At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman shared insights into the team’s strategy for managing the upcoming free agency period, focusing on Brandon Graham free agency and other key decisions. With 19 unrestricted free agents heading to market starting March 11 and a tightening salary cap, Roseman emphasized the need for balance—drafting well, retaining core players, and selectively adding through free agency.
Roseman avoided guarantees about any players’ returns but left open the possibility that some veterans, including star edge rusher Brandon Graham, could remain with the team. He acknowledged that while many free agents would likely depart, the organization’s goal remains to keep competitive talent, especially in critical positions like edge rusher.
Prioritizing Edge Rushers and Evaluating Jaelan Phillips
One of the highest priorities for Philadelphia is re-signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who joined the Eagles mid-season and impressed with both effort and fit within Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme. Roseman praised Phillips’ character and work ethic but noted the team must weigh his value carefully under salary constraints.
“You certainly see his fit with Coach [Vic] Fangio in our defense, which a lot of times when you’re talking about free agency is a big part of free agency,”
Roseman said.
“How is this guy gonna fit into our defense? So you see that there, you’ve been with the guy. He’s got tremendous character, tremendous work ethic. And then all the things that you’re doing, you’re trying to balance the other factors that go along with that to try to come down with a value.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
If Phillips does not return, the Eagles face a shortage with only Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Jose Ramirez under contract as edge rushers. Roseman acknowledged the need to bolster that group.
“We usually take seven or eight guys to camp. We only have three on the roster right now,”
Roseman said.
“So definitely think we’ll have to address it. It’s a priority position for us.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Brandon Graham’s Status Remains Uncertain but Welcomed
Brandon Graham, who unexpectedly returned to the Eagles late last season after announcing his retirement, is among the free agents the team will consider re-signing. At 37, Graham’s experience and versatility on the defensive line remain highly valued by the front office.
“Brandon Graham is always welcome in Philadelphia,”
Roseman said.
“Obviously, when I think about what he’s done for us as a player, as a person, and then last year, even when he came back in, the versatility that he showed, coming in in the end of the year and reducing inside and playing defensive tackle, just an all-time Eagles great, future Eagles Hall of Famer.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Other Key Free Agents and Pending Decisions
Tight end Dallas Goedert, another prominent free agent, is expected to be a centerpiece of the Eagles’ offensive plans if he returns. Roseman expressed optimism about ongoing talks but stressed that market conditions and overall roster considerations will guide the negotiation.
“Tremendous player and person for the Philadelphia Eagles. Really glad we were able to figure it out and bring him back to Philadelphia this year and for the season and [be] tremendously productive for us. Just a huge asset for our offense to have him on our football team. Again, we got to put the whole puzzle together. To sit here — we got a lot of other free agents, too — and say, ‘Hey, we’re definitely going to get this guy back …’ When we get this late, obviously, the market dictates a lot of that, as well. But we’ll certainly sit down with his agent here over the next couple of days and have a conversation.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Goedert’s situation is complicated by the impending free agency of other tight ends like Grant Calcaterra and Kyle Granson. The Eagles seek players who offer both receiving talent and blocking ability, particularly under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who plans to introduce a Shanahan-McVay inspired offense.
Evaluating Defensive Depth: Blankenship, Dean, and Emerging Players
Undrafted safety Reed Blankenship has earned respect for his leadership and performance, including serving as team captain, which Roseman highlighted.
“Really proud of Reed, undrafted free agent, and played in two Super Bowls, four years, four playoff appearances. Was a captain this year for our team, tremendous player, tremendous person.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Linebacker Nakobe Dean, drafted by the Eagles, is another free agent whose future remains unclear amid competition at his position. Roseman referenced Dean while discussing the potential return of 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell in a starting role.
“Obviously, we have a free agent at that position, a guy that we drafted, a guy that we think is a really good player, and unbelievable character. And so, all those decisions here [will be] made in the next couple of weeks.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Despite the positive remarks, Dean’s return appears unlikely, while Blankenship’s fate depends on his market appeal and the salary cap after factoring in defensive priorities like Phillips.
Contract Extensions Sought for Defensive Line Up-and-Comers
In addition to managing free agents, the Eagles also face potential contract extensions for promising young defensive players, including defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo, as well as linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who had his fifth-year option picked up last year, remains under contract and is viewed as a rising star.
“That’s another guy, obviously, that you draft, you develop, tremendous character and continues to get better. That’s a group of a lot of players that we have, that we have tremendous confidence in, and the puzzle is trying to keep as many of them together as we possibly can.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Jake Elliott’s Role and Cornerback Position Challenges
Kicker Jake Elliott, under contract for three more seasons, has seen inconsistency since his breakout 2023 season but maintains strong support from management.
“Jake has been a tremendous kicker for us since we got him off practice squad in Cincinnati in 2017. Tremendously clutch. Have a lot of confidence in him as a player, as a kicker, as a person, captain on our team, and continue to believe in him as our place kicker.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
At cornerback, Philadelphia boasts two All-Pro level players, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, holding down outside and nickel positions. Veteran Adoree’ Jackson took over the third cornerback spot in the latter half of last season but is also a free agent. The Eagles may be cautious in free agency spending here since Mitchell and DeJean’s upcoming extensions will likely require significant investment.
Roseman noted the importance of this defensive unit and flexibility.
“When you look at Q and Coop leading that group — two All-Pro players, guys who we want to be part of Philadelphia Eagles for a long time,”
he said.
“Coop, he can play anything. He can play outside corner, he can play nickel, he could play at an All-Pro level anywhere. So having him gives you some flexibility. And so, we’ll go into the offseason looking to add to that position. Adoree’ did a really nice job for us last year and got better throughout the course of the year. … He’s a free agent and we’ll just kind of see how the offseason plays out.”
– Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager
Implications for the Eagles’ Future Roster Construction
The Eagles face a critical offseason balancing player retention, cap constraints, and strategic additions, especially with the approaching free agency market. Decisions regarding Brandon Graham free agency and other key players will shape the defensive identity heading into 2024.
Howie Roseman’s transparent approach reveals a willingness to engage in tough negotiations and prioritize core contributors, but also acknowledges that some veteran departures are inevitable given salary limitations and team direction. The emphasis on reshaping the edge rusher position and locking down defensive line talent indicates these areas will receive focused attention. Meanwhile, re-evaluating key offensive contributors like Dallas Goedert and fine-tuning the receiver and tight end groups will be essential under the new offensive scheme.
As the March 11 free agency period approaches, the Eagles’ roster moves will indicate how Philadelphia aims to remain a contender while navigating a challenging financial landscape and honoring franchise legends like Brandon Graham who have contributed deeply to the team’s history and culture.
