Eagles Face Key Roster Losses in Free Agency

Several notable players depart Philadelphia for lucrative deals elsewhere

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles have seen several key players depart during the early days of the 2026 NFL free agency period, including edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, safety Reed Blankenship, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson. These losses will leave gaps in the Eagles' roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Eagles' free agency losses will require the team to address several critical positions through the draft, trades, or additional free agent signings. The departures of players like Phillips, Blankenship, Dean, and Dotson will test the team's depth and ability to maintain a competitive roster in the NFC East.

The details

Jaelan Phillips, a former first-round pick, has signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving a significant hole in the Eagles' pass rush. Starting safety Reed Blankenship is heading to the Houston Texans on a three-year, $24.75 million contract after four solid seasons in Philadelphia. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, known for his leadership and versatility, has agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who provided depth in the Eagles' receiving corps, has signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

  • The Eagles' notable free agency losses occurred in the early days of the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A former first-round pick and cornerstone of the Eagles' pass rush, Phillips has signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Reed Blankenship

The starting safety is heading to the Houston Texans on a three-year, $24.75 million contract after four seasons with the Eagles, during which he recorded 308 tackles and 9 interceptions.

Nakobe Dean

The linebacker, known for his leadership and versatility, has agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a void in the Eagles' linebacker corps.

Jahan Dotson

The wide receiver has signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, reducing depth in the Eagles' receiving unit.

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What’s next

The Eagles will need to address these losses through the draft, trades, or additional free agency signings. With compensatory picks expected for these departures, the team has opportunities to rebuild key areas of the roster.

The takeaway

The Eagles' free agency losses highlight the challenges of maintaining a competitive roster in the NFL, as the team must now find ways to replace the production and leadership of several key players who have departed for lucrative deals elsewhere.