Eagles Face Key Defensive Decisions This Offseason: Who Stays, Who Goes?
For the second year in a row, the Eagles boasted a top-five defense in points allowed per game. But just like last offseason, change is coming-and fast. With several core contributors hitting free agency and a few big contracts looming, Philadelphia’s front office is facing some tough calls on who’s part of the future and who’s not.
Let’s break down the key players whose futures hang in the balance and what the Eagles might do next.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE
The Eagles didn’t bring in Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline just for a rental. They gave up a third-round pick to get him from Miami, and while they could recoup that value with a compensatory pick in 2027 if he walks, that’s a long way off.
Phillips quickly became a key piece in Vic Fangio’s defense, and the mutual respect there is real. Fangio’s scheme fits Phillips like a glove, and the production followed.
If the Eagles are going to open the checkbook for any of their pending free agents, Phillips is the most likely candidate. He’s young, productive, and already integrated into the system.
Verdict: Stay. This is the kind of player you build around, not let walk.
Brandon Graham, EDGE
The return of a franchise legend was one of the season’s best feel-good stories. After coming out of retirement midseason, Graham gave the Eagles a spark, especially when Jalen Carter was sidelined. He even notched three sacks in back-to-back games after sliding inside to defensive tackle.
But Graham turns 38 in April, and as much as he still has something left in the tank, the Eagles may be better served transitioning him into a mentor or coaching role.
Verdict: Go. A phenomenal career, and possibly a future on the sideline, but it’s time to pass the torch.
Joshua Uche, EDGE
Uche’s season was a tale of two halves. Early on, he was a solid depth piece, signed on a low-cost deal.
But once Graham returned and Phillips arrived, Uche found himself on the outside looking in-literally. He was inactive for five straight games late in the year.
Still, if he’s willing to come back on another team-friendly deal, his speed and pass-rushing ability could provide valuable depth behind the Eagles’ young edge group.
Verdict: Stay. As a rotational rusher, Uche still brings value at the right price.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE
Ojulari never really found his footing in Philly. He was behind Uche in camp, and then injuries derailed any chance of carving out a role. The former Giants second-rounder spent most of the season on IR and just didn’t look like a fit in this defense.
Verdict: Go. Sometimes it just doesn’t click. Time for both sides to move on.
Nakobe Dean, LB
Dean’s a tough one. A third-round pick who developed into a key piece in the middle of the defense, he returned from a torn patellar tendon and immediately helped shore up the run defense. His instincts and leadership were on display.
But the Eagles already paid Zack Baun and used a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell. In today’s NFL, it’s rare to invest heavily in multiple off-ball linebackers, and Dean may be the odd man out.
Verdict: Go. Not a reflection of his talent-it’s a numbers game, and the Eagles have already made their moves at the position.
Adoree’ Jackson, CB
Jackson’s season started rough. He lost his starting job, got hurt, and struggled to find consistency even when he returned.
With Quinyon Mitchell locking down one side, the drop-off on the other was hard to ignore. Jackson turns 31 this fall, and the Eagles need to get younger and more reliable at CB2.
Verdict: Go. Philly needs to upgrade the cornerback spot opposite Mitchell, and that likely means moving on from Jackson.
Reed Blankenship, S
Blankenship’s story is one of development and grit. Undrafted in 2022, he worked his way into a starting role and became a steady presence against the run. But his coverage skills took a step back this season, and with Drew Mukuba emerging before his injury, the safety room is getting crowded.
Still, Blankenship has earned a spot-just not at any price. If the Eagles can strike a reasonable deal, he’s worth keeping around.
Verdict: Stay. He’s a homegrown contributor who brings value, especially if the contract makes sense.
Jakorian Bennett, CB
The Eagles traded for Bennett in August hoping to bolster a shaky cornerback group. He had starting experience with the Raiders, but never found a consistent role in Philly. With better options ahead of him and limited snaps, it’s hard to justify bringing him back.
Verdict: Go. Time to upgrade the depth and move on.
Michael Carter, Nickel CB/S
When the Eagles traded for Carter in late October, there was some thought he might slot in as the starting nickel. But Cooper DeJean has that role locked down-and for good reason. Carter didn’t see much action, but his versatility (he can also play safety) makes him a useful depth piece.
Verdict: Stay. On a low-cost, one-year deal, Carter is a smart insurance policy in the secondary.
Marcus Epps, S
Epps stepped up late in the year when Mukuba went down, proving he can still play at a high level. But with Mukuba returning, Blankenship likely re-signed, and younger options like Sydney Brown in the mix, there may not be room for Epps-especially as he turns 30.
Verdict: Go. The Eagles have depth and youth at safety. Epps deserves a shot elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles are facing a classic NFL balancing act: keep the core intact while managing the salary cap and planning for the future. With big extensions looming for young stars like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, and draft picks like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean on the rise, the front office has to be strategic.
That means tough decisions. But if the Eagles want to stay among the league’s elite on defense, they’ll need to get these calls right.