The foundation of the Philadelphia Eagles' identity has long been poured in the trenches, a philosophy etched into the franchise's DNA by the likes of Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and more recently, a succession of All-Pro offensive linemen. It is a belief system that General Manager Howie Roseman has not only preserved but aggressively cultivated. So, when Roseman speaks about the future of his offensive line, it carries the weight of a blueprint. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Roseman provided a significant piece of that blueprint for the coming season, projecting the immediate future for a key piece of the unit.
According to a report from Alexis Chassen of Bleeding Green Nation, Roseman indicated that third-year lineman Tyler Steen is projected to be the Philadelphia Eagles' starting right guard for the 2026 NFL season. Speaking to reporters, Roseman included Steen in the group of talented offensive linemen the team expects to return next year, effectively anointing him as the heir to a position that has seen its share of transition in recent seasons.
For Eagles fans and observers, this declaration, while not an official depth chart release from head coach Nick Sirianni, is the closest thing to a definitive answer on a question that has lingered since Steen was drafted in the third round out of Alabama in 2024. It represents a pivotal moment in the young player's career and a calculated bet by the Eagles' front office on internal development.
The Steen Project: From Swing Tackle to Guard of the Future
Tyler Steen's journey to this point has been a classic Eagles offensive line development story--one of patience, positional flexibility, and technical refinement under the guidance of the team's coaching staff. Drafted with a versatile background having played tackle at both Vanderbilt and Alabama, the initial vision for Steen was as a valuable swing piece. His rookie season in 2024 was spent acclimating to the NFL speed and power, learning the playbook, and providing depth across the line. The primary goal, as is often the case with college tackles of his stature, was to see if his skill set could be honed for an interior role, where his athleticism could become a pronounced weapon.
The 2025 season served as his true audition. With injuries and performance fluctuations creating opportunities along the interior, Steen saw his most extensive NFL action. He started several games at both guard spots, displaying the traits that made him a coveted prospect: impressive lateral agility for zone-blocking schemes, strong hands, and a tenacious finish to his blocks. There were expected growing pains--occasional lapses in anchor strength against powerful NFL defensive tackles and the intricate timing of combo blocks--but the flashes were undeniable. He moved with a smoothness that suggested a high ceiling, particularly in the Eagles' scheme that prizes mobility and intelligence.
Roseman's Combine comments suggest the organization's evaluation period has reached a conclusion. The investment of a third-round pick and two years of coaching is poised to pay dividends. By naming Steen the projected starter now, in February, the Eagles are doing more than just updating a roster; they are instilling confidence in the player and providing clarity for their entire offseason plan.
The Roseman Doctrine: Stability and Investment in the Trenches
Howie Roseman's tenure as the Eagles' chief football executive has been defined by several core tenets, but none are more non-negotiable than the commitment to building and maintaining a dominant offensive line. It is the engine of the offense, the protector of massive financial investments at quarterback, and the enabler of a diverse run game. Roseman's willingness to allocate premium draft capital, significant salary cap space, and strategic trade assets to the O-line is well-documented.
This move with Steen fits the pattern perfectly. It is a declaration of faith in the "draft and develop" model, especially for offensive linemen. Rather than diving into a volatile free-agent market for a veteran guard or using another early draft pick on the position, Roseman is signaling that the solution is already in the building. This approach accomplishes multiple goals: it rewards a player who has earned the trust of the coaching staff, it maintains valuable salary cap flexibility for other needs, and it reinforces a culture where young players see a clear pathway to starting roles if they put in the work.
Furthermore, it brings stability to a position group that craves it. The right guard spot has been something of a revolving door since the departure of stalwarts like Brandon Brooks. Various veterans and draft picks have cycled through, with mixed results. By planting the flag for Steen, Roseman and the coaching staff are aiming to solidify the right side of the line alongside Lane Johnson, whose own legendary career, while still at a high level, is in its latter stages. Developing a reliable, long-term partner for Johnson is critical for the continuity of the offense.
Implications for the 2026 Eagles Roster and Draft Strategy
Roseman's projection is not made in a vacuum; it is the first domino in the Eagles' 2026 offseason strategy. By effectively filling the right guard position with an internal candidate, the team's needs list comes into sharper focus.
First, it likely removes guard from the list of "must-address" positions in free agency and the early rounds of the draft. The Eagles can now turn their full attention to other areas of concern, whether that be bolstering the secondary, adding pass-rush depth, finding weapons at receiver or tight end, or planning for the future at tackle. This is classic Roseman: creating optionality and avoiding being pigeonholed into a need during the draft.
Second, it sets up a fascinating competition for depth and the future. Who becomes the primary backup at guard? Does a versatile lineman like Cam Jurgens, if he remains with the team, provide center-guard flexibility? Does this open the door for a later-round draft pick to be stashed as a developmental project? The Eagles love having versatile, capable backups on the offensive line, and Steen's ascension reshuffles that deck.
Most importantly, it places a clear set of expectations on Tyler Steen's shoulders. A "projection" in February must be earned on the practice field in OTAs, minicamp, and training camp. The Eagles are betting on his continued physical development--adding functional strength to complement his athleticism--and his mastery of the team's offensive system. The 2026 season will be his chance to prove he is not just a placeholder, but a foundational piece for the next half-decade.
A Vote of Confidence and a Challenge
For Tyler Steen, hearing his name included by the General Manager among the returning starters is undoubtedly a milestone. It is the culmination of countless hours in the film room, on the practice field, and in the weight room. It is validation of his decision to embrace a position change and trust the process in Philadelphia.
But in the NFL, a vote of confidence is also a challenge. The projection from the combine sets a standard. The Eagles' offense, with its dynamic quarterback and multifaceted run game, requires precision and power from its interior linemen. Defensive coordinators will test the young guard with complex stunts and powerful nose tackles. The spotlight on the right side of the line will be bright.
Howie Roseman has made his move. He has identified his guy. According to the report from Indianapolis, the plan for the 2026 Philadelphia Eagles offensive line now runs through Tyler Steen at right guard. It is a plan built on the organization's deepest convictions: develop your own, invest in the trenches, and build from the inside out. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Steen to transform that projection into permanent, Pro Bowl-caliber reality. The foundation of the Eagles' future, once again, is being laid on the line.