While the faces of the franchise might stay the same, the Philadelphia Eagles are constantly churning through complementary players. They often dish out big contracts to their stars while relying on the draft and low-cost free-agent moves to fill out the rest of the roster.
For players like linebacker Nakobe Dean, that means that time in Philadelphia is limited.
The veteran defender has been solid for the Eagles since being drafted in the third round back in 2022. But he's set to earn a significant increase in pay this offseason, and Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman likely won't be the one to give it to him.
Nakobe Dean's time with the Eagles could be coming to an end
Dean stepped into a starting role in 2024, when he and Zack Baun formed one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL. His play helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl that season, even though a knee injury held him out of the playoff run. Since returning in the middle of the 2025 season, he hasn't quite been the same player. His physicality in run defense has taken a hit, and his overall production has dropped significantly.
Still, the linebacker is set to earn a solid contract in free agency. Spotrac estimates that his market value will hover around $7.9 million per year this offseason. Compared to the $1.3 million average on his rookie deal, that's a major increase.
Historically, Roseman has often opted to let players at non-premium positions leave in favor of cheaper alternatives. While Baun got paid, the Eagles typically move on from linebackers and safeties when their contracts expire. The team seems to believe that those positions can be replaced more easily than others, either through the draft or free agency.
If that trend isn't enough, the fact that the Eagles spent a first-round draft pick on linebacker Jihaad Campbell should indicate that they are prepared to move on from Dean. Roseman is a master at setting his team up for the future, and this seems to be the latest example.
Read more: Howie Roseman faces $7.1 million Eagles decision on the eve of free agency
Even if Dean returned from his knee injury as the same player he was before it, the Eagles would likely be ready to let him walk. His dip in play could be the final push in the decision to pursue a different option at linebacker this offseason. Expect Dean to suit up in different colors in 2026.