Jan. 21, 2026, 12:46 p.m. ET

The Eagles roster will likely undergo further changes this offseason following the dismissal of Kevin Patullo and key roster decisions. The Birds have 21 players who’ll test the restricted or unrestricted free-agent market during the 2026 NFL offseason. Several factors include a pending contract extension for Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, and the status of star tight end Dallas Goedert’s contract. Reed Blankenship is one of the biggest names on the list, and the defense could look drastically different with Nakobe Dean entering the final year of his rookie deal.

With the off-season officially underway in Philadelphia, here’s an early examination of the one player Philadelphia can least afford to lose.

OLB Jaelan Phillips: UFA

The Eagles traded a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Phillips, who came to Philadelphia on the final year of his contract. The former Dolphins first-round pick finished with 28 tackles and two sacks in 8 games. Phillips didn’t put up all-world sack numbers, but he put pressure on the quarterback, and his 73 were the 9th-best in the NFL according to PFF. Phillips played 819 snaps at edge rusher in 2025, while posting a 77.1 pass rush grade, 20th best in the NFL.

Phillips is essential because, while Jalyx Hunt is an outstanding pass rusher, there’s no guarantee he’ll develop into an All-Pro, and Nolan Smith’s injury history is becoming a concern.

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With Phillips in the lineup, the Eagles limited opponents to the league’s lowest completion percentage (56.8%), their best since 2008 (54.1%). Philadelphia gave up a league-low 14 passing TDs this year, which were the fewest surrendered by an Eagles defense since 2001 (13). Philadelphia held opponents to the 2nd-lowest passer rating (75.4) in the NFL (Eagles’ best mark since 2008, when they allowed a 72.9 passer rating), behind the L.A. Chargers (75.0). The rating included a 58.1 mark on third/ fourth down and a 64.6 mark in the red zone – both 1st in the NFL.

Philadelphia ranked 5th in points allowed per game (19.1), trailing only Seattle (17.2), Houston (17.4), Denver (18.3), and New England (18.8).