What’s Next for the Eagles’ Edge Rush? Rashan Gary Could Be on the Radar if Jaelan Phillips Walks
The Philadelphia Eagles have no shortage of offseason questions, but one of the biggest revolves around the edge. With Jaelan Phillips set to hit free agency - and expected to command somewhere in the $15-17 million per year range - Philly could find itself in a tight spot.
If they can’t lock him up, they’ll need to pivot quickly to avoid a significant drop-off in pass-rushing production. And one name that could surface on Howie Roseman’s radar?
Rashan Gary.
Let’s set the stage. Phillips has been a rising force off the edge, and losing him would leave a noticeable hole in the Eagles’ defensive front.
Jalyx Hunt showed encouraging flashes in Year 2, but he’s still developing. Nolan Smith, a former first-rounder, hasn’t quite lived up to that billing yet.
So if Phillips walks, the Eagles would be staring at a pretty glaring need for a proven pass-rusher.
Enter Rashan Gary.
Gary isn’t a free agent - he’s under contract for two more seasons - but his situation in Green Bay is worth watching. The Packers typically don’t rush to restructure deals unless they have to, and Gary might be looking for more financial security.
After back-to-back seasons with 7.5 sacks, he’s earned some leverage. If Green Bay isn’t willing to work on a new deal, Roseman could be one of several GMs ready to pick up the phone.
Now, let’s talk fit - and finances. Gary’s contract would bring cap hits of $28 million in 2026 and $31 million in 2027.
That’s a heavy lift, especially for a team like Philly that’s always juggling long-term flexibility with short-term competitiveness. But Roseman has never been shy about making bold moves for linemen - on either side of the ball.
If he believes Gary is the right piece, the money won’t scare him off.
Production-wise, Gary had a solid - though not spectacular - 2025 season: 7.5 sacks, 54 pressures, 35 hurries, and 12 quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at 68.2, good for 52nd among 115 edge rushers. So while he’s not exactly wrecking games every week, he’s consistently disruptive - the kind of player who can tilt a pocket and force quarterbacks off their spot.
The big question is cost - not just financially, but in draft capital. If the Packers are looking for a premium pick, that might be a tough sell.
The 2026 draft class is shaping up to be deep at edge rusher, and Roseman could opt to go younger and cheaper. That’s not just a budget-friendly move - it’s also more in line with the Eagles’ long-term roster-building philosophy.
Still, there’s a reason Gary’s name is in the mix. He’s a proven commodity, a 2024 Pro Bowler, and someone who could step in and contribute right away. If Phillips walks and the Eagles don’t love their options in the draft, a trade for Gary - at the right price - could make sense.
Ultimately, this comes down to how the Eagles value Phillips, how much they trust their young edge rushers to take the next step, and whether they’re willing to pay a premium for a veteran like Gary. Roseman’s history tells us he’ll explore every avenue. Whether that leads to a splashy trade or a draft-day move, one thing’s clear: the edge rusher spot is going to be one of the most important decisions Philly makes this offseason.