One of the more intriguing parts of the roster-building process is seeing which value players remain available to sign and which positions are likely to be targeted in the draft after the free agency period.
Howie Roseman and the Eagles are mainly leaning into one-year deals, low-risk signings, and players who haven’t quite found their footing elsewhere. Most of the newcomers are calculated gambles. This approach creates a natural pipeline to continue building through the draft.
Here are some of the most notable roster changes.
Jaelen Phillips
Philadelphia negotiated with Jaelan until they couldn't compete with Carolina for his services. Howie has been exploring trade options and brought in one free agent to lessen the blow, but the Eagles will address this loss before week one.
Nakobe Dean
Dean was a leader for the Eagles' defense, especially the Georgia Dawgs, but was only an option if a market didn't materialize for him. He was never a likely candidate to return.
Reed Blankenship
From an undrafted player to a starting gig on a Super Bowl-winning team is quite the ascension. Reed earned his new contract, but the Eagles owe second contracts to many defensive players over the next couple of years; he would be hard to bring back.
Sydney Brown
Unexpected, given that Sydney was not a free agent, but maybe not surprising considering the fit.
Adoree’ Jackson
He has not signed elsewhere, but it would be surprising if he returned after the Eagles addressed CB2 in free agency.
Jahan Dotson
The writing was on the wall when they didn't execute his fifth-year option. He has moved on to a new team, and the Eagles added a new WR3 weapon.
Brett Toth
Toth was a guy I thought would be back, and when you factor in money and contributions, he is the most surprising loss of them all to me. Brett proved his worth and was a true professional during his time in Philadelphia.
Arnold Ebiketie
He brings burst off the edge and fits the Eagles’ preference for rotational pass rushers who can win one-on-one while providing fresh legs and pressure for four quarters. A change of scenery could do him so good. The Eagles are hoping he brings the juice they wanted when they signed Azeez last year.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
A former first-round pick and another versatile edge who brings length, athleticism, and experience to their rotation. He projects as a situational pass rusher who could find a role for Fangio in getting to the QB.
Chandler Martin
A classic swing for the fences on traits. Chandler, 23 years old, offers downhill physicality and special teams value. This signing seems to emphasize depth, versatility, and the addition of another aggressive linebacker. He could be valuable once he is healthy and is signed for two years.
Tariq Woolen
Riq provides rare size-speed traits on the outside, giving the Eagles a long, press-capable corner who fits their need for length and matchup flexibility in coverage.
Jonathan Jones
Adds veteran experience and versatility inside and out while also bringing communication and leadership to a very young CB room. Jones played slot for years before transitioning to outside later in his career. A Howie Roseman depth sign who brings one thing the room lacked. Nine years of experience and 130 games.
Marcus Epps
Marcus played well down the stretch when Druw Mukuba went out injured and seemed like a logical re-signing to bring depth or starter snaps to the position Reed Blankenship vacated.
J.T. Gray
Gray is a special-teams standout with the speed and discipline to help stabilize Philadelphia’s coverage unit.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Speed! A true vertical weapon with separation ability that can stretch defenses and open up the intermediate areas for the rest of the passing game. His presence will force safeties to respect the deep ball.
Elijah Moore
Elijah brings depth and experience to the WR room, raising the floor and giving AJ Brown a close friend and confidante. He is versatile, quick, and has yards-after-catch ability for the Eagles’ offense.
Johnny Mundt
The blocker extraordinare fits as a dependable in-line blocker who should assist in a run-heavy offense.
Stone Smartt
Stone is an intriguing addition who comes as a low-risk, high-reward prospect. He offers athletic upside and versatility.
Andy Dalton
The Red Rifle brings veteran leadership and provides the Eagles with a reliable backup presence who can manage games efficiently when called upon. If the Eagles plan to draft a QB in 2026, he could also allow them to deal Tanner McKee on draft day.
As always, thank you for reading!
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