Eagles 2026 Free Agency Position Group Grades: Who Won and Who Lost This Offseason

The first wave of 2026 free agency is in the books, and Howie Roseman has been busy. Some moves were surgical. Some were painful. And some left Eagles fans staring at their phones wondering what the plan is. Let's grade every position group based on where things stand right now.

Defensive Line: A

The crown jewel of this offseason is the Jordan Davis extension — three years, $78 million. That's elite money for an elite nose tackle, and it's worth every penny. Davis is the anchor of Vic Fangio's defense, the run-stuffing monster who frees up Jalen Carter to wreck game plans. Locking him down through 2029 means the Eagles' interior defensive line is set for the foreseeable future. With Carter, Davis, Moro Ojomo, and Byron Young, this group is the deepest and most talented in the NFC East. No debate.

Edge Rushers: C+

This is where it stings. Losing Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers on a four-year, $120 million deal is a massive blow. Phillips was the pass-rushing complement this defense needed, and Carolina threw a bag at him that Philadelphia was never going to match. Josh Uche is gone to Miami. Azeez Ojulari bounced to Atlanta after a forgettable season where he appeared in just three games.

The addition of Arnold Ebiketie on a one-year deal from Atlanta is a solid low-risk swing. He's got talent — he became expendable because the Falcons loaded up on edge rushers in last year's draft, not because he can't play. But the Eagles are now banking on Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Ebiketie to generate consistent pressure. That's a lot of faith in young, unproven players. This position group screams 'draft pick' in April.

Cornerback: B+

Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are the foundation, and they're not going anywhere. Adding Riq Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million is a fascinating gamble. Woolen was a revelation as a 2022 fifth-round pick in Seattle — 6-foot-4, 4.26 speed, six interceptions as a rookie. He's cooled off since, but at 26, the upside is still tantalizing. If Fangio can unlock what made Woolen special early in his career, this secondary goes from good to elite.

Jonathan Jones adds veteran depth on a one-year deal. He's 32, but he's got inside-outside versatility that Fangio values. Between Mitchell, DeJean, Woolen, Jones, and Kelee Ringo, the cornerback room has real competition. That's how you build a championship secondary.

Safety: D

Reed Blankenship is gone. Three years, $24.75 million from the Texans. The man was an undrafted free agent home run — reliable, tough, smart — and now Houston gets the benefit. The Eagles haven't replaced him yet. Sydney Brown is coming off a long injury absence. C.J. Gardner-Johnson's future is unclear. This is a position group that needs serious attention before September, whether through the draft or a second wave of free agency signings.

Linebacker: B-

Nakobe Dean leaving for the Raiders at three years, $36 million hurts, but it was always going to happen. Jihaad Campbell earned PFWA All-Rookie honors and is ready to take over as the lead linebacker. Zack Baun is still here and still elite. The depth took a hit, but the starters are strong. Campbell's development is the key — if he takes the Year 2 leap everyone expects, this group could actually be better than last year.

Wide Receiver: C

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are still one of the best receiver duos in football. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the depth — Jahan Dotson left for the Falcons on a two-year, $15 million deal. Dotson never found consistent footing in Philadelphia, but he was still a warm body who could run routes. Now the WR3 competition is Britain Covey, Danny Gray, and whoever else walks through the door. The Eagles need to address this in the draft.

Tight End: C+

Dallas Goedert is still the guy, and Grant Calcaterra is back for Year 5. Adding Johnny Mundt gives the Eagles a blocking tight end they desperately needed in 2025. It's not a sexy group, but it's functional. The question is whether the Eagles ask more from this position in the passing game under the new offensive scheme.

Offensive Line: B

The core is intact — Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Lane Johnson. Dickerson's reworked deal saves cap space in 2026 and 2027, which is smart business. Losing Brett Toth (49ers) and Matt Pryor (Cardinals) thins the depth, but neither was a starter. The Eagles still have one of the best offensive lines in football. They just need to find quality backups.

The Bottom Line

Overall offseason grade so far: B-. Roseman played it smart where it counted — locking down Davis, adding Woolen's upside, bringing in Ebiketie on a prove-it deal. But losing Phillips, Dean, and Blankenship is real attrition, and the Eagles haven't fully addressed the holes yet. Edge rusher and safety are glaring needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The good news? This roster's foundation is still championship-caliber. The draft will determine whether this offseason gets remembered as the one that reloaded or the one that fell short.