Eagles Face Offseason Needs After Jaelan Phillips Departure

Philadelphia must address pass rush and other key positions in free agency and the draft

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a busy offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign. With the departure of star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers, the Eagles have a major hole to fill on their defensive line. The team must also address other needs, including tight end, as they look to retool for a bounce-back 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Eagles' defense was a strength in 2025, but the loss of Phillips, their best pass rusher, is a significant blow. Philadelphia will need to find a way to replace his production through free agency, the draft, or a trade. Addressing this need, as well as other positions of weakness, will be crucial for the Eagles to return to the playoffs and contend for another Super Bowl title.

The details

The Eagles acquired Phillips at the trade deadline in 2025, and he quickly became one of the team's best defensive players. However, he has now signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving a void on the Eagles' defensive line. In addition to pass rusher, the Eagles also need to find a new tight end after the departure of Dallas Goedert. With limited salary cap space, the team will have to get creative in free agency and the draft to address these needs.

  • On March 9, 2026, the Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers in free agency.
  • Earlier on March 8, 2026, the Eagles extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million contract.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Phillips was acquired by the Eagles at the 2025 trade deadline and emerged as their best pass rusher before leaving in free agency.

Jordan Davis

The Eagles' 2022 first-round pick, Davis had a breakout 2025 season and was rewarded with a three-year, $78 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL.

Nick Sirianni

The Eagles' head coach, who led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2024 but saw them make an early playoff exit in 2025.

Sean Mannion

The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, brought in to help the team's offense bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season.

A.J. Brown

The star wide receiver whose future with the Eagles remains uncertain as the team navigates the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“With Phillips gone, the Eagles could eye another former Miami Dolphin in Bradley Chubb, who has experience with DC Vic Fangio.”

— Zach Berman, Reporter (The Athletic)

“The Eagles had a "walkaway number" for Phillips, which came to fruition.”

— Zach Berman, Reporter (The Athletic)

“No momentum" on an A.J. Brown deal yet, and once free agency is "off and running" it could be off the table.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to address their pass rush and other roster needs. They could target players like Bradley Chubb or look to the draft to find a replacement for Jaelan Phillips. The team's handling of A.J. Brown's future will also be a key storyline to watch.

The takeaway

The Eagles' offseason will be defined by their ability to retool their roster and find a way to replace the production of Jaelan Phillips. With limited cap space, they will need to be strategic in free agency and the draft to put together a roster capable of contending for another Super Bowl title in 2026.