Room for Reed?

The 2025 Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was one of the best units in the league, but can that be sustained in ’26?

On the latest episode of “Inside The Birds,” Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher reviewed the state of the team’s defense.

GETTY IMAGES: Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is one of multiple starters on defensive heading into free agency.

Jalen Carter

Adam Caplan: “The question is what does Drew Rosenhaus want? Carter is eligible for an extension. If they can’t get a deal done, the fifth-year option is due on May 2. They can wait, but they’re the only team that when a guy is a stud, they get him signed because they think they can beat the market.”

Edge Rusher

Geoff Mosher: “They gave up a third-round pick for Jaelan Phillips. He’s perfect for what they do, played the most snaps among all the edges when he came over. If you can get this guy signed and you know you’re going to have to pay Jalyx Hunt this time next year, it does make me wonder what the future for Nolan Smith might be and if there’s any trade value for him if you don’t think you’re going to sign him to a long-term deal. Just spitballing.”

Caplan: “(Smith) made the big jump in year two then tore his triceps…Other teams tell us they think he is a much better run defender than he is a pass rusher…Jalyx Hunt is a year ahead of schedule.”

Inside Linebacker

Mosher: “Nakobe Dean is the unrestricted free agent. I don’t like to talk in absolutes, especially after what happened with Nakobe where he wound up basically getting the starting job back which is very difficult to do, but you can’t keep Jihaad Campbell off the field too much longer, he’s a first-round pick.”

Cooper DeJean

Caplan: “If Coop is staying at nickel, they probably need two corners.”

Mosher: “Sign one and draft one for sure and maybe you get lucky if (Jakorian) Bennett really picks it up in the second year.”

Reed Blankenship

Mosher: “I’m really curious to see how the Blankenship market unfolds. We have discussed the Kam Curl thing where you’re a really good safety but you were undrafted and that’s always going to be the knock on you.”

Caplan: “Blankenship is so good at getting stuff lined up. Coaches love this guy. We’ll see what happens. He’s another guy who changed agencies.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.