The Philadelphia Eagles have built a reputation for smart, forward-thinking roster construction-and with that success comes the inevitable challenge: keeping the band together. After a Super Bowl-winning season, the Eagles saw a number of key contributors walk in free agency last offseason-Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Milton Williams, Isaiah Rodgers, and others. This offseason, the front office shifts its focus to retention, with a particular emphasis on locking down pieces from a championship-caliber defense.
At his end-of-season press conference, GM Howie Roseman peeled back the curtain on what’s next. The message was clear: the pendulum is swinging toward the defense.
With 20 players set to hit free agency, including names like Dallas Goedert, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, Jaelan Phillips, Adoree' Jackson, Marcus Epps, Fred Johnson, Brandon Graham, and Jahan Dotson, the Eagles have decisions to make. Among them, Dean and Phillips stand out as priorities-though even their futures could hinge on how the open market plays out.
The Eagles aren’t starting from scratch, though. The core of the defense still includes ascending talents like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo-young players Roseman is clearly invested in for the long haul. These are the types of foundational pieces that give a roster staying power, especially when paired with the right veterans and a few savvy additions.
Financially, the Eagles are in a solid, if not luxurious, position. According to Over The Cap, they’re carrying $10.47 million in cap space to roll over into 2026, but they’re also staring down $44 million in dead cap-money tied up in players no longer on the roster.
For comparison, teams like the Titans, Chargers, and Raiders are flush with over $80 million in cap space heading into March. That kind of flexibility gives those clubs room to be aggressive, while Philly will need to be precise.
So where does all that money go? Let’s break down the 15 biggest cap hits on the Eagles’ books for 2026:
1. QB Jalen Hurts - $31,971,800
No surprise here. Hurts is the face of the franchise, and his deal reflects that.
He’s the engine of the offense, and as long as he’s under center, the Eagles are contenders.
**2. WR A.J.
Brown** - $23,393,496
A physical force on the outside, Brown continues to be a matchup nightmare.
His chemistry with Hurts is one of the league’s most dangerous connections.
3. OL Lane Johnson - $20,299,000
A staple of the offensive line and a future Hall of Famer, Johnson’s contract shows just how much the Eagles value protection up front.
4. OL Jordan Mailata - $15,855,233
Mailata’s rise from rugby project to premier left tackle is one of the league’s best development stories. He’s a cornerstone.
5. DT Jordan Davis - $12,938,000
A disruptive force in the middle, Davis is a key cog in the Eagles’ defensive front. His ability to eat up space and collapse pockets is vital.
6. WR DeVonta Smith - $10,726,510
Smooth, reliable, and explosive-Smith is the perfect complement to Brown. His cap hit is more than manageable for a WR1-caliber talent.
7. OL Landon Dickerson - $10,275,000
A physical mauler with versatility, Dickerson anchors the interior of the line. He brings both toughness and technique.
8. DB Michael Carter II - $10,120,000
A valuable piece in the secondary, Carter’s cap hit reflects his growing importance in the Eagles’ defensive scheme.
9. RB Saquon Barkley - $9,881,100
Bringing Barkley in added a dynamic element to the backfield. When healthy, he’s still one of the most explosive runners in the league.
10. LB Zack Baun - $7,538,000
Baun brings versatility to the linebacker corps, contributing both in coverage and as a situational pass rusher.
11. DT Jalen Carter - $6,938,331
One of the most talented young defenders in the league, Carter is a game-wrecker. His rookie deal is a bargain for what he brings.
12. OL Cam Jurgens - $5,421,200
Jurgens is a key part of the offensive line rotation and a potential long-term starter at center.
13. K Jake Elliott - $4,893,000
Reliable kickers are worth every penny, and Elliott has proven his value time and again in clutch moments.
14. CB Quinyon Mitchell - $4,041,299
A promising young corner with upside, Mitchell is part of the next wave of talent in the secondary.
15. OL Tyler Steen - $3,900,534
A developmental lineman with starter potential, Steen gives Philly depth and flexibility in the trenches.
16. OLB Nolan Smith - $3,815,769
Smith’s speed and motor make him an exciting piece off the edge. He’s still developing, but the flashes are there.
The Eagles aren’t just trying to run it back-they’re trying to evolve. With a mix of proven stars, young talent, and calculated cap management, they’re walking the tightrope between sustaining success and building for the future. Howie Roseman has done it before, and the blueprint is clear: draft well, pay the right guys, and stay aggressive.
The 2026 offseason won’t be easy, but if history is any indication, Philly’s front office is more than ready for the challenge.