Let The Spree Begin

Next up on the itinerary of what is the eternal NFL calendar will be the highly anticipated legal tampering period, beginning Monday at noon ET.

As a result, news regarding expected transaction tend to pour in fast and furiously, eliminating considerable anticipation once free agency officially opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The ensuing week ahead figures to be fascinating from an Eagles perspective, as the team has daunting decisions to make on marquee talents, with three of the headliners qualifying as homegrown prospects.

As the team prepares to strategize and build the roster for the season ahead, which of the 20 players listed will be a part of the equation in 2026?

Ahead of the frenzy, here’s an overview of the Eagles’ extensive crop of free agents and my perspective on each player:

GETTY IMAGES: Dallas Goedert has played his whole career for the Eagles but will be among the most coveted offensive free agents.

Offense

QB Sam Howell

Howell was shrewdly acquired before the season as insurance that was never needed, though Howell did function as the immediate backup to Jalen Hurts the first three weeks of the season, as No. 2 quarterback Tanner McKee nursed a finger injury sustained in training camp. Unless McKee is moved, Howell, 25, boasts a resume qualified enough to land a job as a No. 2 quarterback elsewhere. The underwhelming crop of free agent quarterbacks should play in his favor.

RB A.J. Dillon

A self-proclaimed “vibes guy” – and a pleasure to converse with – Dillon’s production hardly matched what the Eagles probably expected when inking the former Packers running back to a one-year deal last March. Dillon, 27, appeared in seven games last season for the Eagles, totaling 60 yards on 12 carries and 21 yards on three receptions. The Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby in September and increasingly worked him into the backfield mix as the season advanced, but Dillon also seemed to fall out of favor after committing a pair of gaffes in Week 6 and wasn’t active again until the season finale.

GETTY IMAGES: Former Washington first-round pick Jahan Dotson will likely play elsewhere in 2025 after two modest seasons with the Eagles.

WR Jahan Dotson

The trade that brought Dotson to Philadelphia two seasons ago was steep, costing the Eagles a third-round pick and a pair seventh round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the team (unsurprisingly) declined his fifth-year option last spring. Sparsely utilized during his two-year stay, Dotson – who functioned as the Eagles’ third wide receiver – combined for 37 receptions for 478 yards and a touchdown (69 targets) over 34 regular season games.

The 25-year-old came through for the Eagles during the postseason run to the Super Bowl, accounting for 53 yards – 27 of which came in Super Bowl LIX – and a touchdown on three receptions. My expectation going in free agency is that Dotson seeks an opportunity to contribute elsewhere, in a more volume-based role.

TE Dallas Goedert

It appeared last spring that the Eagles and Goedert were headed for a heartbreak, but the two sides ultimately agreed to a contract restructure in May. The veteran tight end, available in all but one game last season, parlayed the one-year showcase into a breakthrough campaign, totaling career highs in receptions (60) and touchdowns (11). Because of that, Goedert, who produced 4,676 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns on 409 receptions over 108 games (91 starts), might have priced himself out of the Eagles’ budget.

There are benefits to retaining the 31-year-old – Goedert has strong on-field chemistry with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have three tight ends on expiring contracts – but if a deal isn’t consummated, there will be cost-effective replacements in free agency and an abundance of appealing options in the draft.

TE Grant Calcaterra

Calcaterra, who served as Goedert’s immediate backup for two seasons, was used sparingly as a receiver and his flaws in run blocking have been well-documented. While I don’t necessarily fault Calcaterra for the latter, as he was routinely tasked with fulfilling a duty outside of his skill set, his blocking deficiencies clearly contributed to the run game inefficiencies. The expectation is that the Eagles will rebuild the tight end room this offseason, with an emphasis on balanced skill sets, but Calcaterra is a low-cost option who would be fine as a No. 3 tight end. That said, the 27-year-old is likely to play elsewhere in 2026.

TE Kylen Granson

Granson, another one-year signing last March, sparked some mild curiosity early due to his versatility and potential usage on offense, but managed just 40 yards on seven receptions on the season. Granson instead made his mark on special teams, registering 18 tackles (tied for second-most on the team). His 290 third phase snaps were fourth-most on the unit. Like Calcaterra, Granson, 27, would be a passable No. 3 tight end in this offense, but he’s likely to find a better opportunity on the open market to contribute offensively.

GETTY IMAGES: Is this the end of the run as an Eagles for longtime OL backup Brett Toth?

OL Brett Toth

Toth played his way into the role of top interior backup last season and delivered when his number was called – most notably in his first career start at center in the rematch with the Giants – highlighting his athleticism and mobility. The latter is worth underscoring, as it would appear to be a preference given the shift in run designs under coordinator Sean Mannion and what that style will demand from offensive linemen. Assuming his skill set and presence behind the scenes is valued, it would be wise for the Eagles to retain Toth for depth purposes.

OL Fred Johnson

Johnson tested the free agent waters last offseason, on the heels of starting six games for the Eagles and winning a Super Bowl. Searching for an opportunity to start, Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Eagles pounced to fortify its tackle depth and traded for Johnson ahead of the 2025 season. Johnson started eight regular season games (and playoff contest) in place of an injured Lane Johnson and again delivered admirably, performing objectively well enough to warrant another chance to start elsewhere. Johnson, 28, has been invaluable for the Eagles over the past two seasons, but in light of his pursuit of an elevated role – and the expected youth movement at backup tackle – it doesn’t feel like another reunion is in the cards.

OL Matt Pryor

Pryor returned to the Eagles for a second stint, signing a one-year deal in free agency. The 31-year-old, active for every game, was brought in a season after logging 1,006 snaps with the Bears, but Pryor never cemented a defined backup role at tackle or guard and was bypassed by Johnson and Toth in game situations. The Eagles have young reserve tackles waiting in the wings in Cameron Williams and Myles Hinton and will add to that in the draft. Pryor in 2026 could conceivably play for his fourth different team in as many seasons.

GETTY IMAGES: The Eagles would be wise to retain EDGE Jaelen Phillips, who they flipped a third-rounder to Miami to get, but he’ll be costly.

Defense

OLB Jaelan Phillips

The Eagles acquired Phillips from the Miami Dolphins ahead of last November’s trade deadline for third-round pick, a move that would power Vic Fangio’s units to greater heights. One must look beyond Phillips’ two sacks in eight games when weighing his impact. Phillips boasted a notably high pressure rate and his presence helped fuel a late-season surge from fellow pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, who produced 5.5 sacks following the addition. Phillips, who will be 27 in May, is a two-way player who fits schematically in Fangio’s system. While he’s likely to command a hefty raise that could hover around $24-25 million per year, expect the Eagles – who have only Hunt and Nolan Smith under contract – to make retaining Phillips a priority.

OLB Josh Uche

Uche was another player last offseason who inked a modest one-year deal, with the expectation of fulfilling the role of a DPR (designated pass rusher). Uche began the year in a rotational role and played well with the snaps he was afforded, notching 23 tackles (two for loss), a sack and three quarterback hits over 244 snaps in 12 games. In speaking with Uche throughout the season, he emphasised dialing in his power rush, exemplified in his lone sack of the season of Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz. But Brandon Graham returned from a brief retirement and the Eagles traded for Phillips, leaving Uche without a role on game day. He spent much of the regular season stretch run as a weekly inactive before suiting up for the Week 18 finale. It likely won’t be in Philadelphia, but Uche will find an opportunity elsewhere to contribute defensively.

OLB Azeez Ojulari

Ojulari, like Uche, signed a one-deal last offseason that appeared to carry some upside. Ojulari, a second-round pick of the New York Giants in 2021, was unable to establish staying power at his previous stop, but represented an intriguing reclamation project in Philadelphia. Instead, the 25-year-old appeared in only three games (two starts) and spent a bulk of the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, playing only 67 defensive snaps. Production aside, the signing was an intelligible swing that just didn’t pan out.

OLB Ogbo Okonkwo

Okoronkwo signed the day before training camp opened, giving the Eagles another experienced pass rusher to round out the group. Okoronkwo made the 53-man roster, but was inactive the first three weeks. He saw his first action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, but suffered a triceps tear after only four snaps. Speaking to Okoronkwo at locker cleanout, the 30-year-old noted he’d recovered from the injury.

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: Will franchise legend Brandon Graham be back again next year after un-retiring in 2025?

DE Brandon Graham

Howie Roseman was asked about Graham at the NFL Scouting Combine and said the 37-year-old is “always welcome in Philadelphia,” leaving the door open for the franchise icon to return for another season. Graham in nine regular season games produced three sacks and three quarterback hits and appeared comfortable when a numbers shortage at defensive tackle necessitated moonlighting inside. While it’s probably best to fill out the room with youth or a player with developmental upside and then call on Graham late in the summer, I’d circle back to what Roseman said less than two weeks ago.

LB Nakobe Dean

Dean persevered through his share of injuries in Philadelphia, though he hardly allowed the attrition to alter his mindset or detract from his impact. Instead, Dean earned a reputation as a tone-setter and superb communicator, the heartbeat of a stingy Eagles defense. The Georgia product acted as the defensive quarterback, reading and diagnosing and attacking the line of scrimmage with violent intent. He also possesses inherent leadership qualities and inspires teammates. Dean in 47 games (27 starts), registered 226 tackles (nine for loss), 7.5 sacks – including four in 2025 – along with five passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception. Parting with a homegrown talent who embodies everything the organization stands for — namely high character, toughness and work ethic –won’t be easy. But the Eagles have a player waiting in the wings in 2025 first rounder Jihaad Campbell, who performed well in his opportunities before Dean ultimately took over. Campbell also gives the Eagles increased range and second level athleticism. This feels like a proverbial passing-of-the-torch.

S Reed Blankenship

A tremendous story of development as a former rookie free agent, Blankenship is coming off a year in which he rolled up a career high in regular season snaps (1,008), essentially serving as the glue banding together a young secondary. While his game isn’t necessarily predicated on producing splash plays — Blankenship does boast a resume that includes nine interceptions — his calling card skews more toward football intellect, instincts and toughness. The 27-year-old, a starter in 50 of 56 games played, is also valued immensely by Fangio, who has entrusted Blankenship to take the wheel at arguably the most important position in his scheme. The Eagles are razor-thin at the position and would presumably strive to retain a homegrown prospect, but Blankenship also plays a position the team hasn’t traditionally valued. Should Blankenship command seven or eight million a season, a return to Philadelphia would seemingly appear plausible. But if it hikes toward the nine or 10 million range, it might be prudent to explore other options.

S Marcus Epps

That the Eagles had Epps in the fold to replace an injured Drew Mukuba late in the season further illustrates Roseman’s shrewdness when it comes to winning outside the margins. Epps, 30, began the season on the Eagles’ practice squad but appeared in 12 games (four starts) and logged 250 defensive snaps. He’s probably best suited to serve as a No. 3 safety at this juncture, but Epps is a fundamentally sound veteran who knows how to play the position. If Blankenship walks, Epps would make for a sensible depth signing.

CB Adoree’ Jackson

Jackson, described as a “survivor” by coordinator Vic Fangio, rebounded nicely after a shaky start and settled in, steadying the cornerback position opposite Quinyon Mitchell. He appeared in 14 games (10 starts) and accounted for 63 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. The Eagles seemingly attempted to replace him at every turn — trading for Jakorian Bennett in August and later Jaire Alexander — but it was the unwavering Jackson who prevailed. It’s also worth noting that Jackson was widely respected in the defensive back room, particularly from his younger teammates. Should the Eagles seek an upgrade in free agency, they’ll have options. But as a contingency, they can always bring back Jackson on a one-year deal while addressing the position long-term in April’s draft.

Specialists

P Braden Mann

Mann was key when it came to field position last season, often flipping the field and putting the Eagles at an advantage. The 28-year-old averaged a career high in yards per punt (49.9) and equaled his previous high of punts inside the 20 (20). Mann punted at a Pro Bowl level in 2025, and having a punter who can adapt and thrive amid the fickle elements that accompany playing in the northeast shouldn’t be discounted. Assuming his price point is reasonable and aligns with the Eagles’ budget, retaining Mann should be a no-brainer.

Restricted Free Agent

FB Ben VanSumeren

VanSumeren is a restricted free agent. The Eagles won’t tender him, though it’s likely the ultra-athletic fullback/special teams ace returns for another summer to battle for a roster spot. The team this season appeared to have a vision for VanSumeren, a terrific athlete, but the 25-year-old unfortunately tore his patellar tendon in the season opener — on the opening kickoff. He has made notable progress in returning to full strength and once fully cleared, VanSumeren would factor into the roster conversation.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com