As the 2026 NFL season looms, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a bit of a financial bind. They're currently $745,964 over the salary cap, with their total allocations sitting at $314,538,144.
But fear not, Eagles fans, because the team has time to maneuver before the season kicks off. With free agency and the NFL Draft on the horizon, there's plenty of opportunity to reshape the roster.
The Eagles' front office, led by Howie Roseman, faces the challenge of balancing talent acquisition with financial prudence. To dive into the free-agent market and target rising stars, they'll need to make some savvy financial moves. This means taking a hard look at their current contracts and deciding who stays, who goes, and who might need a contract tweak.
One straightforward option to free up cap space is to release tight end Dallas Goedert with a post-June 1 designation. Goedert, set to become a free agent in 2026, carries a hefty cap hit.
Releasing him would allow the Eagles to spread his cap hit over two years, freeing up $12.9 million this year. Alternatively, they could extend his contract to spread the cap impact further, but that depends on whether they see him as part of their future.
Another player in the spotlight is Michael Carter II. Acquired midseason in 2025, Carter II brought versatility to the Eagles' secondary.
With only $1.38 million guaranteed on his contract, releasing him could free up significant cap space. While he played limited snaps last season, his adaptability and team-first attitude make him a candidate for a restructured deal if the Eagles see a future for him in their defensive backfield.
Then there's Jordan Davis, the young defensive tackle who has emerged as a force in the Eagles' defense. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, Davis has grown into more than just a run-stuffer.
His impressive 2025 season, featuring 4.5 sacks and 72 tackles, has set the stage for a potential contract extension. By extending Davis, the Eagles could manage his cap hit creatively, freeing up nearly $9.4 million this year.
Navigating these financial waters won't be easy, but the Eagles have options. Whether it's releasing players, restructuring contracts, or extending key contributors like Davis, the team is poised to make the necessary moves to remain competitive. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how Philadelphia manages its cap situation to build a roster ready to contend.