The Eagles faced a significant shake-up on Monday, losing key defensive players in a flurry of free agency activity. In just six hours, the team saw 9 ½ sacks, 10 interceptions, 29 tackles for loss, 33 pass deflections, 21 quarterback hits, eight fumble recoveries, and seven forced fumbles walk out the door. Reed Blankenship, Nakobe Dean, and Jaelan Phillips, all pivotal starters, have moved on to new teams.
Phillips secured a lucrative three-year, $120 million contract with the Panthers. Dean inked a $36 million deal over three years with the Raiders, while Blankenship signed for $24.75 million over three years with the Texans. This trio represented a hefty 27% of the Eagles' 2025 defense, now leaving the team with big shoes to fill.
While other defensive free agents linger, none quite match the impact of the departing trio. Adoree’ Jackson, a corner who started 10 games, and Brandon Graham, who returned from retirement to contribute 113 snaps, are both free agents.
Replacing Reed Blankenship:
The safety position is looking thin, with Sydney Brown and Drew Mukuba as the only safeties under contract. Brown, a former 3rd-round pick, primarily contributes on special teams. Mukuba, drafted in the 2nd round last year, showed promise with two interceptions before a broken ankle ended his rookie season.
Marcus Epps, a savvy veteran, could be a stopgap solution. Epps, who filled in after Mukuba’s injury, is a free agent but could be re-signed for a reasonable price. The Eagles may also explore signing a veteran safety in the later stages of free agency or look to the draft for fresh talent.
Michael Carter II, acquired in a trade, could transition from slot corner to safety, offering versatility. And then there's always the wildcard, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who has a knack for returning to the Eagles at opportune times.
Filling the Void Left by Jaelan Phillips:
The Eagles still have Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith as starting edge rushers, but Phillips' departure leaves a gap in the rotation. With Phillips now with the Panthers, the Eagles need a third edge rusher who can make an impact.
Several edge rushers from last season are either retired or free agents, leaving the Eagles with limited options. A trade or a draft pick might be the most viable solutions to bolster this position. Jihaad Campbell could be an emergency option for edge reps, but with Dean's departure, his role at linebacker becomes more critical.
Ta’Quan Graham, signed on a futures contract, could be a darkhorse candidate to step up, having played 51 games with the Falcons.
Addressing Nakobe Dean’s Departure:
Jihaad Campbell seems the natural choice to fill Dean’s shoes, having already stepped in during Dean’s injury recovery last year. With Dean gone, Campbell will likely return to the starting lineup alongside Zack Baun. However, this reduces the team’s depth at inside linebacker.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon are the other linebackers on the roster. Trotter, a 2024 5th-round pick, has shown potential on special teams and in limited defensive snaps. Mondon, also a 5th-round pick, is still an unknown quantity on defense but has contributed on special teams.
The Eagles face a challenging offseason as they look to rebuild a defense that was among the league’s best. Balancing veteran presence with fresh talent will be key as they navigate free agency and the draft.