Ranking Eagles' top seven free agents by importance

During his end-of-season press conference, Howie Roseman offered insight into the process, what takes place, and how the pendulum will swing toward the defense. Dallas Goedert, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, Jaelan Phillips, Adoree' Jackson, Marcus Epps, Fred Johnson, Brandon Graham, and Jahan Dotson are among 20 free agents who'll hit the open market. 

Phillips holds the highest priority and could depart depending on the market. Still, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, and others are just a few of the defenders GM Howie Roseman wants to keep around long term.

The Eagles are really good at roster building, and when you have success, you risk losing talent and having to retool. Last offseason, Philadelphia lost Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Milton Williams, Isaiah Rodgers, and several other key free agents from the Super Bowl championship team. This off-season, the focus will be on retaining and signing key players from a Championship defense to long-term deals.

With the new league year fast approaching, we're ranking the Eagles' top seven free agents by importance.

1. OLB Jaelan Phillips: UFA

The Eagles traded a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Phillips, who came to Philadelphia on the final year of his contract. The former Dolphins first-round pick finished with 28 tackles and two sacks in 8 games.

2. P Braden Mann- Void

One of the best in the NFL this season, Mann punted 72 times in the regular season with a 49.9 average and a 43.1 net average, with 20 landing inside the 20-yard line.

3. LB Nakobe Dean-UFA

Nakobe Dean earned All-Pro votes with his performance during the Super Bowl season. After rehab from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in the NFC Wild Card win over Green Bay, Dean returned in Week 7 and logged 55 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in ten games. A free agent, Dean will have his suitors on the open market.

4. TE Dallas Goedert- Void

Goedert is a warrior, and when he's healthy, the talented pass catcher is one of the top tight ends in the NFL. In one of the healthiest seasons of his career, Goedert started 15 games, catching 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high and Eagles franchise high 11 touchdown catches. Goedert had touchdowns in the playoff loss.

5. DB Reed Blankenship- Void

 The 26-year-old Blankenship has been a starter the last three seasons, playing 50 games and logging 9 interceptions. Still, 2025 may have been his worst season.

6. WR Jahan Dotson- Void

A former Commanders first-round pick, Goedert spent two unproductive seasons with the Eagles, playing in 34 games and recording 37 catches on 69 targets for 478 yards and one regular-season touchdown. Still, he'd be the third-best and third-most-accomplished receiver on the roster if he returned.

7. OLB Brandon Graham: UFA

The 16-year veteran came out of retirement midway through this season to help the Eagles' defensive line depth and ended up playing both edge rusher and defensive tackle this season.

8. OL Fre Johnson - UFA

Following last year's Super Bowl win, Johnson signed with Jacksonville in free agency, but after not earning a starting role, the Eagles traded for him in August. Johnson, 28, played in all 17 regular-season games and started eight games in relief of Lane Johnson. The Eagles prefer to carry a swing tackle, and Johnson could fill that role if Cameron Williams isn't ready.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ranking Eagles' top seven free agents by importance