After falling short of a return to the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the offseason with a clear goal: retool, not rebuild. The good news?
The foundation is still solid. Most of the starting lineup remains under contract, giving GM Howie Roseman a strong base to work from.
But with over a dozen players set to hit free agency, there are some key decisions looming - and a few names that absolutely need to be prioritized if Philly wants to stay in the championship conversation.
Let’s break down three players the Eagles should look to bring back - not just for what they’ve done, but for what they still offer in a window that’s very much still open.
1. Jaelan Phillips - Edge Rusher
When the Eagles traded for Jaelan Phillips, the expectation wasn’t that he’d be a one-year rental. This was a calculated move - a midseason swing for a young, ascending pass rusher with the kind of upside that fits perfectly in Vic Fangio’s system. And while the Eagles could let him walk and recoup a compensatory pick, that feels like a step backward for a team trying to keep its Super Bowl window wide open.
Phillips brings a rare blend of length, athleticism, and pass-rush polish. He’s not just a splash play guy - he’s someone who can anchor the edge, set the tone, and disrupt quarterbacks consistently.
Yes, injuries have been part of his story, but when healthy, he’s a difference-maker. And in a free agent class where names like Trey Hendrickson and Khalil Mack are expected to draw big money, Phillips might actually be one of the more cost-effective options with a high ceiling.
The Eagles have already made tough calls at this position - letting Josh Sweat walk last offseason as Arizona handed him a four-year, $76.4 million deal. With young defenders like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell all on rookie deals (for now), there’s a short-term window to invest in the right veteran piece before those extensions start to hit.
If Phillips is open to a two- or three-year deal in the $17 million-per-year range, it’s a move that makes sense on multiple fronts: continuity, upside, and cap flexibility. He’s still just scratching the surface.
Projected contract: 3 years, $51.7 million ($43.5 million guaranteed)
2. Nakobe Dean - Linebacker
When the Eagles selected Jihaad Campbell in the first round of the 2025 draft, it felt like a signal. Nakobe Dean, the former Georgia standout who’d flashed in spurts but struggled with injuries, might be on the way out.
But Dean didn’t get the memo. Instead, he elevated his game - especially down the stretch - turning into a key piece of Fangio’s front seven.
His instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and ability to blow up plays in the run game gave the defense a different edge. He wasn’t just surviving - he was thriving.
Now, the Eagles are in a bit of a bind. Dean’s play warrants another look, but with Campbell in the fold and Zack Baun still under contract, the numbers game gets tricky.
That said, Spotrac’s projection - a modest four-year, $31.6 million deal - suggests Dean might not break the bank on the open market. If he’s willing to bet on himself and return on a one-year deal above market value, it could be a win-win.
For Dean, it’s a chance to prove he can stay healthy and productive across a full season. For Philly, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move that buys them time to evaluate their long-term linebacker situation.
Projected contract: 1 year, $10 million ($8.5 million guaranteed)
3. Marcus Epps - Safety
Reed Blankenship might be the bigger name, but if the Eagles are looking at value and stability on the back end, Marcus Epps makes a lot of sense.
Epps is no stranger to Philly - he was a starter during their Super Bowl run in 2022 and returned last season as a midyear addition after bouncing around post-injury. With Andrew Mukuba sidelined, Epps stepped in and brought a calming, veteran presence to a secondary that struggled with consistency all year. He logged over 250 defensive snaps and another 119 on special teams, showing he’s still capable of contributing in multiple roles.
Let’s be clear: Epps isn’t being brought back to be a star. But in a safety room that’s still sorting itself out, his experience and versatility are valuable. He’s a steadying force - someone who knows the system, knows the locker room, and can step in without the defense missing a beat.
At a projected $1.6 million deal with no guaranteed money, the cost is minimal. And for a team that’s trying to maximize every dollar while keeping its depth intact, that’s the kind of move that makes all the sense in the world.
Projected contract: 1 year, $1.6 million ($0 guaranteed)
Final Thoughts
The Eagles aren’t facing a full-blown roster overhaul - far from it. But the margins matter in the NFL, especially when you’re trying to stay in the Super Bowl hunt year after year. Bringing back players like Phillips, Dean, and Epps isn’t just about sentimentality - it’s about building a roster that balances star power with smart, strategic depth.
Howie Roseman has shown time and again that he knows how to navigate these waters. The question now is which players fit into the long-term vision - and which ones are worth the investment in 2026 and beyond.