Howie Roseman has built a juggernaut, paying his star players while geniusly circumventing the salary cap and keeping cap hits below the league average. On Day 1 of the league tampering window for free agency, Philadelphia saw three key defenders and starters leave for big deals, including Jaelan Phillips’ $120M contract with Carolina. The Eagles are resetting their roster-building approach, and Howie Roseman will now focus on Vic Fangio’s defense. Jordan Davis signed a new three-year, $78 million contract extension, and Philadelphia will reload.
A big part of rebounding will be key players redeeming poor performances in 2025, and with the draft fast approaching, we’re looking at six Eagles veterans looking for bounce-back seasons.
Advertisement
Center Cam Jurgens
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) takes the snap from center Cam Jurgens (51) against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jurgens will look to regain his form after battling a back injury and other ailments in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus, Jurgens’ 63.4 overall grade last season ranked 21st among 40 eligible centers, and there were questions about his Pro Bowl honors.
RB Saquon Barkley
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 28: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands the ball to Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Even in a down season, Barkley made history. Barkley played in 16 games (16 starts), running for 1,140 yards on 280 carries (4.1 avg.) with 7 TDs, adding 273 receiving yards on 37 catches (7.4 avg.) with two touchdowns. Barkley became the first Eagle since LeSean McCoy in 2013-14 to post back-to-back 1,000+ yard rushing seasons, but will look to regain his Offensive Player of the Year production.
Advertisement
OL Landon Dickerson
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dickerson was excellent in 2024 but finished the 2025 regular season with a 60.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked only 51st among 81 qualifying guards.
DT Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter #98, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Carter was the Eagles’ lone Pro Bowl starter despite two badly injured shoulders. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Carter dealt with injuries last season, but will certainly have his fifth-year option exercised, and is eligible for a contract extension. Still, Carter looks healthy this off-season and will look to regain his dominant, All-Pro form.
CB Kelee Ringo
May 28, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles Kelee Ringo (7) during OTAs at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Ringo played 312 defensive snaps and had a 49.2 grade in coverage, 104 out of 114 NFL cornerbacks. He’s playing to make the roster after the Riq Woolen signing.
Advertisement
OLB Nolan Smith
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Nolan Smith Jr. #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bengals 34-27. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
This is more about Smith having millions on the line and needing a huge season. A first-round pick who’s eligible for an extension but should be focused on his 5th-year option, Smith had 20 tackles, two sacks, and 33 pressures in 452 snaps after missing seven games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 6 Eagles veterans facing pressure to rebound in 2026