After a frustrating end to their 2025 campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the offseason with more questions than answers. A year removed from their dominant 2024 run, the team now finds itself in a transitional phase - and that means tough decisions are on the horizon.
The front office has already begun reshaping the coaching staff, swapping out Kevin Patullo for Sean Mannion at offensive coordinator. But let’s be honest: coaching changes alone won’t fix what’s broken. The Eagles' roster needs a reset in key areas if they’re going to reclaim their place among the NFC’s elite.
General manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from bold moves, and this offseason might demand a few more. Here are three players who could be on the chopping block as the Eagles look to retool and reload for 2026.
1. Sydney Brown - Safety
Sydney Brown came into 2025 with an opportunity - a real one. The starting safety role was there for the taking, and the Eagles were counting on the third-year pro to take a leap.
Instead, Brown struggled to make his presence felt. He finished the season with just 17 total tackles, and more often than not, he was a step behind in coverage and late to the ball.
What makes Brown’s situation more precarious is the emergence of rookie Andrew Mukuba. Despite missing a third of the season due to injury, Mukuba flashed serious potential, hauling in two interceptions and showing the kind of instincts that can’t be taught. If Mukuba returns healthy for training camp, the safety room suddenly looks a lot more crowded - and Brown could be the odd man out.
The NFL doesn’t wait around for development. Brown had his shot, and with a younger, more dynamic option in the fold, his future in Philly looks uncertain.
2. A.J. Dillon - Running Back
When the Eagles signed A.J. Dillon, the vision was clear: a bruising, downhill runner who could spell Saquon Barkley and bring some thunder to the backfield.
Instead, Dillon barely made a dent in the offense. He logged just 12 carries all season - and coughed up the ball once in that limited action.
It didn’t take long for the Eagles to pivot. Roseman pulled the trigger on a trade for Tank Bigsby midseason, and Bigsby quickly showed he might be the better long-term complement to Barkley. Dillon, meanwhile, faded into the background.
His contract is up, and based on what we’ve seen, there’s little reason for the Eagles to bring him back. In a league where running back depth is always in flux, Dillon had a chance to carve out a role - and simply didn’t take advantage.
3. Michael Carter II - Cornerback
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Eagles were certainly in desperation mode when they traded for cornerback Michael Carter II. Injuries and inconsistent play decimated the secondary, and Carter was brought in to help stabilize things on the outside.
But even with the position in flux, Carter couldn’t secure meaningful snaps. That says a lot.
The Eagles now have a full offseason to address the cornerback position properly - and they’re expected to do just that, likely attacking it through both free agency and the draft. With new blood coming in and Carter failing to make an impact when the opportunity was there, it’s hard to see a path forward for him in Philly.
Bottom Line
The Eagles aren’t in full rebuild mode - not even close - but they are in reset mode. And that means trimming the roster of players who haven’t lived up to expectations. Brown, Dillon, and Carter were all given chances to contribute in 2025, and for various reasons, none of them made the most of it.
If Howie Roseman wants to get this team back to its 2024 form, it starts by making the tough calls now - and these three players may be among the first to go.