What’s My Name?

On paper, the Eagles have constructed a roster primed for championship contention, marrying a contingent of upstarts and budding stars with established veterans.

What’s perhaps most glaring when skimming the roster is the star power throughout, from quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley to defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. There’s no shortage of players who have already attained the status of a household name, sure, but it’s arguable there’s almost as many Eagles positioned to take that next step in 2026 and add to the exclusivity of the group by season’s end.

Listed below are representatives on offense, defense and special teams who I’ve identified as 2026 breakout candidates:

New WR Dontayvion Wicks has the opportunity to break out in 2026.

Offense: WR Dontayvion Wicks

Cast among a deep pool of pass-catchers in Green Bay, Wicks is positioned to undertake a far more prominent role with the Eagles. It should be noted that Wicks’ inability to break through in three seasons shouldn’t be viewed as an indictment of his talent. Last season, Packers wideouts Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden and Christian Watson totaled more snaps than Wicks. And if Jayden Reed had been healthy, he would have, too. All were earlier draft picks who generally had defined roles. Sporadic as his opportunities may have been, however, Wicks established himself as a go-to option in critical moments by consistently delivering when his number was called. The flashes, and day-to-day observations, were apparently convincing enough for Eagles offensive coordinator — former Packers quarterbacks coach — Sean Mannion to suggest there was more to Wicks’ game than he was able to showcase in that offense. Wicks also reunites with his former position coach in Green Bay – now Eagles’ tight ends coach/run game coordinator – Ryan Mahaffey. Wicks, who boasts a 6-foot-1, 206-pound frame, is a quarterback-friendly receiving option versed in running precise routes and separating. The fourth-year pro, who hasn’t eclipsed more than 39 receptions in a season, figures to see plenty of underneath and intermediate targets as the Eagles aim to restructure its passing game.

Third-year pro Jalyx Hunt has an opportunity to take another big step in his development in 2026.

Defense: OLB Jalyx Hunt

From Weeks 10-18 last season, Hunt accumulated 5.5 of his 6.5-sack total. Sure, his production surge coincided with the arrival of Jaelan Phillips, who commanded considerable attention from opposing linemen and unlocked opportunities for teammates, but there’s more than meets the eye. For starters, Hunt arrived to training camp with a noticeably more souped-up physique, facilitating his emergence as an ascending two-way player. The Houston Christian product logged only 241 snaps as a rookie, and seemingly improved through reps and learning on the job. Hunt’s pass-rush variety and plan of attack in Year 2 exhibited notable signs of development, and the thinking here is that Hunt will build off his strong closeout. Further supporting this notion is that while Phillips has since departed, Hunt will now rush alongside another top-of-the-rotation pass rusher in veteran Jonathan Greenard, whose presence must be accounted for at all times, which should allow Hunt – and Nolan Smith, for that matter – to reap the benefits. Hunt also led all Eagles pass rushers in snaps last season (693), totaling the seventh-most on defense. He also managed to lead the Eagles in interceptions (3) last season, returning one for a touchdown. Hunt’s usage should remain the same, which for an arrow-up player, is likely to spell trouble for the rest of the NFL. Hunt will conceivably be positioned to register double digit sacks in 2026.

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: Can Will Shipley make his mark as a special teams stud?

Special Teams: RB Will Shipley

Shipley didn’t exactly provide much of a jolt in the way of kick returns, totaling 777 yards on 29 attempts (26.8 return average), but the third-year running back continued to serve as a mainstay on coordinator Michael Clay’s coverage units. A core-four contributor, including critically functioning as the personal protector on punts, Shipley tied Cooper DeJean in special teams tackles (8) and finished seventh on the unit in snaps (245). He was also credited with a forced fumble. At first glance, his sophomore production could be interpreted as modest, though some context is required. Shipley, who missed two games due to injury, finished with just 44 fewer snaps than linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., who logged the fifth-highest snap share. It’s worth noting that Mondon appeared in all 17 regular-season games. Furthermore, safety Sydney Brown and tight end Kylen Granson – who totaled the second- and fourth-most snaps, respectively – are no longer on the roster. Shipley’s opportunities to produce should only increase in 2026. And until someone runs away with the kick return job, Shipley figures to remain in the mix there, too. My expectation is that the 23-year-old, whose toughness and tenacity is evident if you’ve ever zeroed-in on his return coverage, takes on more of a third phase leadership role in Year 3.

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