Eagles Lose 4 Starters Right Before Free Agency

Philadelphia's defense takes major hits as key players depart in free agency

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles made a big move to lock up defensive tackle Jordan Davis, but lost several key defensive starters and a wide receiver in the opening hours of the NFL's free agency tampering period. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, safety Reed Blankenship, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson all agreed to deals with other teams, leaving major holes on the Eagles' roster.

Why it matters

The Eagles were expected to be active in free agency, but the loss of so many starters on both sides of the ball is a major blow. The team will need to quickly find replacements, especially on defense, to remain competitive in the NFC East division.

The details

The Eagles made Jordan Davis the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL, signing him to a 3-year, $78 million deal. But they lost several key starters, including pass rusher Jaelan Phillips (4-year, $120 million to Panthers), linebacker Nakobe Dean (3-year, $36 million to Raiders), safety Reed Blankenship (3-year, $24.75 million to Texans), and wide receiver Jahan Dotson (expected to sign with Falcons).

  • The NFL's free agency tampering period began at 12pm EST on Monday, March 13, 2026.
  • All deals cannot become official until the new league year and free agency period open on Wednesday, March 15, 2026 at 4pm EST.

The players

Jordan Davis

A 2022 first-round draft pick of the Eagles, Davis was signed to a 3-year, $78 million contract, making him the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL.

Jaelan Phillips

A former Miami Dolphins and Eagles pass rusher, Phillips agreed to a 4-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Nakobe Dean

The Eagles' starting linebacker in 2025, Dean agreed to a 3-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he will reunite with former Georgia teammate Quay Walker.

Reed Blankenship

The Eagles' starting safety in 2025, Blankenship agreed to a 3-year, $24.75 million contract with the Houston Texans.

Jahan Dotson

The Eagles' starting wide receiver, Dotson is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“Jihaad Campbell is expected to take Dean's spot at ILB.”

— Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to quickly find replacements for the departed starters, especially on the defensive side of the ball, in order to remain competitive in the NFC East.

The takeaway

The Eagles' offseason has gotten off to a rocky start, with the team losing several key defensive starters and a wide receiver in the opening hours of free agency. The team will need to act quickly to fill these holes and maintain their status as a contender in the NFC.