The Philadelphia Eagles head into the offseason with more questions than cap space, and that’s saying something. After a season that fell short of expectations, the front office is staring down a tight financial picture and a roster that still has the bones of a contender-but needs a jolt.
The first order of business? Finding a new offensive coordinator who can bring more juice than Kevin Patullo offered.
But the bigger challenge might be navigating the salary cap without gutting the core that’s made this team a perennial NFC threat.
Here’s the good news for Eagles fans: Howie Roseman has a few cards to play. And in true Eagles fashion, the path to cap relief doesn’t necessarily mean cutting ties-it might mean doubling down on some of their foundational pieces.
By reworking a few key contracts, Philadelphia could free up as much as $18 million in cap space for 2026. That’s not just chump change-it’s the kind of flexibility that could keep the window open for another deep playoff push.
The Defensive Tackle Duo That’s Worth the Investment
Let’s start in the trenches, where the Eagles have quietly built one of the more intriguing interior duos in the league. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, both former first-round picks, have taken significant steps forward under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Carter continues to flash as a disruptive force on passing downs, while Davis has carved out a clear role as a space-eating anchor against the run.
It’s not often you see a team commit serious resources to two defensive tackles at once, but in this case, it makes sense. Their skill sets complement each other perfectly-Carter brings the flash, Davis brings the force.
And more importantly, they’ve started to show they can thrive together. If Fangio can continue to unlock their potential, the Eagles could have a long-term interior pairing that rivals any in the league.
Restructuring their deals now-before they hit peak market value-could give the Eagles some much-needed cap relief while locking in two cornerstone defenders. It’s a savvy move that balances short-term flexibility with long-term stability.
Don’t Sleep on Carter II
Philadelphia also has a decision to make with Carter II, the versatile defensive back acquired in a midseason trade that sent wide receiver John Metchie III to the Jets. His 2025 campaign wasn’t exactly highlight-reel material-he struggled to find his footing in Steve Wilks’ system and didn’t see a ton of action under Fangio after the move.
But there’s still upside here. Carter II has shown flashes in the slot, and with a full offseason in Fangio’s scheme, he could emerge as a valuable contributor in a secondary that’s in flux.
The Eagles don’t need him to be a star-they just need him to be solid. And if they can restructure his deal in a way that lowers his cap hit while giving him a chance to prove himself, it’s a low-risk move with potential upside.
The NFC Isn’t Waiting Around
The reality is this: the Eagles can’t afford to stand still. The NFC is getting stronger, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Teams like the Lions, 49ers, and Cowboys are loading up, and the days of Philly coasting on raw talent are over. If Nick Sirianni and company want to stay in the mix, they’ve got to be proactive.
That means making smart financial moves now-not just to survive the cap crunch, but to make room for one or two impact additions. Whether it’s a veteran pass catcher, a game-changing linebacker, or a high-upside free agent who slips through the cracks, the Eagles need to be in position to pounce.
Championship Window Still Open-But Not Forever
The core of this roster still has championship DNA. But the window isn’t going to stay open forever.
Philadelphia has a shot-maybe one or two more years-before some major retooling becomes inevitable. That makes this offseason critical.
It’s not just about replacing coaches or adding talent. It’s about being strategic, staying aggressive, and finding ways to stretch every dollar without sacrificing the identity that’s made this team dangerous.
Restructuring a few key deals won’t fix everything, but it’s a smart first step. It gives the Eagles breathing room.
It gives them options. And most importantly, it keeps them in the fight.
Because in today’s NFC, standing pat isn’t just risky-it’s a recipe for getting left behind.