Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles free agency: Should they stay or should they go?

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 3:54 PM ET

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles are out of the playoffs, it's time to turn the page to a crucial offseason for the defending Super Bowl champs. When it comes to the upcoming free agents on the roster, should they stay or should they go?

TE Dallas Goedert

Goedert is coming off a career year in which he recorded a career-high 11 touchdowns in the regular season and scored the team's only two touchdowns in the wild-card round. The veteran tight end, who just turned 31, will demand a raise and more security with his next contract, and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman won't be interested in matching that.

Verdict: Go

WR Jahan Dotson

This is an easy one. Since joining the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season, Dotson has recorded only 40 catches, 531 yards and two touchdowns in 39 games. Philadelphia will surely look to upgrade its WR3 this offseason.

Verdict: Go

OT Fred Johnson

Johnson started eight games this season, with right tackle Lane Johnson dealing with injuries. The Eagles will need a trustworthy right tackle on the roster even if Lane Johnson decides to return for 2026, and Fred Johnson is a cheap option who's familiar with the system.

Verdict: Stay

OL Brett Toth

Toth is a valuable backup because he can play multiple positions in relief of the starters. If the two sides can work out a cheap deal for Toth to return as a versatile backup, this would be a win-win re-signing.

Verdict: Stay

LB Nakobe Dean

“Of course. I think everyone knows I want to be in Philly”

Nakobe Dean says he met with Howie today and didn’t get an indication of what the team was thinking but did say Howie pointed out how much he appreciated what Nakobe brought to the team pic.twitter.com/DpZDacKXwE
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 12, 2026

Roseman went against his typical team-building strategy when he gave Zack Baun a three-year, $51 million extension last offseason. Baun's hefty contract and Jihaad Campbell's pending emergence as a starter could push Roseman to let Dean walk, but that would be a mistake.

Verdict: Stay

OLB Jaelan Phillips

The Eagles traded for Phillips at the deadline with hopes of signing him to a long-term deal after the season. The pass-rusher has also expressed his desire to return to Philadelphia, so as long as the numbers are right, this should be one of the easiest decisions of the offseason.

Verdict: Stay

S Reed Blankenship

Blankenship is a beloved player in the locker room, but Roseman is much more focused on his subpar performance on the field. The 26-year-old ranked 92nd out of 98 qualified safeties in overall Pro Football Focus grade this season.

Verdict: Go

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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