Grading Every Eagles Free Agency Move: Roseman's Offseason Report Card

Two weeks into the 2026 free agency period and Howie Roseman has done what Howie Roseman always does — play chess while the rest of the NFC East plays checkers. The Eagles lost real contributors this offseason. Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, Jaelan Phillips, Jahan Dotson — all gone. But the question isn't who left. It's whether the replacements and extensions put Philadelphia in a better position to defend a Super Bowl title. Let's grade every move.

The A-Tier: Moves That Strengthen the Core

Jordan Davis Extension — 3 years, $78 million: A

This was the priority and Roseman nailed it. Davis anchors the interior and his presence makes Jalen Carter even more dominant. Locking him up for three years at $26 million per keeps the defensive line rotation elite. The Eagles' front four has been their identity since Vic Fangio arrived, and this extension ensures that identity holds through 2028. No brainer. Get it done early, avoid the franchise tag drama. A.

Riq Woolen Signing — 1 year, $15 million ($12M guaranteed): A-

Losing three defensive starters on the first day of free agency was ugly. Then Roseman went out and grabbed Woolen on a prove-it deal that could be a massive bargain. At 6-foot-3 with elite ball skills, Woolen gives Fangio the length and physicality he wants on the outside. The one-year structure is smart — if he balls out, extend him. If he doesn't, you move on without dead cap. The $12 million in guarantees shows the Eagles are serious, but they're not overcommitting. Classic Roseman.

Dallas Goedert Re-signing: A-

Goedert staying was quietly one of the most important moves of the offseason. The tight end market was thin this year, and losing him would have left a massive hole in the passing game. Jalen Hurts needs that safety valve. Goedert's blocking is also underrated — he's essential to the run game that powered Saquon Barkley's monster 2025 season.

The B-Tier: Smart Depth That Wins in January

Arnold Ebiketie — 1 year, $7.3 million: B+

With Jaelan Phillips heading to Carolina and both Uche and Ojulari gone, the edge depth chart needed bodies. Ebiketie won't be confused for a premier pass rusher, but he's a high-motor rotational piece who can spell Nolan Smith and keep legs fresh for January. At $7.3 million for one year, that's reasonable.

Marquise "Hollywood" Brown: B

The reunion nobody expected. Brown was already an Eagle in 2024 before his season-ending injury, and bringing him back on what's expected to be a low-cost deal gives the offense another speed element. He's not going to replace Jahan Dotson's role entirely, but paired with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the receiver room stays three-deep with legitimate NFL starters.

Jonathan Jones and Michael Carter II: B

Jones brings veteran savvy to the secondary and Carter II restructuring his deal to stay is a smart move for slot coverage continuity. Neither is a headline grabber, but both are the type of players that separate good rosters from championship rosters. Fangio values versatility and these two provide it.

The Departures: What It Cost

Nakobe Dean to the Raiders: C+ (loss grade)

Dean was a productive starter but was never the all-pro some projected. The Eagles clearly decided his ceiling wasn't worth the cost, and with Ebiketie and internal development options, they're betting on scheme over individual talent at linebacker. Risky, but this defense has never been built around linebackers under Fangio anyway.

Reed Blankenship to the Texans: B- (loss grade)

This one hurts. Blankenship was a homegrown success story — undrafted to starter — and his instincts in the backend were legitimate. Losing him creates the biggest remaining question mark on the roster. Who plays safety opposite C.J. Gardner-Johnson? If the answer is a draft pick, the Eagles better nail it.

Sam Howell to the Cowboys: Shrug

Howell was always going to be a bridge somewhere. Him landing in Dallas is funny but irrelevant to the Eagles' plans. Tanner McKee is the QB2 and the Eagles clearly believe in him.

The Overall Grade: B+

Roseman didn't swing for the fences this year and he didn't need to. The core is intact — Hurts, Barkley, the offensive line, the defensive front four. The additions are smart, cost-controlled, and fit what Fangio wants to run. The losses sting, especially Blankenship, but the Eagles still have $38.7 million in cap space and a draft coming to address remaining needs.

The biggest question isn't what Roseman has done — it's what he does next. Jalen Carter's extension looms as the most important piece of business this offseason. Nolan Smith needs to be locked up before his price skyrockets. And that safety spot opposite CJGJ needs a real answer before training camp.

But if you're grading the first two weeks? Roseman did what championship-caliber GMs do. He kept the foundation rock solid and added smart, flexible pieces around it. The Eagles aren't just defending a title — they're building a dynasty window. And right now, that window is wide open.