Eagles 'Hopeful' 26-Year-Old Star Returns in 2026

Philadelphia focused on re-signing key defensive player before free agency

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly making re-signing 26-year-old edge rusher Jaelan Phillips their top priority this offseason before he hits free agency. The team is "hopeful" they can sign Phillips to a new contract, with the young defensive star ranked as one of the top free agents available.

Why it matters

Retaining Phillips would be a major boost for the Eagles' defense, as he has emerged as one of the team's top pass rushers. Losing him to free agency would be a significant blow, so the team is working hard to try to keep him in Philadelphia.

The details

Phillips, who the Eagles acquired via trade last fall, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 9. The team is focused on getting extensions done with other key defensive players like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but Phillips is their top priority. The Eagles are hoping to sign him to a new contract before he hits the open market, where he would likely draw significant interest from other teams.

  • The NFL's free agency period begins on March 9, 2026.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A 26-year-old edge rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles who is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Jordan Davis

A defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who the team is also focused on signing to a contract extension.

Jalen Carter

A defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who the team is also focused on signing to a contract extension.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles whose future with the team is uncertain.

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What they’re saying

“A.J. Brown's future with the Eagles uncertain. It is hard to get a direct yes or no on whether A.J. Brown will be a member of the Eagles next season. There are true cap consequences to the Eagles for dealing Brown before June 1, but GM Howie Roseman has not ruled out dealing Brown.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports (CBS Sports)

“Philadelphia, according to sources, is focused on getting extensions done with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, and the team is hopeful it can ink Jaelan Phillips to a contract before he hits free agency after Philly traded a third-rounder for him in the fall.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Retaining Jaelan Phillips is a top priority for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, as the young edge rusher has emerged as a key part of their defense. The team is working hard to sign him to a new contract before he hits free agency, where he would likely draw significant interest from other teams. Keeping Phillips in Philadelphia would be a major boost for the Eagles as they look to build on their success.