At a Glance
- Eagles fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after one disappointing season
- Star receiver A.J. Brown’s future remains uncertain amid reported frustrations
- Team must navigate complex free agency decisions with 20+ players set to hit market
- Why it matters: These choices will determine if Philadelphia can return to Super Bowl contention after wild-card exit
The Philadelphia Eagles’ postseason ended earlier than expected with a wild-card round loss, thrusting the organization into a critical offseason filled with difficult decisions that could reshape the team’s future.
Coaching Carousel: Finding Patullo’s Replacement
The Eagles moved quickly to address their offensive struggles by parting ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo following just one season on the job. While Patullo wasn’t solely responsible for the team’s offensive decline, the decision marks the first major move in what promises to be a transformative offseason.
The offensive coordinator position in Philadelphia has become a proven springboard for coaching talent. The last three external hires at the position-Frank Reich, Shane Steichen, and Kellen Moore-all subsequently earned head coaching opportunities. This track record should attract high-quality candidates to replace Patullo.
Potential candidates fall into three distinct categories:
Experienced former head coaches:
- Mike McDaniel
- Kevin Stefanski
- Kliff Kingsbury
- Brian Daboll
The “Vic Fangio of offense” model:
- Todd Monken
- David Shaw
- Frank Reich
Up-and-coming assistants:
- Nate Scheelhaase
- Zac Robinson
- Mike Kafka
- Mike LaFleur
- Jerrod Johnson
The Eagles need someone who can seize control of the offense and orchestrate game plans as effectively as Kellen Moore did during the 2024 season.
The A.J. Brown Dilemma
Perhaps no offseason question carries more weight than the future of Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown. On the surface, trading a 28-year-old receiver with over 5,000 receiving yards in four seasons with the Eagles seems illogical. Brown remains under contract for multiple seasons, and general manager Howie Roseman rarely parts with elite talent.
However, underlying tensions complicate the situation. Brown reportedly grew frustrated throughout the season, raising questions about whether a fresh start might benefit both parties. Despite these concerns, quarterback Jalen Hurts insists their relationship remains strong.
“A.J. and I have talked,” Hurts said during locker cleanout day. “We’re in a good, great place.”
Brown’s absence from Monday’s locker cleanout and his month-long media silence add uncertainty to his intentions. The financial implications of any potential trade create additional complexity.
Salary Cap Ramifications
| Trade Timing | 2026 Dead Cap | Cap Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-June 1 | $43,448,702 | Adds $20,055,206 |
| Post-June 1 | $16,353,496 | Saves $7,040,000 |
A post-June 1 trade would split the dead money across two seasons, making it more financially manageable, though the Eagles still shouldn’t consider giving away their star receiver without significant compensation.
Free Agency Challenges
The Eagles face another wave of difficult personnel decisions as 20+ players approach free agency. The team already watched Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Mekhi Becton, Darius Slay, and others depart after the 2024 season.
Offensive Free Agents
- TE Dallas Goedert
- WR Jahan Dotson
- OT Fred Johnson
- OL Brett Toth
- TE Grant Calcaterra
- TE Kylen Granson
- OL Matt Pryor
- QB Sam Howell
- RB A.J. Dillon
- FB Ben VanSumeren
Defensive Free Agents
- LB Nakobe Dean
- OLB Jaelan Phillips
- S Reed Blankenship
- S Marcus Epps
- CB Adoree’ Jackson
- OLB Brandon Graham
- OLB Joshua Uche
- OLB Azeez Ojulari
- OLB Ogbo Okornokwo
The most challenging decisions involve Goedert, Dean, Phillips, and Blankenship. The Eagles managed to retain Goedert on a one-year deal for 2025, potentially setting a precedent for future negotiations.
Dean’s emergence as a quality linebacker complicates matters with Jihaad Campbell waiting for increased playing time. Phillips proved valuable after arriving at the trade deadline, but financial constraints may prevent his return. Blankenship’s lack of a pre-2025 extension remains puzzling.
Extension Candidates
Beyond pending free agents, several key defensive players become eligible for contract extensions:
- Jalen Carter
- Jordan Davis
- Nolan Smith
These decisions will significantly impact the team’s salary cap structure and long-term competitiveness.
Key Takeaways
The Eagles’ early playoff exit has created urgency around three critical areas: securing an offensive coordinator who can maximize the team’s offensive potential, resolving A.J. Brown’s situation to maintain team chemistry, and navigating free agency without losing essential contributors.
Success in addressing these challenges will largely determine whether Philadelphia can return to Super Bowl contention in 2025. The decisions made this offseason will reverberate through the organization for years to come.
