The Philadelphia Eagles have lost several key players during the offseason so far, including linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean, both of whom played key roles on one of the league's best defenses last season. While Phillips will likely not find that grass is greener on the other side after signing a four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, the same could apply to Dean following his three-year, $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite expressing interest in returning to the Eagles, Dean, the 2022 third-round pick out of Georgia, ultimately had no choice but to test the free agency market with starting middle LB Zack Baun and 2025 first-rounder Jihaad Campbell already on the roster, not to mention the contract situations with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
Even though Dean took a big financial hit when he dropped to the third round in the 2022 draft, his on-field performance helped him earn the new deal with the Raiders despite his undersized 5-foot-11 frame and injury concerns. Taking his talents to Sin City, though, may not be the best move if he is looking to be on a contending team with loftier expectations.
Nakobe Dean Could Regret Joining the Raiders
Dean's intentions may have been to re-sign with the Eagles, but there was always some uncertainty about his future with the organization, with so much money and draft capital already invested in the LB room. Baun was extended last season following his All-Pro campaign, while Campbell had 80 total tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in his rookie season.
During his four-year stint with the Eagles to begin his NFL career, Dean has amassed 226 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, including the sixth-most tackles on the team last season (55). He only appeared in 10 games in 2025 after recovering from a torn patellar tendon, but he was still impactful when he returned to action on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit.
With that said, Dean's exit could come with multiple benefits as Campbell comes off an impressive rookie season and the franchise looks for a pass-rusher to fill the void left behind by Phillips.
That plan could be put on hold, however, as Campbell's shoulder injury is likely going to keep him sidelined for most of the offseason and put more pressure on Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr., both of whom have limited experience in the league at all. Not only could this impact the team to begin the 2026 season, but it could have opened the door even more for Dean to reassert himself into the starting role and remain on a contending team with much higher expectations than where he is going with the Raiders.
Dean joins former Green Bay Packers LB Quay Walker and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who remains on the Raiders' roster following the failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, this is still a team that ranked 25th in scoring defense last season (25.4 PPG) and dead last in scoring offense (14.2 PPG), so it is not exactly an ideal situation for Dean to be walking into.
This could work out for both parties if Campbell picks back up where he left off in his rookie season and Dean takes advantage of what should be a more increased role than he would have had in Philadelphia. While it sounds like he did not have much of a choice, he likely would have been better off taking less to go somewhere better or even return to the Eagles, especially if he wants to play on a team that is not in a complete rebuild mode.