Eagles' Nakobe Dean Sends Public Message Before Free Agency

The linebacker expresses his desire to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles despite uncertainty around the team.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, a pending free agent, has repeatedly stated his desire to remain with the team. Dean has made it clear in multiple interviews that he hopes to re-sign with the Eagles, even as the team faces other offseason changes and uncertainties.

Why it matters

Dean's comments are significant as the Eagles have a number of talented linebackers on their roster, including Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell. Retaining Dean could be a priority for the team, but it will depend on the contract negotiations and the team's overall roster plans.

The details

Dean, a 25-year-old linebacker, has made it clear that he wants to remain in Philadelphia. He has stated his desire to re-sign with the Eagles in multiple interviews, including speaking to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport and Judy Battista, as well as telling PHLY Eagles that 'I want to stay' and 'I'm pretty sure everybody knows that by now.' The Eagles have a talented linebacker corps, but keeping Dean could be important if the team can reach an agreement on a new contract.

  • On February 7, 2026, Dean spoke to NFL Network about his desire to remain with the Eagles.
  • Earlier on February 7, 2026, Dean also told PHLY Eagles that he wants to stay in Philadelphia.

The players

Nakobe Dean

A 25-year-old linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles who is set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason.

Zack Baun

A linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles who could potentially compete with Dean for playing time.

Jihaad Campbell

A linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles who could potentially compete with Dean for playing time.

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What they’re saying

“I hope so. I hope so. I know it's a business, though. I know it's a business. I do hope to be back in Philadelphia, though. I'm pretty sure that the team knows that. The fans know that. If you don't, then you know it now. I hope to be back in Philly.”

— Nakobe Dean (NFL Network)

“Like I said, I want to stay. I want to say, but like you said, real conversations have to be had. More real conversations I want to be had the closer we get into free agency but like, I want to stay. I'm pretty sure everybody knows that by now. I've said it like a million times.”

— Nakobe Dean (PHLY Eagles)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to have contract negotiations with Nakobe Dean as he approaches free agency. The team's decision on whether to re-sign Dean could depend on their overall roster plans and the contract terms.

The takeaway

Nakobe Dean's strong desire to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles despite the team's offseason uncertainties highlights his commitment to the franchise. Retaining Dean could be an important priority for the Eagles, but it will depend on the team's ability to reach an agreement on a new contract.