PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles are weathering another defensive exodus. For the second straight spring, the NovaCare Complex feels like a transit hub. The Birds just watched edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and safety Reed Blankenship walk out the door—starters who combined for over 2,100 snaps last season. This follows a 2025 off-season where five starters departed. Yet, the expectation in Philly remains a top-five unit. Howie Roseman isn’t rebuilding; he’s reloading around a secondary that looks like a Madden 2026 cheat code.
The defensive identity starts in the dirt. Jordan Davis secured his future with a three-year, $78 million extension, signaling he is the undisputed gravity well of this front. Next to him, Jalen Carter faces a career-defining Year 4. Carter flashed dominance early in 2025 but faded as shoulder issues and conditioning questions mounted. For this defense to survive the loss of Phillips, Carter must be a 17-game wrecking ball.
On the edge, the cupboard looks thin. Signing Arnold Ebiketie provides a rotational spark, but he isn’t a closer. Jalyx Hunt enters his third season with massive expectations, while the clock is ticking on Nolan Smith to prove he’s more than a situational speed rusher. Don’t be surprised if Roseman dips into his draft capital for a big-game hunter like Jonathan Greenard via trade.
“People see the names leaving and they worry. But look at this room. We have All-Pros at every level of the secondary. If the front four gives us four seconds, the ball isn’t finding a home. We’re faster than we were last year. Period.”
— Quinyon Mitchell, Eagles Cornerback
If the front seven has questions, the secondary is the answer. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are coming off First-Team All-Pro seasons, a rarity for a duo so young. By adding Riq Woolen on a one-year, $15 million prove-it deal, the Eagles now boast three elite coverage specialists. Woolen’s length is a massive upgrade over Adoree Jackson, allowing DeJean to remain in the “Star” nickel role where he terrorized slot receivers last fall.
Safety remains the wildcard. With Blankenship taking a $24.8 million payday in Houston, the Eagles are getting creative. Moving Michael Carter from nickel to safety is a savvy veteran play, but the spotlight is on Drew Mukuba. Before his leg snapped against Dallas last November, Mukuba looked like a Pro Bowler. If he returns to form, this back end will be the best in the league.
The Eagles have successfully avoided “cap hell,” but the roster is top-heavy. By letting Nakobe Dean sign a 3-year, $36 million deal with the Raiders, Philly is betting heavily on 2025 first-rounder Jihaad Campbell. Campbell held his own during Dean’s injury stints, but the margin for error is razor-thin. If Campbell or Zack Baun goes down, the middle of this defense becomes a highway for opposing tight ends.
Expect Roseman to be aggressive in the second wave of free agency and the upcoming draft. The Eagles still need a long snapper and a legitimate threat to Jake Elliott, who has struggled to find the uprights consistently over the last 24 months. The roster is a championship contender today, but it’s one injury away from a crisis at edge rusher.
