The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason strategy will be conducted under the shadow of a challenging salary cap situation. As of January 27, 2026, the team is carrying a staggering $44 million in dead cap space for the 2026 season. While they have approximately $10.48 million in cap space to roll over, General Manager Howie Roseman must navigate these constraints while addressing a list of impactful pending free agents. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key decisions looming this spring.
The Defensive Line Crossroads: The most poignant decision involves franchise icon Brandon Graham. The defensive end, entering his 17th season, is once again a free agent. Bringing him back on a team-friendly deal for a farewell tour is a strong sentimental and likely football move, given his continued leadership and situational production. More pressing are the cases of edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari. Phillips, when healthy, is a dynamic game-wrecker, but his injury history complicates a long-term investment. Ojulari, who was questionable for the Wild Card game, showed flashes but lacked consistency. Retaining at least one of these younger pass rushers is likely a priority, but the market and medical evaluations will dictate the terms.
The Nakobe Dean Question: Linebacker Nakobe Dean represents one of the toughest calls. A former high draft pick, his career has been marred by injuries, limiting his impact and availability. The Eagles must decide if they believe his talent can finally shine with a clean bill of health or if it's time to move on and rebuild the linebacker corps through the draft or other free agents. His potential, weighed against his durability, makes his status a major storyline.
Offensive Veteran Leadership: Tight end Dallas Goedert remains a reliable target and elite blocker, but he will be 31 at the start of the 2026 season. The Eagles must gauge the market for his services and decide if a multi-year deal aligns with their timeline or if a shorter-term pact or even a transition to a younger option (like newly signed Jaheim Bell) is the wiser path.
Secondary Considerations: Analysts have pinpointed players like cornerback D'Angelo Ponds and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as potential high-priority re-signings for depth and special teams value. These decisions will shape the competition in the defensive backfield.
Roseman's history of cap manipulation will be tested. The Eagles cannot keep everyone. The hierarchy of these free agent decisions—balancing production, cost, age, and health—will define the roster's complexion as they aim to bounce back from their early playoff exit. The process begins with honest evaluations of these key veterans.