The Philadelphia Eagles' defense welcomed Nakobe Dean with open arms when he was finally healthy enough to play. After breaking out in 2025, he's been one of the best players on Vic Fangio's defense this season, and he should be a no-brainer candidate to get another contract in free agency.
Unfortunately, it takes two to tango, and Dean might not be as interested in coming back as the Eagles. He's a rising star who can probably get a big-money deal somewhere else, and he won't have to compete for snaps with a rising star.
Nakobe Dean Might Prefer Free Agency to Eagles Reunion
Eagles GM Howie Roseman has had to make some tough financial decisions during his days in charge of the team. He's great at stacking up talent, but there's only so much money to throw around, and with so much money already committed for next season, he may not be able to give Dean the deal he's looking for.
Eagles Could Ask Dean to Take a Discount
Roseman has already given out one splashy contract for an off-ball linebacker, with Zack Baun making $17 million per season. Giving out another top-10 salary at the position isn't smart roster building, and that means Roseman would likely be asking Dean to take a discount to stay in Philly.
On top of that, the Eagles just took a potential replacement in Jihaad Campbell. The rookie first-round pick was a healthy scratch in Week 13 and his playing time has gone down since Dean made his season debut, but there's no doubt that he's in line as a potential successor.
Despite his struggles since Dean returned, Campbell has already shown early flashes of potential greatness. His 77.6 grade from PFF this season is still good for 10th among 84 linebackers. He has four games with 4-plus tackles, and he recorded at least one pressure as a pass-rusher in six straight games from Week 2 through Week 8.
The Eagles will also have to find a way to keep the recently acquired Jaelan Phillips around. He's going to be a free agent as well, and given the team's need at pass rusher, they may prioritize spending money on the former Miami Dolphins star.
Dean Won't Have an Issue Finding Someone to Pay Him
This season, Dean has logged a PFF grade of just 46.5 (76th among 86 eligible linebackers). But that certainly doesn't match the eye test, and Fangio is obviously pleased with what he's seen from the veteran. He set new season-highs by playing 83.8% of the available snaps in Week 12 and then with 94.3% against the Chicago Bears in Week 13.
He was also a darling of PFF last season, earning a 75.3 grade, with outstanding marks in both run defense (80.4) and pass-rushing (82.5). Turning 25 years old in December, these strengths will leave him with no shortage of suitors in free agency, and many of them will likely be able to outbid Philly.
Dean has already outplayed his draft stock as a former third-round pick, and he was instrumental in helping this team win the Super Bowl. Now, it's time to spread his wings, find a new home, cash in on a huge paycheck, and anchor a defense of his own.