Eagles Face Key Departures as Roster Shifts Ahead of 2026 Season

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 offseason with a mix of continuity and uncertainty. While franchise cornerstones like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and their starting offensive line are under contract, more than a dozen players could hit free agency, leaving potential gaps in both the offense and defense.

The 2025 season ended in disappointment with a Wildcard Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, prompting management to consider roster tweaks. Although stars such as Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, and All-Pro cornerbacks Quenyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are expected to return, the team must navigate departures and new signings to maintain competitiveness.

Some key contributors may return despite uncertainty. Defensive end Jaelan Phillips, acquired at a cost of a third-round pick, could remain part of the Eagles’ rotation, while linebacker Nakobe Dean, a standout down the stretch, might also stay. Others, however, may depart if the market values their skills, potentially ending their Eagles tenure.

With free agency and potential trades on the horizon, Philadelphia faces a delicate balancing act: keeping its championship-caliber core intact while introducing fresh talent to rejuvenate an offense and defense that showed cracks at crucial moments.

1. Tight End Transition: Dallas Goedert

Dallas Goedert has been a fixture of the Eagles’ offense for eight seasons, helping guide the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances. A former second-round pick out of South Dakota State, Goedert was once considered a three-down tight end who contributed significantly in both the passing and running games. In recent seasons, however, injuries have limited his effectiveness, particularly in run-blocking situations, forcing teammates like Grant Calcaterra into roles where they were less equipped to succeed. His production has declined, although he remains a reliable pass-catching option. Goedert enters his 31st season, echoing the trajectory of Zach Ertz, who left Philadelphia in 2021 yet continued contributing in the NFL before a career-altering injury. Eagles management now faces a decision about whether to retain an aging player or inject new talent into a tight end spot that has grown stagnant. Potential draft targets like Mason Taylor or Harold Fannin Jr. may offer a path forward, and unless the free-agent market is unusually thin, Goedert’s return in 2026 seems uncertain as Howie Roseman evaluates the team’s offensive future.

2. Defensive Departures: Reed Blankenship

The Eagles’ defensive backfield could also see change. Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent from East Tennessee State, became a key starter and leader, producing nine interceptions and 23 passes defensed over four seasons. Yet despite his playmaking ability, PFF rated him as the team’s lowest-performing starter in 2025, and mistakes in the Wildcard Round highlighted areas of concern. Rumors link Blankenship to the Dallas Cowboys after former Eagles defensive coordinator Christian Parker took the same path. Philadelphia could struggle to match offers if the Cowboys pursue him aggressively, especially given the depth the Eagles have at safety. Blankenship represents both the success of Philadelphia’s player development and the challenges of retaining emerging talent when performance is inconsistent. Losing him would mark the end of another chapter in a defense that has relied on homegrown contributors. The potential departure underscores a larger trend: the Eagles’ front office is willing to part ways with productive players if they believe roster upgrades or new acquisitions can provide greater long-term value.

3. Wide Receiver Re-evaluation: Jahan Dotson

The Eagles’ WR3 position may also be up for a reset. Jahan Dotson, acquired from Washington for a third-round pick, was expected to complement AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith and provide depth. While he was part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning roster in 2024, Dotson’s production remained modest, totaling 19 catches for 201 yards in 2024 and 18 for 262 yards in 2025. Despite occasional flashes, Dotson struggled to step up when injuries to top receivers occurred, leaving questions about his role in high-leverage situations. The team now faces a decision about whether to retain him or pursue alternatives that could provide a more consistent third receiving option. Philadelphia has seen similar scenarios before, such as Olamide Zaccheaus, who revived his career after leaving the Eagles. Dotson could theoretically find a fresh start elsewhere, but after two underwhelming seasons, a reunion with the Eagles seems unlikely. The WR3 situation highlights the broader challenge for the Eagles in 2026: balancing the retention of proven starters with the infusion of new talent, particularly in spots where production has plateaued.