Every week, it seems like Howie Roseman's offseason gets a bit more difficult as questions arise about extensions and retention of several players for the future of the franchise.
One player who's played his way into the conversation about an extension is Nakobe Dean, the team's 2022 third-round pick. Dean has battled back from the injury he suffered in the playoffs, sparking the Eagles' defense since his return.
He's coming off an eight-tackle game with two tackles for loss in the Eagles' 31-0 shutout win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. He's playing at such a high level that he's forced defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to limit reps for 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell. Dean has totaled 53 tackles, four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles through seven starts this year.
Should Eagles lock up Dean on a long-term contract after the season?
Dean is playing at an All-Pro level, and if he started the season healthy, he may have been a "shoe-in" for the honor. However, with Campbell sitting behind him on the depth chart, is it possible for Howie Roseman to retain Dean to a long-term extension?
Dean is undoubtedly going to demand a market, with some insiders believing the Broncos will make a push for the Georgia alum. Denver signed Dre Greenlaw, who was coming off an injury, along with rostering Drew Sanders (currently on IR), and will see Alex Singleton, who is a free agent after the 2025 season and is now 32 years old. The Broncos signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $35 million contract, which is in line with what Dean should command this offseason.
With the depth piece of Campbell, who was in the conversation about defensive rookie of the year, is it possible for the Eagles to make a push to retain Dean? The Eagles will be forced to make decisions about Dallas Goedert, Jaelan Phillips, Jordan Davis, and Reed Blankenship in addition to multiple depth pieces who have stepped up this season.
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Regardless of what the Eagles do, Dean has put himself in a great position to make plenty of money this offseason, especially coming off a severe injury in January.