The Philadelphia Eagles head into the 2026 offseason with a defense that’s long on talent but facing some serious crossroads. After a season that showcased flashes of dominance and plenty of promise, the front office now has to make some tough calls-especially when it comes to how they allocate resources across their young core. Let’s break down what’s at stake, position by position.
Cooper DeJean: The Chess Piece That Shapes the Secondary
Cooper DeJean is entering his third year, and his versatility is both a blessing and a puzzle for the Eagles' coaching staff. Originally drafted to play outside corner, DeJean has thrived in the nickel role-so much so that his flexibility is now a key factor in how the entire secondary is built.
The Eagles have a big decision to make: do they keep DeJean at nickel, where he's excelled, or shift him to safety or outside corner? That choice doesn’t just affect DeJean-it has ripple effects across the roster.
If DeJean moves to safety or outside, it opens the door for Michael Carter II to potentially return on a more team-friendly deal. But if DeJean stays in the slot, Carter’s path back gets murkier.
This is the kind of domino decision that sets the tone for the rest of the offseason. DeJean isn’t just a player-they’re treating him like a foundational piece. And how they deploy him will shape the rest of the secondary.
Defensive Tackle Dilemma: Carter, Davis, and the Ojomo Factor
Up front, the Eagles are facing a classic cap conundrum: too many talented linemen, not enough money to go around.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are the future of the defensive interior, and the Eagles know it. Both are expected to command significant contracts, and the team will likely prioritize locking them in long-term. But that leaves a big question mark around Moro Ojomo.
Ojomo has shown enough to be in the conversation, and if the Eagles can strike a deal with him early-before his price tag climbs-it might be a savvy move. But realistically, they can’t pay three or four defensive linemen top-tier money.
So this becomes a matter of timing and value. If Carter and Davis deals stall and Ojomo is open to a team-friendly extension, the Eagles might pivot.
It’s a tightrope walk: build around the stars, but don’t lose the depth that makes the unit click.
Jaelan Phillips: Worth the Price?
Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is another name high on the Eagles’ priority list. He delivered a strong season-stayed healthy, played with length and discipline, and brought the kind of character teams love to build around.
But here’s the catch: you can’t pay everyone.
The Eagles like Phillips, and there’s a strong expectation that they’ll try to bring him back. The question, as always, is the number. They’ve been cautious with big-money contracts in recent offseasons, and there’s no guarantee they’ll open the checkbook this time around either.
Phillips has earned a serious look, but the Eagles have to decide how many top-of-market deals they can afford on one defense. Seven big contracts? That’s a tough ask, even for a contender.
Jihaad Campbell: Time to Let Him Loose?
Linebacker Jihaad Campbell is another young talent the Eagles have been bringing along carefully. But the patience might be wearing thin.
At some point, you’ve got to let your athletes play. And with Campbell, that time might be now.
He’s got the tools, the speed, and the instincts to make an impact. The Eagles know it.
The question is whether they’re ready to hand him the keys to a bigger role.
The Big Picture
This offseason isn’t just about who stays and who goes-it’s about identity. The Eagles have built a defense loaded with young, versatile talent. But now comes the hard part: deciding who the cornerstones are, and who might be expendable in the name of roster balance.
Cooper DeJean’s position could reshape the secondary. The defensive tackle room might not be big enough for Carter, Davis and Ojomo.
Jaelan Phillips has earned a payday, but can the Eagles afford it? And Jihaad Campbell?
He might be too talented to keep on the sidelines much longer.
For a team with championship aspirations, these aren’t just personnel decisions-they’re defining moments.