The 2026 Eagles are not primed to be Super Bowl challengers. They have lost too many pieces from last year, where they had already lost too many pieces from 2024. Consider the lineup on defense.
The Eagles are now weak at both Safety spots. Makuba might become strong, but he didn’t play enough in 2025. Blankenship is gone, and while he had reached his low ceiling early, his absence will be felt.
At cornerback, the Eagles are again looking for that starter to play opposite Mitchell. Maybe DeJean fills that role, but most feel he’s best in the slot, or possibly moving to safety.
At linebacker, the Eagles are set with starters but they are not deep. Campbell is a strong replacement for Dean but needs more experience to get to Nakobe’s level.
At Edge/DE, the Eagles are weak. Currently we have Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Smith has turned out to be ok as an edge. Not great. Not terrible. Probably less than we would expect from a 1st round pick, but not bad. Hunt has promise but is still learning. He was always expected to be a project. Brandon Graham, if he returns, is a nice change of pace. But he can’t be counted on.
Really, it’s just DT where the Eagles are strong assuming Carter steps up his game to 2024 levels. We saw some really good things out of Davis last year.
On offense it’s a bit unclear.
The line was borderline mediocre in 2025. Three of five players were either out or playing through significant injuries. Dickerson even considered retiring after the season. Even if Lane is healthy, he’s going to be 36 when the season starts. Right guard is still an issue, as well. I’m not sure if Steen is the best option there.
AJ Brown likely will not be on the team as we anticipate a post June 1 trade. That leaves Devonte Smith as the only quality WR option on the team. Moore and Hollywood Brown are solid, but there’s a reason they were free agents.
Dallas Goedert should be counted on, as usual. Yet he tends to miss time due to injury every season and the Eagles don’t have a solid backup to replace him. They picked up a couple of free agent tight ends, so perhaps one will stand out.
It is hopeful that Barkley got plenty of rest over the offseason. Even despite the offensive line woes, he did not appear to be the same back he was in 2024. I’m optimistic that he can get his form back with the longer offseason.
And then there’s Jalen Hurts. He’s working with his fourth new offensive coordinator in four years, but this time he’s no longer running a version of Nick Sirianni’s offense. Can he adjust? Will he accept coaching? The article yesterday on ESPN said that people inside the eagles suggested he couldn’t. We’ll have to see.
It would be delusional to believe that the 2026 Eagles are better than the 2025 version. And that version was clearly not better than the 2024 team. If the line can stay healthy, and that’s a huge “if” at this point. They may see some success. Yet that success looks to be offset by the lack of receiving options and the weaknesses on defense.
It is unlikely that the Eagles can pick up the talent they’re missing in the upcoming draft. Rookies on this team rarely make an impact in their first year. Quinyon Mitchell is the exception that makes the rule. Davis, Carter, N. Smith, D. Smith, Campbell, Dillon, and Barnett had little impact in their rookie years. Sure, they had moments here and there, but they lacked consistency. Even if the Eagles do get lucky enough to find another Mitchell in the draft, there are too many holes to fill on the team.
