Eagles Free Agency Power Rankings: Jaelan Phillips at $15M Is a 'No-Brainer' as Salary Cap Soars to $303M

The NFL salary cap is about to explode. With projections landing between $302 million and $306 million — up from $279 million last year — the Eagles are entering free agency with more financial flexibility than ever. On Monday's Birds 365, Jeff Kerr, John McMullen, and Zander Krause broke down the Eagles' top free agent priorities and the price tags that come with them.

The numbers are staggering, and some of the early contract projections from around the league have left the Birds 365 crew scratching their heads.

Priority No. 1: Jaelan Phillips

There was unanimous agreement on the show: Jaelan Phillips is the Eagles' most important free agent. ESPN ranked him as the fifth-best free agent in the entire class. Kerr sees him as a top-10 talent on the open market and possibly the best pass rusher available.

Jaelan Phillips would be one. I thought he was a really good fit. I thought that defense elevated when they got him. He was more than good enough. — Jeff Kerr

The early contract projections, however, have been all over the map. McMullen was stunned by one projection he saw.

I saw one year for $15 million. I'm like, well, that's a no-brainer. That's not even a decision for Howie Roseman. The cap is going from $279 to $306 million. — John McMullen

SpotTrac projected a more realistic deal at three years and roughly $54 million, while ESPN had his average annual value at $17.3 million. Krause set his personal walkaway number at $20 million per year. McMullen's was even more aggressive at $12 million — essentially a "sign him yesterday" price point.

The concern, as always with Phillips, is medical. His Achilles and knee injuries have raised red flags, and McMullen speculated that some of the lower projections might reflect insider medical information that has not been made public.

Nakobe Dean: Beloved but Likely Gone

Kerr and the crew all expressed admiration for Nakobe Dean, but the consensus was that the talented linebacker is probably not returning to Philadelphia.

I'd love to see Nakobe back. I just don't think it's gonna happen. — Jeff Kerr

Dean was ranked 48th on ESPN's top 50 free agent list, and early projections had him at three years and $41 million — a significant payday that reflects his value as a young, versatile linebacker in a league that increasingly prizes the position.

Kerr identified Dallas as a likely destination, noting that the Cowboys need a linebacker and have the motivation to pay for one. McMullen raised an interesting schematic point: the Eagles built their current roster with Vic Fangio's linebacker-heavy system in mind. If Fangio eventually leaves and the defense shifts to a Jim Schwartz-style scheme — more reminiscent of the Nigel Bradham era — the roster construction would need to change significantly.

McMullen also noted that with Jahad Campbell waiting in the wings, the Eagles have a young option who could develop into Dean's replacement.

Reed Blankenship: A Quiet Bargain?

The safety had a down year, and that might actually work in the Eagles' favor.

I think he had a bad year, so I think Reed's gonna be pretty easy to get back. — John McMullen

Kerr acknowledged Blankenship is a solid player, and Krause argued that his value to Vic Fangio's system should not be underestimated. The idea that Blankenship would leave for the Cowboys because former Eagles assistant Christian Parker is now their defensive coordinator drew eye rolls from the entire panel.

Nobody has a say in Dallas. That's why Brian Schottenheimer's the coach. — John McMullen

The Bigger Picture: Offensive Uncertainty

While the free agency conversation focused primarily on the defensive side of the ball, McMullen noted that the Eagles face significant offensive uncertainties as well. Lane Johnson's return is not guaranteed. AJ Brown's future remains unclear. And Dallas Goedert is another significant decision looming.

The $303 million cap provides a cushion, but the Eagles cannot retain everyone. Prioritization is the name of the game, and all three Birds 365 voices agreed that the defensive foundation — particularly the pass rush — should be the top priority.

The Cap Boom

Kerr put the financial explosion in perspective.

This league is booming right now. It is booming. And I could argue that the product hasn't been as good, and it's still booming. — Jeff Kerr

McMullen recalled that when the cap first hit $100 million, the football world lost its collective mind. Now it is tripling that number. The rising cap means bigger contracts across the board, which is why even "expensive" deals for players like Phillips may look like bargains in two years.

For Howie Roseman, the message from Birds 365 is clear: Jaelan Phillips is the priority, Nakobe Dean is likely gone, and Reed Blankenship can be had for a reasonable price. With over $300 million in cap space to work with, the Eagles have the resources to keep their championship window wide open — if they spend wisely.