As January winds down, the NFL calendar doesn’t slow down - it shifts gears. And for the Philadelphia Eagles, the so-called “offseason” is anything but a break.
With the Super Bowl, Senior Bowl, and NFL Combine all on deck in February, the front office is already deep into roster-building mode. The draft board is taking shape, scouts are grinding tape, and March’s free agency window looms large.
And speaking of free agency, the Eagles have some big decisions coming. Twenty players from last year’s roster are set to hit the open market - a significant chunk of talent that could reshape the team’s core.
ESPN recently spotlighted the top 50 impending free agents across the league, and three Eagles made the cut. Let’s break down who stood out and why they matter.
Jaelan Phillips: A disruptive force off the edge
Coming in at No. 5 on the list is Jaelan Phillips - and it’s not hard to see why. Since arriving in Philly via trade on November 3rd, Phillips has made his presence felt in Vic Fangio’s defense. He posted two sacks and 27 pressures in limited action, showcasing the versatility and explosiveness that made him a first-round pick.
At 6-foot-5, Phillips brings a rare blend of length, athleticism, and power. He can set the edge in the run game and collapse the pocket as a pass rusher.
Over his five-year NFL career, he's tallied 28 sacks and 150 pressures - numbers that speak to consistent production and growth. With the Eagles looking to reload on defense, Phillips is exactly the kind of player you want anchoring your front seven.
Reed Blankenship: A steady presence in the secondary
Safety Reed Blankenship checks in at No. 32 on the list, and he’s earned that spot with his steady, playmaking presence on the back end. He’s most effective in split-field looks, where he can read the quarterback and attack downhill. With nine interceptions in four seasons, Blankenship has a knack for finding the football, and he’s no slouch in run support either - strong in the alley and reliable as a tackler.
In a league where versatility and range are key traits for safeties, Blankenship brings both. He’s not just a deep-zone guy; he can slide into different coverage shells and still be effective. For a team that’s had its ups and downs in the secondary, keeping a player like Blankenship in the fold could be a stabilizing move.
Nakobe Dean: A heat-seeking missile at linebacker
Rounding out the trio is linebacker Nakobe Dean, ranked No. 48.
After battling a knee injury that sidelined him during the 2024 playoffs, Dean returned in 2025 and made an immediate impact. In just 10 games, he racked up four sacks, two forced fumbles, and 55 total tackles - a strong statement from a player still ascending.
Dean’s calling card? Blitzing.
He’s arguably the best blitzing linebacker in the league, with a relentless motor and a nose for the football. Whether he’s blowing up a run play or crashing through the A-gap on a delayed blitz, Dean plays with speed and aggression that offenses have to account for.
He also brings sideline-to-sideline range, giving the Eagles a true playmaker in the middle of the field.
Tight end questions loom
One name that didn’t crack the top 50 but still deserves attention is Dallas Goedert, who landed among the honorable mentions. That’s notable, especially considering the Eagles’ situation at tight end - all three of their top players at the position from last season are set to become free agents. Goedert has long been a reliable target and an underrated blocker, and letting him walk would leave a major void.
The Eagles have a lot of talent hitting the market, and decisions made over the next few months will shape the roster well into 2026. With Phillips, Blankenship, and Dean all earning national recognition, Philly’s front office has some tough - and important - choices ahead.