The stage has been set as the Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin OTAs and officially get the 2026 season underway.
There is no shortage of storylines coming out of the Eagles as they enter a season with more pressure than ever since head coach Nick Sirianni took over. From addressing offensive struggles to getting the defense off to a faster start, Philly has a lot of work to do and little time to get it done.
Multiple storylines will command attention during these OTAs, making it important for the Eagles fan base to keep track and ensure the Birds are flying high with momentum. What are the storylines to watch for?
Top storylines to monitor at Eagles' OTAs in 2026
Jalen Hurts' first reps in Sean Mannion's new offensive scheme
The offense is brand new as Mannion takes over as the play caller, and Hurts will be the man running it. Mannion has faced criticism for being the Eagles' second straight offensive coordinator with no play-calling experience, while Hurts took hit after hit in the offseason for not being coachable. The pair combine for an interesting duo that must work if Philly has any shot at making the Super Bowl, so it'll be important for Hurts to look good in this offense early on.
Eagles' wide receivers move into next chapter of evolution
A.J. Brown most likely won't be there for the Eagles as he is one week away from being traded, but it will give the team a first look at the new-look room. DeVonta Smith moves up as the number one guy with rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon in the slot, Dontayvion Wicks taking over Brown's spot on the outside, and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown fighting to get into the rotation. With A.J. Brown out of the picture, this unit must get it done.
Newly healthy offensive line back on the field
Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens all fought through injuries last year, while Tyler Steen did not get everyone's full trust to be the starting right guard despite starting all 17 games. The Eagles added Markel Bell and Micah Morris in the NFL Draft, so it'll be interesting to see how they respond in their first OTAs. Adding in the fact that Chris Kuper is taking over for Jeff Stoutland as the offensive line coach, there are a lot more questions at the position group than there have been in over a decade.
Jonathan Greenard's first look after injury with the Vikings, but what about the rest of the edge rushers?
Greenard was traded for during the 2026 NFL Draft, but will be practicing and off the field after returning from an injury late in the season with the Minnesota Vikings. Also, all eyes will be on Nolan Smith after his legal issues and Jalyx Hunt, who is expected to take another massive leap off the edge. Last year, this unit had a ton of questions, but even with Greenard there this season, the young players still get a lot of attention.
Eagles' safety position takes the field for the first time since Reed Blankenship's departure
Blankenship is in Houston with the Texans, so now the battle begins with Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, and the rest of the safeties for one of the starting spots. 2025 second-round pick Andrew Mukuba will have to step up as one of the starters and make a giant leap in Year 2. This is the one position that has everyone concerned, so it'll be important for them to get off to a fast start.
Read more: Vic Fangio's update on Jalen Carter is a warning NFL teams can't afford to ignore
Jake Elliott might be on his last legs as and Eagle in 2026
Two consecutive seasons where Elliott has made less than 80% of his field goals, so his time might be coming to an end in Philly if 2026 doesn't go well. Eagles special teams coach Michael Clay has expressed that Elliott just needs to find the love of the game again to get there. Well, he'll need a lot more than that to gain the Eagles fans' trust again.
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