ClutchPoints
A defending champion got exposed when margins disappeared. For all the winning the Philadelphia Eagles have done over the last two seasons, their 2025 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers felt jarringly familiar. It was neither a blowout nor a collapse. It was a slow, grinding reminder that even champions can be forced to reveal their weaknesses. The Eagles’ 23-19 loss ended not with drama, but with frustration, as a final fourth-down attempt fell incomplete. It was the kind of defeat that doesn’t spark panic. However, it absolutely demands action. Now, Eagles GM Howie Roseman has to recalibrate a roster that is still very good but clearly no longer great.
Philadelphia’s 2025 season should not be framed as a failure. As defending Super Bowl champions, the Eagles finished 11-6. They captured their second straight NFC East title and leaned on a defense that ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed. That unit carried the team through long stretches. It masked offensive inconsistencies that never fully disappeared.
Speaking of the offense, the regression was real. The Eagles finished 19th in points scored and 24th in total yards. Those numbers would be unremarkable for a rebuilding team, but concerning for a title defender. Sustaining drives became difficult, explosive plays were inconsistent, and late-game execution was hit-or-miss.
Those issues came to a head against San Francisco. The defense did enough to win. The offense did not. In January, that’s usually the difference between advancing and packing up lockers.
The Eagles enter the 2026 offseason with a familiar challenge. They need to balance a veteran core with the need for fresh impact talent. Edge rusher tops the list. With Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari both impending free agents, Philadelphia could suddenly find itself thin at one of the most important positions on the field.
On offense, the uncertainty continues. Dallas Goedert’s contract situation looms large. Replacing his production, both as a receiver and blocker, will not be simple. The offensive line remains a strength, but depth and future-proofing are essential given the age and mileage of key starters.
Sure, the defense ranked highly overall. However, the inability to consistently shut down secondary receivers exposed the need for another boundary corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
This just is a recalibration, and free agency offers immediate solutions.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Eagles’ top 4 free agent targets after disappointing Wild Card Round loss to 49ers.
If Trey Hendrickson reaches the open market, the Eagles should be among the first teams making the call.
Hendrickson is the kind of pass rusher who changes offensive game plans. His sack production is not scheme-dependent. His ability to win late in downs would also instantly elevate Philadelphia’s front. With Phillips’ and Ojulari’s futures uncertain, adding a proven edge presence would stabilize the defense. Hendrickson would preserve its identity as a pressure-first unit.
This would not be a...
