While the Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for a wildcard matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, it is hard not to glance towards the offseason ahead. This isn't to discount Philly's chances of defending its 2024 Super Bowl run, but the reality of a business that never slows, no matter where your team stands in the playoff picture.
With this in mind, let's look at Eagles players who've changed their standing in the organization. Pieces that have gone from expendable to players the franchise flat-out cannot let walk away or consider parting ways with themselves. Starting with a playmaker who was added for fifth and sixth round draft picks that fans aren't likely to miss.
1. Tank Bigsby
While Bigsby has always been under contract for the 2026 season, it was fair to wonder if the franchise could still opt to move in another direction. Saquon Barkley is obviously going to garner the bulk of the carries, and backup Will Shipley appeared to have the inside track on earning carries when Barkley needs a break. However, Bigsby has stepped in and quickly shown why his 2026 roster spot is cemented, as the Eagles must consider giving the back more carries potentially in a playoff run.
Bigsby has 344 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. It is easy to see how explosive the back is, even when the defense is focused on the run. It feels like the playmaker is a threat to break a big run anytime he has his hands on the football. It is exactly the secondary option that Philly needs in its backfield behind the more plodding style of Barkley.
While Saquon is a big-play threat, his style relies on body blows, setting up big runs. Bigsby offers Philly a consistent second option who has gone from a Jacksonville castoff and Philly afterthought to an important offensive contributor.
2. Moro Ojomo
Another Philly player who is under contract for the 2026 season, but whose future remained incredibly uncertain heading into the year. Ojomo was a 2023 7th-round pick who was facing an uphill battle to make the roster over the last two years. Now, the defender has become a vital piece of Philadelphia's defense and is enjoying a breakout season. Working your way into the rotation that features Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter is no small feat.
The defender has totaled 6 sacks, a great number for an interior lineman, which is only bolstered by 49 pressures. Incredible numbers for a player once believed to be a potential roster cut based on his draft positioning and a lack of elite college production. It is safe to say that Ojomo will be on Philly's roster as long as the franchise can reasonably keep its current defensive core together.
Philly's issue is going to be the impossibility of paying the trio of Davis, Carter, and Ojomo, who are all quickly becoming increasingly pricy. Regardless, it is great to see Ojomo work his way from a borderline roster piece to an untouchable piece of the 2026 roster.
3. Nakobe Dean
Dean is slated to hit free agency and has made a clear case why the Eagles must retain the former Georgia linebacker. The numbers aren't eye-popping, but it is clear that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit is far better when the defender is on the field. Dean has four sacks on the season to go along with 43 tackles and a forced fumble. There is no question that GM Howie Roseman can't allow the linebacker to be stolen away in free agency.
Already, the Eagles have lost key defensive pieces over the last two years, and Dean cannot be the next name added to this list. What makes the defender so valued is the flexibility of being able to get to the quarterback or play the middle of the field and attack the run.
While you'd like to see Dean remain healthy at a more consistent level, the Eagles will benefit from the missed time, as it will likely create a discounted free agency price. Regardless, there is no question that the linebacker must return to Philadelphia in the 2026 offseason.