Eagles Predicted to Sign Four-Time Pro Bowl DE in Free Agency

CBS Sports writer believes Philadelphia will upgrade pass rush by signing Trey Hendrickson.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles' 2025-26 season ended with a disappointing NFC Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With the team's pass-rushing ability needing improvement, CBS Sports' John Breech predicts the Eagles will sign four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency to bolster their defensive line.

Why it matters

The Eagles' inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback was a key factor in their playoff loss. Signing an elite pass-rusher like Hendrickson could significantly elevate their defense and put them in a better position to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Breech believes the Eagles will pursue Hendrickson after the team's previous top target, Jaelan Phillips, signed a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers. Hendrickson, who is 31 years old, missed 10 games last season with the Cincinnati Bengals due to injuries but was productive in the games he played, recording 16 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.

  • The Eagles' 2025-26 season ended with a 23-19 NFC Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 14, 2026.
  • Jaelan Phillips signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers shortly after Breech's prediction.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A four-time Pro Bowl defensive end who is expected to be a top free agent target for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.

Jaelan Phillips

A defensive end who was previously expected to be a target for the Eagles but instead signed a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Brock Purdy

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback who was only sacked once in the team's NFC Wild Card win over the Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“Eagles sign Trey Hendrickson (prediction). With Jaelan Phillips set to hit free agency, the team once again finds itself in need of some pass-rushing help.”

— John Breech, CBS Sports writer (CBS Sports)

“Instead of landing Phillips, who has a sizable injury history, the Eagles pivot and upgrade by signing former Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. The 31-year-old has elite upside for a team like Philadelphia, which is in the thick of a Super Bowl window.”

— John Breech, CBS Sports writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to negotiate a contract with Trey Hendrickson during the upcoming free agency period in order to add him to their roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Eagles' inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback was a key factor in their playoff loss, and signing an elite pass-rusher like Trey Hendrickson could significantly elevate their defense and put them in a better position to make a deep postseason run in the future.