As Day 1 of the NFL's legal tampering period wraps up, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a quiet corner. They're among five teams that didn't snag an outside free agent and are even fewer in number for not making any free agency moves at all.
The Eagles watched as several of their own free agents flew the coop: Jaelan Phillips is now with the Carolina Panthers, Reed Blankenship joined the Houston Texans, Nakobe Dean headed to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Jahan Dotson signed with the Atlanta Falcons. With these departures, Philly's roster took a hit, leaving them with some serious gaps to fill.
Let’s break down the winners and losers for the Eagles after this initial day of activity.
Winner: Michael Carter II, CB
While Carter's impact on the field might not make headlines, his off-field contributions are noteworthy. By reworking his contract, he helped the Eagles save some cap space, allowing them to retain a reliable backup who can play both nickel and safety. Eagles fans will surely appreciate Carter's team-first mentality.
Loser: A.J. Brown, WR
A.J. Brown's future with the Eagles remains uncertain.
Despite swirling trade rumors, he stays put in Philadelphia-for now. Trade talks seem to have hit a pause, though the New England Patriots could still be in the mix, having not signed any major receivers on Day 1.
It might take some time before we see any movement, if at all, for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Winner: Dallas Goedert, TE
Dallas Goedert remains one of the few top free agents still on the market. With the tight end position in high demand, many expected him to be snapped up quickly.
Yet, Goedert is still available, leaving the door open for a potential return to the Eagles. Fans might just see him in midnight green again in 2026.
Loser: Howie Roseman, General Manager
The Eagles' lack of activity in free agency might not surprise some, but it's still a point of contention for fans. Losing Phillips stings, yet avoiding a hefty $30 million annual investment in an injury-prone player could be a wise decision by Roseman. The hope is that Philadelphia will ramp up its efforts in the coming days to strengthen the roster.
As the legal tampering period continues, the Eagles have some strategic decisions to make. The next moves will be crucial in shaping their upcoming season.