The Philadelphia Eagles have all the time in the world to prep for the 2026 season before training camp starts up, but this year feels different from the rest.
There is considerable pressure on everyone to step up and play well. Some players and coaches might be facing it more than others, depending on their situation.
Philly has four players facing a ton of pressure to step up and elevate their games in 2026 more than fans have ever seen. Who are the four who need to get the job done in the upcoming season?
Andrew Mukuba, S
Reed Blankenship is gone, leaving a ton of pressure on Mukuba to step up in Year 2. There were some early-season struggles with consistency in tackling and coverage for Mukuba, but he started to build some momentum until he broke his ankle in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, ending his season. Marcus Epps is expected to be back with Mukuba in the secondary, leaving the young defensive back to grow up fast in his second season and be the playmaker Eagles fans expect him to be.
Tyler Steen, RG
Last year was not necessarily bad for Steen as he at least started all 17 games and stayed healthy on an offensive line that struggled to do so. It still wasn't the kind of season that Mekhi Becton, the guy Steen replaced, had in 2024, leaving much to be desired regarding Steen. The Eagles are hoping for more out of Steen entering 2026, as they would like to avoid adding anyone more to the line and keep him as the future right guard of the franchise.
Nolan Smith, EDGE
Three sacks last season are not acceptable for Smith, even though he did miss time with his triceps injury. He simply got outplayed by Jalyx Hunt, and with Smith's off-the-field issues, it's not helping his case to stay on the team. The 2026 season is a massive one for him, as he has to produce more off the edge, or next offseason might bring questions about whether the Eagles should trade him.
Read more: Why there's reason to be concerned over Jalen Carter's situation
DeVonta Smith, WR
This is an odd one since DeVonta Smith has been great over the last five years with 1,000-yard seasons in three of them. The truth is, there is no player on the roster who has more pressure to step up and do more than Smith does, since he is the new WR1 after A.J. Brown's trade. Eagles fans don't have any doubts he can get it done, but more is needed from him to be among the elite receivers in the NFL.
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