Eagles Bolster Offense With Speed Signings in Free Agency

New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion looks to upgrade Philadelphia's passing attack with blazing-fast receivers.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game or match, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the fast-paced action on the field.The Eagles' offseason acquisitions of speedy playmakers aim to give their offense a dynamic new look under a revamped coaching staff.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Eagles have been aggressively pursuing speed on offense in free agency, signing wide receiver Marquise Brown and cornerback Riq Woolen to bolster their skill positions. The moves come after the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and brought in Sean Mannion to lead the unit. The Eagles are looking to provide more 'blitz control' for mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has been sacked at a higher rate than his mobility would suggest.

Why it matters

The Eagles' shift in offensive philosophy reflects a league-wide trend towards faster, more explosive offenses. By adding burners like Brown and Woolen, Philadelphia aims to create more big-play opportunities and alleviate some of the pressure on Hurts. This could help the Eagles remain competitive in a tough NFC East division that features improved rosters across the board.

The details

After allowing wide receiver Jahan Dotson to depart in free agency, the Eagles signed Marquise Brown, who ran a blazing 4.27 40-yard dash at his Oklahoma pro day. Brown may end up replacing A.J. Brown, who has been the subject of trade rumors. On defense, the Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen, who ran a 4.26 40-yard dash, to help improve a pass defense that ranked 21st in the NFL in yards allowed per completion last season. The team also moved on from safety Reed Blankenship in favor of the faster Andrew Mukuba.

  • On January 13, the Eagles fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
  • On January 29, the Eagles hired Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator.

The players

Marquise Brown

A wide receiver who the Eagles signed in free agency after he ran a blazing 4.27 40-yard dash at his Oklahoma pro day.

Riq Woolen

A cornerback the Eagles signed in free agency who ran a 4.26 40-yard dash, helping to upgrade their secondary.

Jalen Hurts

The Eagles' mobile starting quarterback who has been sacked at a higher rate than his mobility would suggest.

Sean Mannion

The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, hired to replace Kevin Patullo.

Kevin Patullo

The former Eagles offensive coordinator who was fired on January 13.

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What they’re saying

“Speed, especially at the wide receiver position, gives an offense what he refers to as 'blitz control'.”

— Terry Bradshaw, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Eagles are expected to continue addressing their offensive and defensive needs through the upcoming NFL Draft, where they could target an edge rusher or additional secondary help.

The takeaway

The Eagles' free agency moves demonstrate a clear shift in offensive philosophy under new coordinator Sean Mannion, as the team looks to build a faster, more explosive unit around mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts. This could help the Eagles remain competitive in a strengthening NFC East division.