The Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl window should stay open for a while longer. They'd better make sure that's the case, as there's plenty of deferred money and some tough years might be ahead after this run.
Unfortunately, that might also force this team to make some tough decisions in the offseason. While general manager Howie Roseman is a master at getting around the salary cap and juggling money around, there's only so much cash to hand out and build the roster (only $22.6 million in available cap space in 2026, per Spotrac). Notably, that might mean letting linebacker Nakobe Dean walk away in free agency.
Eagles Might Not be Able to Afford Keeping Nakobe Dean
Dean has been instrumental to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit since he returned from injury this season. While that's obviously a positive thing for this team, he might be playing himself out of the Eagles' price range with his strong performances.
While his Pro Football Focus grade of 60.5 ranks 43rd among 88 eligible linebackers, the eye test and his regular stats paint a different picture. In just nine games (seven starts), he has already piled up 53 total tackles (29 solo), seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defensed.
Dean is playing himself into a top-ten contract for a linebacker. He's just 25 years old and hasn't reached his physical prime yet, and unless he agrees to take a hometown discount — which sounds quite unlikely — another team will most likely make him an offer he just can't refuse. The Eagles have already made Zack Baun one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game, and with Jaelan Phillips also looking for a deal, Roseman might be forced to prioritize.
At least, the Eagles may already have his replacement in the building. Alabama star Jihaad Campbell showed glimpses of great play earlier in the season when Dean was out with an injury. And even though he fell from grace and has barely played lately, he certainly has the potential and the physical tools to pick up the slack and take his place.
Dean will have the next three weeks and the playoffs to earn himself even more money. That's not great news for Roseman and the Eagles' plans for the offseason and the future, but if he can help this team win another Super Bowl, it'll all be worth it, even if he ends up leaving in free agency.