With the combine starting this week the Eagles will be getting another look at future prospects and players ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
And while the draft doesn’t begin until April 23rd. The Eagles still have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks with over 20 free agents set to hit the market with less than two weeks until the legal tampering period(march 9th) and free agency(march 11th) open
2026 Free Agents
Below is a list of the 20 players the Eagles will need to make a decision on in the coming weeks:
TE Dallas Goedert
S Reed Blankenship
ED Jaelan Phillips
ED Azeez Ojulari
WR Jahan Dotson
DL Brandon Graham
P Braden Mann
ED Joshua Uche
CB Adoree Jackson
TE Kylen Granson
G Matt Pryor
RB A.J. Dillon
OT Fred Johnson
LB Nakobe Dean
ED Ogbonnia Okronkwo
G Brett Toth
S Marcus Epps
QB Sam Howell
TE Grant Calcaterra
FB Ben VanSumeren
There’s a few positions that stand out the most. Including the Tight End room with 3 of the main rostered tight ends set to hit the open market. leaving E.J. Jenkins, Cameron Latu and Jaheim Bell as the only TE signed through the 2026 season.
The other major position of concern is Safety. Losing a defensive captain in Blankenship could be a heavy blow to the Eagles strong defensive unit. With Mukuba returning from a fractured ankle, and Sydney Brown having not taking a leap when given playing opportunity leaves the Eagles secondary thinner than it was last season.
There might be a handful of moves to come during the offseason, to nobodies surprise.
Approaching The Draft
The Eagles are always an active team during the offseason. After winning the Super Bowl in 2025, the Eagles made a total of 6 trades before and during the draft. The first 2 being moves that acquired draft capital moving C.J. Gardner-Johnson as well as Kenny Pickett. The next 4 took place during the draft that included moving up to acquire Jihaad Campbell, as well as trading up and back in the draft. Securing players like Ty Robinson and Mac McWilliams.
Similarly, the Eagles made two trades prior to the 2024 NFL draft, acquiring Kenny Pickett and moving on from Haason Reddick. They went on to make an additional EIGHT trades during the draft that helped them acquire players like Cooper DeJean and multiple trade backs that helped re-stock future drafts while acquiring Jalyx Hunt, Will Shipley and more.
With a few weeks to go before players are able to make agreements with other teams. Who do you think the Eagles will re-sign before the legal tampering period begins?
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ running back group underwent a dramatic change following Week 1 of the season.
Rookie running back Will Shipley suffered a fractured rib and is expected to miss playing time, which leaves a significant gap in the backfield.
To quickly address this issue, Philadelphia executed a trade for Tank Bigsby, who now enters the rotation behind Saquon Barkley and A.J. Dillon. Barkley, who had already praised Shipley as one of the “smartest” players in the running back room, made it clear how meaningful this setback is for the team.
This article details the impact of Shipley’s injury, the timeline for his return, Bigsby’s potential usage, and how this affects the overall rotation and dynamics in the Eagles’ offense.
Will Shipley’s Fractured Rib
Will Shipley’s fractured rib is a serious blow for Philadelphia, both in terms of health and offensive depth. Rib injuries are notoriously painful and can limit a player’s breathing, mobility, and ability to withstand hits. The expected recovery timeline indicates he will miss at least multiple weeks, which forces the coaching staff to reconfigure the backfield immediately. For a team that values versatility and depth at running back, losing Shipley early in the season removes an explosive option who had impressed teammates and coaches with his preparation and vision.
Saquon Barkley’s Reaction to Shipley’s Setback
Star running back Saquon Barkley emphasized just how big the loss of Will Shipley is by calling him one of the “smartest” players in the RB room. Such a statement highlights Shipley’s mental sharpness and football IQ, qualities that often separate rookies who adjust quickly from those who take longer to adapt.
Barkley’s recognition reflects Shipley’s preparation in learning the offense, understanding protections, and applying instincts on the field. This endorsement underscores that the Eagles are losing more than just a body in the rotation—they are temporarily without one of their most promising young contributors.
Philadelphia’s Quick Response with Tank Bigsby
PHOTO: Pixabay
The Eagles wasted no time once Shipley’s injury was confirmed. Their front office moved decisively to acquire Tank Bigsby via trade, ensuring that the backfield would not be left exposed. Bigsby arrives with the chance to carve out a key role, particularly in special teams contributions and situational rushing opportunities. His arrival not only stabilizes the depth chart but also adds fresh energy to the group at a critical time.
Tank Bigsby’s Fit in the Eagles’ Offense
Tank Bigsby’s running style makes him a natural fit for Philadelphia’s offensive system. Known for his physicality, vision, and ability to push through contact, Bigsby complements Saquon Barkley’s dynamic explosiveness and A.J. Dillon’s downhill power. The Eagles rely on a mix of outside zone and gap schemes, and Bigsby can handle both with efficiency. His versatility also positions him as a valuable option in case of further injuries, as well as someone capable of handling 10–12 touches when needed.
A.J. Dillon’s Interim Role
With Shipley sidelined, A.J. Dillon steps into a more significant role alongside Barkley. Dillon’s bruising style suits short-yardage and red-zone situations, giving the Eagles reliability when drives stall near the goal line. His role as the interim second option means he will shoulder a heavier load until Bigsby acclimates to the playbook.
The combination of Dillon’s power and Barkley’s explosiveness provides balance while easing Bigsby into his responsibilities.
Backfield Rotation After Bigsby’s Arrival
The introduction of Bigsby reshapes the rotation entirely. Barkley remains the undisputed RB1, but Dillon now splits meaningful carries while Bigsby rotates in with targeted opportunities. Coaches may give Bigsby reps on special teams to maximize his immediate impact before gradually increasing his offensive snaps. Given how crucial depth can be in the early weeks, bettors and fantasy players alike often revisit their NFL picks when new contributors like Bigsby enter the picture—especially if volume and snap share projections shift.
Special Teams Boost from Bigsby
One often-overlooked detail of the trade is Bigsby’s potential role on special teams. His physical running style makes him a candidate for kick return duties or as a coverage player on punt units.
By excelling in these areas, Bigsby can immediately repay the Eagles for acquiring him while strengthening the overall roster’s versatility. His ability to contribute beyond running back duties makes the trade a smart insurance policy for Philadelphia.
Long-Term Impact on Philadelphia’s Depth
The NFL season is grueling, and injuries to running backs are common. By acquiring Bigsby now, Philadelphia ensures that its depth chart is prepared not just for Shipley’s temporary absence but also for the possibility of future setbacks. This foresight minimizes risk and strengthens the team’s resilience over a 17-game schedule, where having three capable backs is often the difference between stability and offensive drop-offs.
Team Dynamics After the Adjustment
The addition of a new running back inevitably changes the locker room dynamic. Fortunately, Barkley and Dillon bring leadership and professionalism, which helps integrate Bigsby quickly. The team’s ability to adapt to sudden changes reflects the culture built in Philadelphia—a culture that emphasizes resilience, accountability, and readiness.
How Bigsby bonds with teammates both on and off the field will be critical for ensuring chemistry during this adjustment period.
Recovery Outlook for Will Shipley
A fractured rib often sidelines players for several weeks, depending on severity and healing speed. For Shipley, returning too early risks reinjury or worsening the damage. Medical staff will prioritize complete healing before clearing him to absorb contact again.
While missing early-season reps hurts development, Shipley’s intelligence and preparation mean he should reintegrate quickly once healthy. His eventual return will give Philadelphia another valuable piece to fuel their playoff ambitions.
Final Thoughts on Philadelphia’s Depth Move
Philadelphia’s proactive decision to acquire Tank Bigsby demonstrates an understanding of the importance of depth in the modern NFL. The Eagles avoided panic by securing a capable back who can contribute immediately while awaiting Shipley’s recovery. Barkley continues to lead the group, Dillon fills the interim gap, and Bigsby provides flexibility across offense and special teams.
This calculated adjustment ensures Philadelphia remains competitive despite the early setback, showing once again why roster depth and smart mid-season moves define successful teams.
As if losing fullback Ben VanSumeren for the season to a torn patellar tendon on the opening kickoff against Dallas wasn’t enough, the Eagles also have to deal with an injury to another running back.
Second-year pro Will Shipley sustained a broken rib against in Thursday night’s season opener at the Linc, according to a report from longtime Eagles reporter Derrick Gunn, who’s also with Inside The Birds.
Per Gunn, Shipley’s injury coincides with the team’s recent trade for Jags running back Tank Bigsby:
Sources tell me Shipley does have a fractured rib and the move for Bigsby is not only to add depth at the RB position but bigsby can also help out on special teams including returning kicks…
A broken rib – or ribs – can take a while to heal from, up to several weeks depending on the severity. The Eagles haven’t given any injury updates and the first injury report for their game Sunday against the Chiefs isn’t due until after Wednesday’s practice.
Shipley was the No. 2 behind Saquon Barkley, but was expected to add some pass-catching chops as a change-of-pace back, like the role Kenneth Gainwell occupied the past few years. He was also the team’s kick returner, and had returned a kickoff 12 yards against the Cowboys before his injury, to go along with three carries, one of which went 20 yards.
Shipley’s departure left A.J. Dillon as the only backup behind Barkley, and but Dillon isn’t much of a pass-catching threat and hasn’t returned kickoffs in his NFL tenure – hence the trade for Bigsby, who the Eagles gave up multiple draft picks to attain from Jacksonville despite the fact that Bigsby had sunk down low on the Jags’ RB totem pole.
After scant usage as a rookie, the 2023 third-round pick from Auburn rushed for 766 yards last year and averaged 4.6 yards per carry while also returning six kickoffs and averaging 32.5 yards per return. He returned a kickoff 20 yards Sunday in the Jags’ win over the Panthers but amassed just 12 rushing yards on five carries as Travis Etienne took the majority of carries. Last year, Bigsby returned a kickoff 41 yards for Jacksonville against the Eagles.
The new dynamic kickoff return rules should benefit standout returners like Bigsby, but the lingering question for the Eagles is who will replace Shipley as the pass-catching back. Bigsby has just eight career receptions.
The Eagles did use Kylen Granson against Dallas in a hybrid fullback/H-back/tight end role, which could possibly help the offense while Shipley remains out.
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This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Philadelphia Eagles/Facebook
The Eagles have returned to the training camp, after the 2024 Super Bowl win, with one goal in mind: to prove that they are ready to repeat their success and that it was no accident.
A training camp is a proving ground for both rookie and veteran players, and experts have their eyes set on it.
Some of the best crypto sports betting sites have already come up with the odds for the Eagles to keep their title.
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Standout Players
Here’s a list of players who have already managed to stand out during the training camp and in the previous season, laying the groundwork for the team in the upcoming season.
Saquon Barkley’s Red-Zone Dominance
One of the biggest storylines so far was about how Saquon Barkley has been used in the training camp. He’s a veteran running back, and he has played a key role in the red-zone drills. In that time, he managed to run the end zone multiple times and to show a vision on the field that made him stand out.
Tyler Steen Solidifying Right Guard
Tyler Steen has emerged as the top player for the spot of right guard. The offensive line is in need of a boost, and this is one of the players who can provide it.
This is accomplished through footwork, strength, and consistency when it comes to pass protection.
Moro Ojomo’s Rise at Defensive Tackle
On the defensive side of things, second-year tackle Moro Ojomo definitely made a name for himself, at least among the experts following the training camp for the Eagles. His quick first step and the ability to disrupt plays are the basics of a good defense strategy. The team needs more depth in the defensive line, and Moro Ojomo could be a part of it.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson Winning QB3 Battle
There’s a quiet battle going on for the QB3 spot between Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) and rookie Kyle McCord.
At this point, DTR seems to be winning it, mostly through his speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the NFL, which the young player can’t have.
Darius Cooper’s Big Break
PHOTO: Philadelphia Eagles/Facebook
Darius Cooper is a rookie who has made more of a splash than any other. His preseason opener featured six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, which has earned him a reputation early on. Rookie players are usually fighting for a spot on the roster, and the best way to do it is to make a performance like that.
A.J. Dillon’s Physical Presence
Backup running back A.J. Dillon also stood out during the preseason. The main way he did it was by showcasing his amazing physical presence. He proved able to wear down the opponent’s defense.
When his skills are combined with those of Barkley, who’s much faster on his feet, the two make for a one-two punch that most teams wouldn’t have an answer to.
Jakorian Bennett Fitting In Fast
Jakorian Bennett, a cornerback who just recently joined the team, has integrated into it rather quickly. At this point, he’s competing for the spot in the rotation, and if his speed and ball skills remain as they are now, he will get it.
Setbacks and Injuries
The camp wasn’t without a few setbacks, as well. Several key players have been limited or sidelined, including star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (back tightness), linebacker Zack Baun (back), wideout Elijah Cooks (shoulder), edge rusher Nolan Smith (concussion), and guard Kenyon Green.
None of the injuries the players are facing will have a long-term effect, but they are also interrupting the continuity, and this is noticeable in the passing game most of all. The shuffle has also given fringe players a chance to shine. That’s often the best way to have underdog players come out to the spotlight and find their place on the team.
Surprises Shaking Up the Roster Picture
The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the camp is the linebacker Jihaad Campbell. His instincts have been top-notch both in individual and team periods and have been praised by the defensive coaches.
Behind the top trio of Brown, Smith, and Jahan Dotson, the fight for the number four and five spots has been heating up. Elijah Cooks has had a presence in the drills, but Cooper’s players are impossible to ignore, as well. In the end, the Eagles could end up with a deep defensive roster, regardless of who makes the team, and they’ll be able to use that fact later on.
To Sum Up
Training camp 2025 has caused a lot of buzz among fans and experts. Some of the established stars have delivered what was expected of them, and some rookies have surprised everyone with an amazing performance.
New faces such as Darius Cooper and Moro Ojomo will definitely make their mark on the team.
As the preseason unfolds, the players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, and they’ll earn a spot on the roster or remain on the bench until they prove themselves.
Eagles will try to keep their title, and it will be a challenge.
