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Philadelphia Eagles named best fit for familiar face who should choose them entering 2026 NFL free agency
Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks through the tunnel prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Eagles named best fit for familiar face who should choose them entering 2026 NFL free agency

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Adam Holt  |  Last updated Feb 20, 2026 4:48 PM ET

Reunions in NFL free agency don't always occur. When they do, however, sometimes it can be even ore valuable that a team bringing in a veteran player who is new to their roster, scheme, and staff.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, they should prioritize improving their pass rush this offseason, and a familiar face may be the best option, in terms of value, during the free agency period around the league.

Pass rusher Jaelan Phillips should be brought back by Eagles during free agency

In a ranking of the top available pass rushers entering free agency, the Eagles were listed as a "best fit" for EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips. Of course, Philly traded for Phillips last year. There's already strong connection there, and he's noted a desire to return to the Eagles.

"Phillips was able to do almost everything needed in 2025 to really ignite the enthusiasm about his free agency profile. 

He stayed healthy. He was a demon off the edge. He had ample disruption and pressures both on a struggling unit in Miami and in Philadelphia after the trade deadline. 

He just…didn’t finish his play opportunities. Phillips had several sacks slip through his fingers last season that prevented his numbers from reflecting his pressure numbers. If you believe he’ll finish those plays this year and stay healthy again, he’s a top pass rush option. But the injury history may prompt a one-year deal. – Kyle Crabbs

Three best fits: Eagles, Colts, Titans" -- A to Z Sports

Phillips can remain with a top-tier NFC unit, in a system he knows much better than he did this time last year. I believe he should have the Eagles on his radar, as long as they reciprocate interest in the talented defender.

Super Bowl talent on defense for Philadelphia

Joining Philadelphia for any defensive player in free agency should be an exciting opportunity. They boast one of the top cornerback duos in football with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. They'll be in the fold for quite some time.

Meanwhile on the interior defensive line, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis create one of the most powerful DT duos in the NFL. Their ability to slow down opposing run games open the door for EDGE rushers to create pressure on passing downs. Phillips isn't the only player who will consider that aspect of choosing the Eagles during free agency.

Zack Baun remains the team's top linebacker and played well once again in 2025. Nakobe Dean is a free agent, but former first-round pick LB Jihaad Campbell may jump into a starting role next season.

The talent assortment around the unit isn't one to sleep on, and I think Howie Roseman and co. will make sure players know just how elite the team can be if they add some impactful FA pieces this offseason.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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