The Philadelphia Eagles may have fallen short of their ultimate goal this postseason, but with a roster still loaded with talent and most of their starters under contract, the front office heads into the offseason with more flexibility than panic. That said, over a dozen players are set to hit free agency this March, and while not everyone will be back, there are a few names that should be high on Howie Roseman’s priority list.
Let’s take a closer look at three pending free agents who could play pivotal roles in keeping Philly’s Super Bowl window open.
Jaelan Phillips: A Bet Worth Making on the Edge
When the Eagles traded for Jaelan Phillips, the expectation wasn’t that he’d be a one-year rental. This was a calculated move-giving up a 2026 third-round pick for a former first-rounder with proven pass-rushing chops. And while the compensatory pick formula might give the Eagles something back if he walks, that’s not the kind of return you bank on when you’re trying to compete for a Lombardi.
Phillips brings a rare blend of size, speed, and bend off the edge. Sure, there are other edge rushers set to hit the market-Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, Kwity Paye-but none bring the combination of youth, production, and scheme fit that Phillips offers. His injury history is a concern, but his ceiling remains high, and in a Fangio-led defense that values discipline and pressure without overcommitting blitzers, Phillips is a natural fit.
The Eagles let Josh Sweat walk last offseason, watching him sign a four-year, $76.4 million deal with Arizona. That decision was made with an eye on the future-and on the checkbook. With young stars like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell eventually lining up for big extensions, Roseman has to be strategic about who gets paid and when.
But this might be the perfect moment to secure Phillips on a short-term deal before the market spikes again. A two- or three-year contract at around $17 million annually gives the Eagles continuity on the edge without locking them into long-term risk.
And with uncertainty swirling around A.J. Brown’s future and Dallas Goedert potentially sidelined, investing in the defense could be the safer play.
Projected deal: 3 years, $51.7 million, $43.5 million guaranteed
Verdict: Priority signing. He’s a cornerstone-caliber edge rusher in a system that needs him.
Nakobe Dean: From Question Mark to Defensive Anchor
When the Eagles used a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell in 2025, it seemed like Nakobe Dean’s time as the starting middle linebacker might be coming to an end. After all, Dean had battled injuries, and Campbell offered a similar skill set on a cheaper rookie deal.
But Dean didn’t just hold onto his job-he elevated it. Down the stretch, he became a force in the run game, flying sideline to sideline and delivering the kind of physicality and awareness that Vic Fangio covets in his linebackers. He turned games with his instincts and motor, and suddenly, his value to this defense became undeniable.
Still, this is a business. And linebackers-especially off-ball ones-often find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to second contracts.
The Eagles have let productive players like T.J. Edwards and Alex Singleton walk in recent years, and Dean could be next if another team comes calling with a big offer.
Spotrac projects Dean’s market value at $7.9 million annually-roughly $32 million over four years. That’s a manageable number, but if Dean wants to bet on himself, a one-year, above-market deal in Philly could make sense for both sides. It gives Dean a chance to hit the market again next year, when the Eagles may be more willing to commit long-term, especially with Zack Baun entering the final year of his deal.
Projected deal: 1 year, $10 million, $8.5 million guaranteed
Verdict: Smart bridge option. Keeps the defense stable and gives Dean a shot to cash in next year.
Marcus Epps: The Value Veteran in the Secondary
Reed Blankenship has been a fan favorite and a great story-an undrafted free agent turned Super Bowl starter-but his 2025 campaign was a mixed bag. He struggled in coverage, gave up a critical touchdown in the Wild Card Round, and finished the year as the Eagles’ lowest-graded defensive starter by Pro Football Focus.
Enter Marcus Epps.
Epps, a familiar face from the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run, returned to Philly in 2025 after a rollercoaster year that included a torn ACL in Las Vegas and a brief stint with the Patriots. He rejoined the Eagles on the practice squad and eventually carved out a meaningful role, logging over 250 defensive snaps and another 119 on special teams across 12 games, including four starts.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was steady-exactly what the Eagles needed in a secondary that struggled with consistency. With Andrew Mukuba working his way back from injury and the 2026 draft still months away, Epps offers valuable insurance. He knows the system, he’s respected in the locker room, and he won’t break the bank.
Projected deal: 1 year, $1.6 million, $0 guaranteed
Verdict: Low-cost, high-value depth. A no-brainer re-signing for special teams and safety depth.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles don’t need to overhaul their roster this offseason-they need to fine-tune it. With most of their core intact, the focus shifts to retaining key contributors who can keep this team in the Super Bowl hunt without compromising future flexibility.
Jaelan Phillips offers a high-upside pass rusher who fits the system. Nakobe Dean has proven he can be a difference-maker at linebacker. And Marcus Epps is the kind of savvy veteran who quietly holds a defense together.
If the Eagles can bring back those three at the projected prices, they’ll be in a strong position to reload and make another serious run in 2026.