin.
Philly doesn’t need to use a first-round pick here-history shows you can find quality tight ends in the middle rounds-but they do need to come away with someone who can contribute sooner than later.
4. Address the Cornerback Situation-Again
The Eagles have been patchworking their secondary for years, and it’s starting to catch up. Kelee Ringo was supposed to take a leap in Year 2.
Instead, he regressed. Adoree' Jackson had a rocky start but settled in as the season progressed.
Still, this unit doesn’t inspire confidence heading into 2026.
Philadelphia has a habit of adding corners later in the process-think Ronald Darby, James Bradberry, Steven Nelson-but relying on late signings or bargain deals only gets you so far. If the right player is there early in the draft, don’t be shocked if the Eagles pull the trigger.
Clemson’s Avieon Terrell has already been mocked to Philly in early projections, and he’d fit the mold of what the Eagles need: a young, talented outside corner who can grow into a long-term starter. This might be the year Howie Roseman breaks tradition and invests premium capital in the secondary.
5. Build Depth at Wide Receiver
Whether A.J. Brown returns or not-and that’s a big “if” right now-the Eagles need to bolster their receiver room.
DeVonta Smith continues to be a star, but he can’t carry the load by himself. The rest of the depth chart is a mix of uncertainty and question marks.
Darius Cooper, Britain Covey, Jahan Dotson, Quez Watkins, and Danny Gray are all on the roster. Johnny Wilson is on injured reserve.
That’s not exactly a group that strikes fear into opposing defenses. And with the Eagles declining Dotson’s fifth-year option, he’s a pending free agent.
Even if Brown stays, Philly needs more firepower on the outside. If he’s traded, that need becomes urgent. Either way, expect the Eagles to target a wideout who can stretch the field and complement Smith’s route-running precision.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles aren’t in rebuild mode, but they are at a crossroads. The core of the roster is still strong-Jalen Hurts is under center, the offensive line has elite potential, and the defense has young talent waiting to emerge. But this offseason is about retooling, not standing pat.
The 2026 draft will be critical in shaping the next phase of this team’s identity. Whether it’s fortifying the line, finding a new pass-rushing threat, or addressing key depth issues across the board, the Eagles have work to do.
They’ve got the picks. They’ve got the front office. Now they just need to make the right moves.