The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season came to a crashing halt in a way that felt all too familiar - and all too frustrating - for a fan base that expected more. After finishing 11-6 and securing the NFC East crown for the second year in a row, the Eagles bowed out early in the playoffs, falling at home to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round. For a team with championship aspirations, it was a bitter end.
And while the record says “division champs,” the vibes in Philly told a different story. The offense sputtered down the stretch, internal drama swirled, and the team never quite looked like the juggernaut it was built to be. So when head coach Nick Sirianni wrapped up his end-of-season press conference, it was general manager Howie Roseman who stepped in with one final message - a calculated clarification aimed squarely at the fans.
“I think it’s important for our fans to understand,” Roseman said. “You can do whatever it takes to win now and still build for the future… I just want to make sure that we’re on the same page on that.”
That wasn’t just a throwaway line. That was a signal. Roseman was laying the groundwork for what’s coming this offseason - and what’s not.
A Different Kind of Aggression
If fans are hoping for a splashy offseason, full of big-name free agents and blockbuster trades, they might want to recalibrate those expectations. The Eagles aren’t gearing up to go “all in” the way some teams do when they smell a Super Bowl window. At least not in free agency.
Instead, Roseman’s comments suggest a more measured approach - one where the Eagles balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. That likely means another offseason filled with one-year deals, bargain signings, and strategic roster building rather than headline-grabbing moves.
Where the Eagles will look to be aggressive is in the NFL Draft. That’s where Roseman has historically done his best work, and it’s where Philly can continue to stockpile young, affordable talent - the kind of players who can contribute now without breaking the bank.
The Roster Math Behind the Message
The financial reality is this: Philadelphia doesn’t have a ton of cap space to play with. And whatever flexibility they do have, they’re going to be smart about preserving it.
Why? Because the clock is already ticking on some of their most important young players.
Guys like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean - all recent high draft picks - are on rookie deals now, but those extension talks are coming. Within the next two to three years, the Eagles are going to have to make some big financial decisions. That means being proactive now to avoid being handcuffed later.
So rather than chase expensive veterans, the Eagles are likely to lean heavily on their young core. That’s not just a cap-saving strategy - it’s a bet on their own scouting and development. If these players can grow into stars, Philly can stay competitive and flexible.
The A.J. Brown Question
One of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason will be the future of A.J. Brown.
There’s been chatter that the Pro Bowl wideout could be on the trade block - and while nothing is set in stone, it’s not hard to connect the dots. Trading Brown would free up cap space and potentially bring in valuable draft capital.
It would also be a bold move, no doubt. But bold doesn’t always mean reckless.
If Roseman sees a path where moving Brown helps the team both now and down the line, he won’t hesitate. That’s the kind of “parallel path” he’s talking about - building a team that can win today without mortgaging tomorrow.
Defining “Aggressive”
Every GM has their own version of what it means to be aggressive. For some, it’s about swinging for the fences in free agency or pulling off splashy trades.
For Roseman, it’s about being calculated. It’s about knowing when to push chips in and when to hold back.
And it’s about trusting the process - not in the old Sixers way, but in a way that reflects a front office that’s playing the long game.
So no, this may not be an offseason of fireworks. But that doesn’t mean the Eagles are standing still. They’re just choosing a different kind of aggression - one rooted in smart roster construction, financial discipline, and a belief in their young foundation.
And if it works? Don’t be surprised if Philly is right back in the mix next January - this time with a little more staying power.