Hogs Haven
For the last decade, the Eagles have been viewed as the best team in the NFC East. Their roster was one of the best in the NFL and they have a general manager in Howie Roseman who has a clear vision and isn’t afraid to make moves.
Washington, on the other hand, is in rebuilding mode with a lot of younger players at key positions and a general manager still trying to stamp his identity on the team.
The first step to sustained success in the NFL is being the best team in your division. The Eagles are the reigning NFC East champions and are just two years removed from a Super Bowl win. They remain the measuring stick for the Commanders.
So, how does this season’s roster stack up to Philly’s squad?
Every year in the NFL, certain teams improve while others get worse. Make no mistake about it, the 2026 Eagles are NOT the team they once were.
WR A.J. Brown: Traded to Patriots
DE Jaelan Phillips: Signed free agent deal with Panthers
LB Nakobe Dean: Signed free agent deal with Raiders
S Reed Blankenship: Signed free agent deal with Texans
LB Josh Uche: Signed free agent deal with Dolphins
RT Lane Johnson: Lane is nowhere near the player he once was, and his time in the league is nearing an end.
LG Landon Dickerson: Chronic back issues may force an early retirement.
RB Saquon Barkley: The 29-year-old took a HUGE step backwards last season. Was his historic 2024 season a product of a great offensive line?
TE Dallas Goedert: There was plenty of offseason talk about retirement for Goedert, but he’s back at age 31 for his ninth (and likely final) season.
K Jake Elliott: The severe decline of kicker Jake Elliott over the last two seasons has been profound. He made just 74% of his field goal attempts in 2025 and went just 5 of 15 from 50+ yards over the last two seasons.
QB Jalen Hurts: I don’t know if there is a quarterback in the entire NFL who has done less with more.
LT Jordan Mailata: Surprisingly (but not surprisingly), Mailata’s play slipped off significantly when Dickerson was not in the lineup to his immediate right.
EDGE Nolan Smith: The former 2023 first-round pick has been a major disappointment since entering the league – forcing Roseman to make multiple trades for edge rushers.
Unlike the Eagles, Washington’s roster greatly improved over the offseason!
Most of the major improvements occurred on the defensive side of the football, but some key offensive additions, with maybe another big one coming, should help the Commanders regain the excitement from 2024.
Now, this Commanders roster is not there just yet, but make no mistake — they have pulled much closer to the best team in the division from a total roster talent standpoint.
Quarterback: I don’t think...
