Grading Every Eagles Free Agency Move: Howie Roseman's 2026 Masterclass

The Big Picture: Calculated Aggression

Howie Roseman doesn't rebuild. He reloads. And after a Super Bowl championship season, the temptation for any GM is to stand pat, pay everyone, and pray the magic holds. Roseman chose a different path — one that's equal parts ruthless and brilliant.

The Eagles entered free agency with roughly $38.7 million in cap space and $52 million in dead money. That's not a ton of room for a defending champion. But Roseman worked the margins like only he can, restructuring deals, leveraging void years, and finding value where other GMs see risk.

Let's grade every significant move.

The A-Tier: Moves That Win Offseasons

Riq Woolen — One-Year, $12 Million (Grade: A)

This is the crown jewel. Woolen is 26 years old, 6-foot-3 with 4.26 speed, and just won a Super Bowl with Seattle. Getting him on a one-year deal with a cap hit of just $3.4 million in 2026 is highway robbery. Pair him with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, and the Eagles might have the best cornerback room in football. The one-year structure is smart too — if Woolen balls out, Roseman gets first crack at an extension. If he doesn't, they move on clean.

Jordan Davis Extension — Three Years, $78 Million (Grade: A-)

Locking up Davis long-term was always the plan, and $26 million per year for a 24-year-old interior disruptor is fair market value. Davis is the anchor of this defense. He commands double teams, frees up Jalen Carter, and his run-stuffing ability is elite. The only reason this isn't a straight A is the money — it's significant for a player who doesn't rack up traditional sack numbers. But his impact goes way beyond the stat sheet.

Dallas Goedert Re-Signing (Grade: A-)

Goedert restructured his deal to stay in Philly at a reported $7 million salary. For a top-10 tight end who knows the offense inside and out, that's a bargain. The restructure also freed up cap space for other moves. This is the kind of quiet deal that wins championships.

The B-Tier: Solid Value Plays

Arnold Ebiketie — One-Year, $7.3 Million (Grade: B+)

Losing Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers for $120 million hurt. But Ebiketie at $7.3 million is a smart pivot. He's not the same caliber pass rusher, but he's a high-motor edge defender who posted 5.5 sacks with the Falcons in 2025. He slots into a rotation with Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. The Eagles are clearly betting on their young edge rushers developing while supplementing with affordable veterans. Smart resource allocation.

Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (Grade: B)

Brown's return to Philly — yes, he was briefly an Eagle in 2024 before that knee injury — is a low-risk flier. When healthy, he's a legitimate deep threat who can take the top off a defense. The key phrase is "when healthy." If he can stay on the field, he gives Jalen Hurts another weapon opposite A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. That's a terrifying trio.

Jonathan Jones (Grade: B)

Veteran slot corner depth. Nothing flashy, but Jones has been a reliable NFL defensive back for years. With Adoree' Jackson still unsigned, adding Jones provides insurance and flexibility.

The Losses: What Stings and What Doesn't

Jaelan Phillips to Carolina — $120 Million (Grade: C+ for letting him walk)

This one stings the most. Phillips was the Eagles' best pure pass rusher, and the Panthers threw a bag at him that Philly couldn't match without mortgaging the future. Roseman made the right financial call — you can't pay an edge rusher $30 million a year when you still need to extend Jalen Carter — but losing that production hurts. The Eagles are banking on Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Ebiketie to fill the void collectively. That's a gamble.

Nakobe Dean to Las Vegas (Grade: B- for the loss)

Dean had his moments, but he was inconsistent and the Eagles clearly felt Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell are the future at linebacker. Letting Dean walk for a comp pick makes sense.

Reed Blankenship to Houston (Grade: B for the loss)

Blankenship was a solid starter, but Sydney Brown is ready to take over. The Eagles chose youth and upside over proven reliability. It's defensible, especially with the cap savings.

The Draft Card: Where This Gets Interesting

With roughly $38 million still available and the draft approaching, Roseman has options. The Eagles need another edge rusher — that's the glaring hole. Prospects like Cashius Howell out of Texas A&M or Keldric Faulk from Auburn could be targets. The defensive line depth took a hit with departures, and while the secondary looks elite, the pass rush needs reinforcement.

Final Offseason Grade: B+

Roseman played this offseason like a poker player with a strong hand — patient, strategic, and willing to fold on hands that got too expensive. The Woolen signing alone could be worth an A. But the edge rusher situation is concerning, and losing Phillips without a clear one-for-one replacement leaves a question mark.

The Eagles are still the team to beat in the NFC East. Probably the NFC. But this offseason's grade will ultimately be determined by what happens in the draft and whether Nolan Smith can take that leap everyone's been waiting for.