Despite finishing 11-6 and returning to the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense showed persistent weaknesses in 2025 that could prompt a significant offseason overhaul.
Eagles Defense Could Be In For An Overhaul In 2026
While the unit kept opponents under 20 points per game and featured All-Pros in the secondary, its run defense ranked only about 22nd in rushing yards allowed (124.4 yards per game) and gave up 20 rushing touchdowns, levels that are concerning for a team with championship aspirations.
Possible last game with the Eagles yesterday:
AJ Brown
Lane Johnson
Dallas Goedert
Jahan Dotson
Nakobe Dean
Jaelan Phillips
Reed Blankenship
Brandon Graham— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 12, 2026
A primary offseason storyline in Philly will be the free-agent status of several key defensive contributors. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, acquired at midseason, played a meaningful role in the pass rush but will hit the open market this offseason. The Eagles must decide whether to invest long-term in Phillips or let him test free agency.
Similarly, linebacker Nakobe Dean, a versatile piece in Vic Fangio’s scheme, is also set to become a free agent. Dean’s presence in the middle was often stabilizing, but salary-cap and roster construction realities could push Philadelphia to explore cheaper internal replacements or draft options. In the secondary, safety Reed Blankenship has been an important part of the Eagles’ defensive backfield and will also be available in free agency.
Philadelphia faces a familiar offseason decision of whether to retain core contributors or let them walk, depending on market value and strategic priorities.
Personnel & Schemes Could Both Undergo Changes This Offseason
A defensive overhaul wouldn’t be as simple as re-signing or letting go of three players. It could also influence scheme adjustments and draft board positioning. The run-defense issues exposed in key moments this season may push the Eagles to target interior defenders and linebackers early in April’s draft, while also pursuing upgrades through free agency.
Last offseason, they lost perhaps their most essential interior defensive lineman when Milton Williams signed with the Patriots. His absence in 2025 was noticeable, and the Eagles will have to do what they can to make sure to avoid another similar drop off.
Even as defensive questions loom, the Eagles’ offense figures into their offseason calculus. Superstar wideout A.J. Brown was visibly frustrated during the Wild Card loss, including a heated sideline exchange with head coach Nick Sirianni that prompted speculation about his future in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, tight end Dallas Goedert is also a free agent, giving the Eagles another tough decision on whether to prioritize offensive continuity or retool parts of the roster.
