NFL free agency will officially get underway on March 11, but the Eagles aren’t waiting around to make moves to start building their 2026 roster.
After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, the Eagles had 20 players set to be free agents. Howie Roseman has been known to do bring guys back before they hit the market, but he’ll have some tough decisions to make this season as the salary cap and the future cost of a young, dominant defense are front of mind.
The team did get some good news along the OL, with Lane Johnson confirming that he’ll return for his 14th season, and reports that Landon Dickerson is expected to come back, as well — this after both had reportedly considered retirement this offseason. As Roseman and Co. start filling positions of need, having Johnson and Dickerson back will give them a lesser need to stack experienced lineman and allow them to turn to the draft for players to develop under the All-Pro and Pro Bowlers up front.
There’s still plenty of work to be done to build Philadelphia’s roster. Among the 20 players hitting free agency, the Eagles could lose three of their four tight ends, their punter, and two starting safeties.
Here are some of the reports and rumors going around about Howie’s moves, and be sure to check back for updates:
Confirmed Eagles signings
- March 9: The Eagles and CB Michael Carter IIhave agreed to a re-negotiated contract that will keep him in Philly for 2026, but will also (importantly) lower his upcoming cap hit.
- March 7: Jordan Davis and the Eagles agreed to a 3-year extension, making Davis the highest paid NT in NFL history.
- March 2: Eagles re-signed former practice squad defensive linemanTa’Quon Graham.
Latest rumors and reports
Notables during the legal tampering window
- The Eagles were one of only a handful of teams that didn’t sign any outside free agents on the first day of the legal tampering window, and reports suggest that it could be in an effort to maximize compensatory picks — these would come in 2027, as Philadelphia was already awarded four comp picks in 2026 for the talent they lost last offseason.
- Eagles reporter Ashlyn Sullivan revealed that Nakobe Dean and his reps met with the team at the NFL Combine and spoke about the different roles on defense. She suggests that Dean should have good opportunities elsewhere this offseason.
- The Eagles could NOT get a deal done with Jaelan Phillips and the OLB will officially sign with the Panthers instead on huge 4-year, $120 million contract.
- Derrick Gunn is reporting that despite the team’s admiration for former TE Zach Ertz, the Eagles are NOT interested in a reunion this offseason.
- As the start of the tampering window approaches, John Clark reported that the Eagles are still trying to get a deal done with Jaelan Phillips, and are also working on a contract extension with Jalen Carter.
Early rumors and reports
- Jeffrey Fowler is reporting that assumption is that the Eagles are trying to bring back Jaelan Phillips on a deal worth more than $20 million per year. There is room for optimism that Phillips is back in Philly.
- Several teams have reportedly reached out to the Eagles regarding Jalen Carter. The teams linked to interest in Carter include the Packers, Bears, 49ers, Seahawks, and Raiders. It doesn’t seem like the Eagles are eager to trade away one of their top defenders, but if they’re able to get a big return — like two first rounders — they might reconsider.
- The A.J. Brown saga feels like it’s close to an end, but Dianna Russini reported on Friday that the Chargers are another team that has been keeping an eye on the situation, as well. Jeff McLane also added the Colts as potential suitors in his Friday update on the situation.
- Jeff McLane reported on Thursday that the Eagles are only considering AFC teams as potential trade candidates for A.J. Brown, and won’t be moving him within the NFC.
- The Eagles aren’t eager to trade away Tanner McKee, according to a report by Cayden Steele of NJ.com. He noted that the team would need a trade offer to blow them away in order to deal the quarterback.
- Even though the Eagles may not be able to afford Dallas Goedert, the team is still reportedly interested in re-signing the TE and should have a better idea if that’s possible over the coming days.
- With Dallas Goedert expected to hit free agency, the team is reportedly interested in former Browns TE David Njoku.
- If the Eagles do move on from A.J. Brown, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports suggests that Bucs veteran Mike Evans could be someone the team brings to Philly.
- Rumors out of the NFL Combine suggest that Dallas Goedert will definitely NOT be returning to Philadelphia is 2026.
- The Eagles are reportedly among several teams keeping an eye on Maxx Crosby’s availability and what the Raiders might be looking for in a trade with the star defender.
- Despite his up-coming availability, the Eagles aren’t reportedly interested in a reunion with Super Bowl winning RG Mekhi Becton.
- The Eagles might consider trading quarterback Tanner McKee, who is considered an interesting option for the Jets, who have recently hired Frank Reich as their OC.
Let us know what you think about these rumors, reports, and signings in the comment section!