This offseason has only created more questions about the Philadelphia Eagles than answers.
The losses of players like Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship have not eased anxiety among the fan base as they try to figure out who their replacements will be. Bleacher Report writer Brad Gagnon is asking one big question entering the 2026 NFL Draft, which is all focused on the Eagles' defense: Where will the final piece on defense come from?
"Because a piece is certainly missing after the team lost Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship last month. And it's likely on the edge, where a lot is currently on the shoulders of Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. Philly's defense had a bottom-10 hurry rate in 2025, so I'd expect Howie Roseman to keep exploring veteran options while strongly considering a pro-ready front-seven defender with the No. 23 pick."
What will the Eagles do on defense?
Roseman has been involved in conversations to try to replace Phillips at edge rusher. He has already discussed Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson, but might also be in the running for Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard in a trade.
The linebacker position should actually be in good position with Jihaad Campbell looking to be the clear-cut replacement for Dean. Zack Baun and Campbell make for a good combo with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. expected to be in the rotation.
As for the safety position, it appears that Marcus Epps could very well be starting in place of Blankenship, with Andrew Mukuba as the other starter. There have been talks about Michael Carter II moving from nickel corner to safety, so there's always a chance he gets into the conversation.
Going into the NFL Draft, edge rusher and safety should be two positions that will get looks from the Eagles. Expect edge rusher to be filled within the first three rounds, while safety could be a toss-up, depending on who they feel high on, but that could be a Day 3 pick with good value coming from there.
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It'll be an interesting situation for the Eagles to see whether any other veterans join the team or the draft is used to fill those needs. This is a big one for Roseman, though, as 2026 is starting to feel like a make-or-break year for a lot of guys on the team.