Philadelphia’s roster could undergo further changes with the additions of Sean Mannion and Josh Grizzard to the coaching staff, altering the dynamics of Nick Sirianni’s team. The Jays have 21 players who will test restricted or unrestricted free agency during the 2026 NFL offseason. Reed Blankenship is one of the biggest names on the roster, and the defense could look very different if Nakobe Dean leaves on the open market.
Several key factors include Jalen Carter’s pending extension, Jordan Davis’ contract status and the status of star tight end Dallas Goedert. Philadelphia has $18,152,388 in cap space (No. 18) and needs to do something to free up millions of dollars in cap space.
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Tom Pelissero reported that the NFL informed clubs that each club’s salary cap is expected to be $301 million to $305 million in 2026. During his end-of-season press conference, Howie Roseman gave an inside look at the process, what happened and how the pendulum will swing in favor of the defense.
As the new league year approaches, we’ve made five bold predictions for the Eagles’ 2026 offseason.
Eagles to pay Rick Woolen
Howie Roseman spoke at the combine on Tuesday and revealed that Cooper DeJean will remain at the position while the search for a No. 2 cornerback begins. We’ve previously looked at players the Eagles would target if there was no salary cap, and one of the big names to watch is Seahawks athletic cornerback Tarik Woolen. He has made several free agent lists, with PFF naming Philadelphia as his top option on the open market. Woolen is a legitimate starting cornerback with All-Pro potential and doesn’t turn 27 until May. His aggressive skills can make Vic Fangio’s calls more flexible and aggressive.
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prophecy: The Eagles signed Woolen to a three-year, $33 million contract.
Hawks to sign Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis at discount
Davis leads all NFL interior defensive backs in run breaks (34) and ranks third in tackles for loss (a career-high 72), trailing only Cameron Heyward (78) and Derrick Brown (73). Davis and Jalen Carter are tied for second among inside linebackers in hit passes (six), trailing only Brown (seven). Davis picked up a fifth-year option, but will Roseman re-sign Davis? The extension will bring the Eagles $9 million in salary cap space. Despite serious injuries to both of his shoulders, Carter was the Eagles’ only Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he has 33 tackles, 41 quarterback pressures, 11 quarterback hits and three sacks. Carter was hampered by injuries last season, but he will certainly exercise his fifth-year option and be eligible for an extension. Still, Carter can readjust the market in his favor, and Roseman has to decide if that’s the direction the organization is leaning.
The boys at Georgia helped each other out, and Davis played a huge role in Philadelphia drafting Carter with the ninth overall pick.
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prophecy: Carter discounted, bypassing the $40+ million per year chase and taking $23 million per season, which allowed Davis to re-sign for $18 million per season.
Eagles retain AJ Brown
On April 28, 2022, the Eagles acquired AJ Brown from the Titans, receiving that year’s 18th overall pick and another third-round pick. draft. The move was designed to ensure Philadelphia finally overcomes its woes at the wide receiver position, and the results have been magical. Brown is a two-time All-Pro honoree, Pro Bowl honoree, has rushed for over 1,400 yards twice and has accumulated over 5,000 receiving yards since joining the Eagles. Brown has been the subject of trade rumors, and that needs to be addressed. If Brown is traded before June 1, the Eagles will incur $43,515,106 in dead cap charges, according to Over The Cap. If Brown remains on the roster in 2026, his salary cap hit will be $23,393,497. If he trades after June 1, the death cap hit will be $43,515,106, with $27,161,609 also counting toward the 2027 cap.
Prediction: Brown stays, giving OC Sean Mannion an elite receiving option.
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Eagles use first-round pick on offensive tackle
Johnson, 35, is a future Hall of Famer with a resume that includes six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro selections and two Super Bowl victories. Johnson’s value is clear: The Hawks are 8-2 with him on the court this season and 3-4 without him. During his time in Philadelphia, the team went 94-41-1 when he was on the floor and 15-27 when he was off the floor. Still, 2025 is Johnson’s final season, and he will receive a $9 million option bonus in September, a $9 million signing bonus, and he will count $20,299,000 against the salary cap. The Eagles have used draft picks at cornerback, linebacker, defensive tackle and multiple other positions outside of the trenches, but that should change this April. Philadelphia has used early draft capital on other key positions over the past three years and hasn’t drafted an offensive lineman in the first two rounds since Cam Jurgens in 2022.
prophecy: The Eagles’ offensive tackles rank 23rd overall.
Eagles to re-sign TE Dallas Goedert
Philadelphia has a deep offense with Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcatra and Kellen Grantan all scheduled to hit free agency in March. The only tight end under contract on the roster is Cameron Latu. Even if Goedert returns, Philadelphia must take steps to improve the position. Goedert started 15 games and caught 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high and Eagles-high 11 receiving touchdowns.
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prophecy: The Eagles re-signed Goedert to a two-year, $12 million contract, with $8 million guaranteed.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Philadelphia Eagles: Five bold predictions for the 2026 NFL offseason
