The Philadelphia Eagles have filled their offensive coordinator vacancy, but that move is just the tip of the iceberg in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason. With the NFL Scouting Combine fast approaching and free agency right behind it, the Eagles are staring down a long list of tough roster decisions-especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s break down the key defensive players from the 2025 roster who are set to hit free agency, and what their futures might look like in midnight green-or elsewhere.
S Reed Blankenship
Reed Blankenship was one of just three Eagles defenders to eclipse 1,000 snaps last season, and while his game doesn’t scream elite athleticism, he brings something every defense needs: steadiness. He’s not the rangiest safety out there, but he’s smart, tough, and fundamentally sound-traits that Vic Fangio values highly in his scheme.
Blankenship’s communication skills on the back end are a huge asset, especially in a system that demands clarity and cohesion. He served as a captain in 2025, and while it wasn’t his best statistical season, his leadership and football IQ made him a stabilizing force.
The safety room behind him is thin, but with Drew Mukuba expected to take on a bigger role in his second year, the Eagles could look to add more speed at the position. Still, if the price is right, Blankenship’s return would bring continuity to a secondary that needs it.
LB Nakobe Dean
Nakobe Dean has been the emotional and intellectual core of this defense. The former Georgia standout brings grit, smarts, and a relentless motor to the middle of the field. He also makes his presence felt off the field, with consistent community involvement and leadership in the locker room.
Dean bounced back from a torn patellar tendon to appear in 10 games, starting eight, and racked up 55 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles over 403 snaps. His chemistry with fellow linebacker Zack Baun was a key part of the Eagles’ defensive cohesion. But here’s the rub: with Jihaad Campbell drafted in the first round last year, the Eagles suddenly have a surplus at off-ball linebacker-and in today’s NFL, that’s more luxury than necessity.
Dean is only 25 and will likely draw strong interest in free agency. If he walks, the Eagles lose more than just a linebacker-they lose a tone-setter.
OLB Jaelan Phillips
When the Eagles traded for Jaelan Phillips at the deadline, the defense changed overnight. His impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Sure, the sack numbers were solid, but it was his edge-setting, run defense, and ability to draw attention that really opened things up-especially for second-year pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, who caught fire late in the season.
Phillips brought size (6'5", 266 lbs), length, and a physical edge to a group that badly needed it. He consistently collapsed pockets and forced quarterbacks off their spots, even if it didn’t always show up in the box score.
Injuries have been part of his story, and he’s likely due for a sizable payday. But if the number is manageable, the Eagles would be wise to prioritize keeping him.
For his part, Phillips has expressed a desire to stay in Philly-something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
DE Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham’s return was one of the most unexpected-and heartwarming-developments of the Eagles’ 2025 season. After briefly stepping away from the game, the 37-year-old came back to help a depleted pass rush and gave the team more than anyone could’ve expected.
In nine games, Graham tallied three sacks over 199 snaps. He even shifted inside at times to help offset injuries at defensive tackle, proving once again that he’s the ultimate team player.
He saw limited action in the playoff loss to San Francisco, logging just seven snaps, and his future remains up in the air. But regardless of what comes next, Graham’s legacy in Philadelphia is secure.
He’s third in franchise history in sacks (79.5) and remains a beloved figure in the locker room.
OLB Josh Uche
Josh Uche joined the Eagles on a one-year deal, envisioned as a rotational pass rusher who could bring some heat off the edge. And early on, he did just that-logging 244 defensive snaps across 12 games and notching a sack in a win over the Vikings.
Uche leaned into his power rushes and brought energy to the rotation, but his role diminished after Graham’s return. Fangio typically doesn’t carry a deep edge group on game days, and Uche became the odd man out. Still, he handled it like a pro and remained a positive presence around the team.
There’s a good chance Uche finds a better opportunity elsewhere-one where he can carve out a more consistent role. He’s shown he can be effective in a complementary role, and there’s still value in that.
OLB Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari was another low-risk, high-upside signing from last offseason. A former second-round pick, Ojulari came in with pedigree and potential, but never quite found his footing in Philly. He struggled through an uneven training camp and fell behind Uche on the depth chart.
He appeared in just three games, totaling 67 snaps before a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve. Though he was designated to return late in the year, his last action came in mid-October against Minnesota. At 25, there’s still some upside here, and given the Eagles’ lack of depth at the position, a team-friendly deal to bring him back for another look could make sense.
OLB Ogbo Okoronkwo
Ogbo Okoronkwo was a late addition to the roster, signing just before training camp. He impressed enough to make the 53-man roster, but his season was cut short almost immediately. In Week 4 against the Bucs, Okoronkwo tore his triceps just four snaps into the game.
Since then, he’s been largely out of sight, but by season’s end, he was reportedly feeling close to full strength. He leaned on teammates like Nolan Smith and Brandon Graham during his recovery, drawing from their experience. Still, with limited availability and a crowded edge room, it’s likely Okoronkwo will be looking for a new home in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles are entering a crucial offseason with a defense that’s in transition. Fangio’s system demands discipline, communication, and versatility-and many of the pending free agents fit that mold. But cap realities and roster depth will force some difficult decisions.
Some players, like Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean, could command strong markets. Others, like Blankenship and Ojulari, might be retained if the numbers make sense. And for a franchise that’s long prided itself on building through smart roster management, this offseason will be a major test.
One thing’s for sure: the next few months will go a long way in shaping what this defense looks like in 2026.