With the kickoff to the 2026 regular season closing in, we're honing in on five members of the Philadelphia Eagles who must take their production and overall impact to an entirely new level.
These are players who need to step up in 2026 and help the team for various reasons. They have plenty of guys who fit that category.
Here's a look at the five that need to do it the most.
Which Eagles need to step up to the plate in 2026?
Darius Cooper, WR
The undrafted wideout out of Tarleton State was once again the recipient of plenty of positive commentary in his second training camp, and as Week 1's season opener with Washington looms just around the corner, look for Cooper to make his mark.
With rookie Makai Lemon still working his way back from his hamstring issues, and of course minus AJ Brown, this wideout room has key snaps and targets up for grabs. Yes, veterans such as Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore have been added to the mix, but Cooper has undeniable chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts, and that level of trust means something.
Cooper appears on the cusp of becoming a household name for NFL fans.
Drew Kendall, OL
The 2nd-year man out of Boston College has done nothing but draw rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike for his impressive emergence. Following a quiet rookie season that saw the center-guard inactive for 10 games, he's come back on a mission. From all indications, Kendall stands as the top backup offensive lineman, and with a unit so vastly talented but one that faced such injury woes in 2025, his ability to answer the call is going to be massive this season.
Look for Kendall to make his presence felt along the interior of the line before long.
Andrew Mukuba, S
When it comes to leading the charge at safety this season, all eyes will be on Mukuba. In a rookie campaign that provided flashes of playmaking ability but also shortcomings at times in coverage, it's imperative that the second-year safety out of Texas becomes a consistent, steadying force while patrolling the secondary.
Mukuba has enjoyed a strong summer, but now it absolutely has to translate on gamedays.
Tank Bigsby, RB
Playing in the final year of his contract, Bigsby is embarking on a crucial second season in Philadelphia. After notching a tremendous 5.7 yards per carry, this year is going to provide Bigsby with a golden opportunity to not only spell star Saquon Barkley more, but also earn a handsome new deal.
Bigsby has been running with conviction all summer long, and with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, an advocate of spreading the rock around, a big season for the hard-charging back should be in the cards.
Tyler Steen, RG
The former Roll Tide guard is also playing in a contract year, and while a solid 2025 campaign showed Steen to be a good interior lineman, there's untapped upside there. PFF graded him17th out of 81 guards, and achieving consistency is the biggest key for Steen entering this regular season.
Read more: Sean Mannion is operating under burning microscope with Eagles in 2026
Steen has plenty of incentive to put forth his best professional season to date, and for this Philadelphia Eagles line, and offense as a whole, a big year from Steen will pay serious dividends.
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