With free agency and the NFL Draft behind us, now’s a good time to take a look at how the 2026 Philadelphia Eagles depth chart is shaping up. Yesterday, we examined the offense. We’ll continue today with the defense before moving on to special teams. After that, we’ll post our first 53-man roster projection ahead of the upcoming season. (For fun, take a look at how the roster looks compared to last year at this time.)
EDGE RUSHER
1 – Jonathan Greenard
2 – Jalyx Hunt
3 – Nolan Smith
4 – Arnold Ebiketie
5 – Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
6 – Keyshawn James-Newby
7 – Jose Ramirez
8 – Joshua Weru
9 – Brandon Lee Graham
Greenard was the best player acquisition of the Eagles’ offseason. He only had three sacks last year, yes, but he generated the second-most pressures among edge rushers in 2024 (only behind Myles Garrett) and he ranked seventh in pressure rate last season. Don’t sleep on him. Hunt made a big leap from Year 1 to Year 2 and I wouldn’t rule out that he takes another big step forward from Year 2 to Year 3. This is a big season for Smith, who needs to prove that a disappointing 2025 was about not being fully healthy. The 2023 first-round pick had a great run during the 2024 season, so, we’ll see if he can recapture that form. Ebiketie has the makings of a quality rotational contributor. JTS might be able to crack the Eagles’ roster or be a good veteran to keep around on the practice squad. Much like Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. last year, KJN was a productive college edge rusher who is a long shot to stick around in the NFL. Ramirez is not to be confused with the baseball player of the same name. Weru has never played football before, so, the Eagles will be keeping him around on the practice squad at most. BLG is technically still on the Eagles’ roster until early June when his contract will expire. He played well last year and he said he wants to play in 2026, so, the team should really just bring him back because he’s still able to contribute snaps in a small role at edge defender and/or defensive tackle.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1 – Jalen Carter
2 – Jordan Davis
3 – Moro Ojomo
4 – Ty Robinson
5 – Byron Young
6 – Gabe Hall
7 – Ta’Quon Graham
8 – Uar Bernard
The Eagles need 2024 Jalen Carter back for 2026. The hope is that he’ll be much healthier than he was in 2025. Davis got paid and it’ll be interesting to see how he follows up his breakout season. It’s a contract season for Ojomo and it wouldn’t surprising to see him replicate Milton Williams’ success that led to a big pay day. The coaching staff not trusting Robinson to play much as a 24-year-old rookie is a bit of a red flag but we’ll see if he can earn a rotational role in Year 2. Vic Fangio seems to like Young more than most. Hall is competing for a depth job once again. Graham has some NFL experience and could push to be as high as DT4, though DT5 is more likely his ceiling. The Eagles designated Bernard as their international exemption but they’ll need to keep him on the 53-man roster (or use one of their two injured reserve/designated for return spots they have prior to roster cuts) to prevent him from hitting waivers. Given the Eagles’ willingness to spend a draft pick on a multi-year project, guessing they’re not going to risk losing Bernard.
OFF-BALL LINEBACKER
1 – Zack Baun
2 – Jihaad Campbell
3 – Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
4 – Smael Mondon Jr.
5 – Chance Campbell
6 – Chandler Martin
7 – Deontae Lawson
8 – Isiah King
This time last year, there was some question if Baun was a one-year wonder. Nope! He’s a stud. Entering his age 30 season but no reason yet to believe he’s slowing down. Jihaad Campbell showed promise as a 21-year-old rookie. He’s said to be missing a lot of the offseason with a shoulder injury, though, so the Eagles will hope that doesn’t hurt his development. Trot Jr. should be able to step up if either one of the starters gets hurt. Mondon Jr.‘s presence gives the Eagles a lot of depth at this position. According to his teammates, Chance Campbell was a standout on the practice squad. Name to keep an eye on. Martin is definitely a player you knew was on the Eagles’ roster. There was belief that Lawson could get drafted. He might be talented enough to push for a roster spot but the problem is that the Birds already have a lot of depth at this position. King signed to the Eagles’ roster after a successful rookie minicamp tryout, so, he’s a long shot.
CORNERBACK
1 – Quinyon Mitchell
2 – Cooper DeJean
3 – Riq Woolen
4 – Jonathan Jones
5 – Kelee Ringo
6 – Jakorian Bennett
7 – Brandon Johnson
8 – Mac McWilliams
9 – Ambry Thomas
10 – Tariq Castro-Fields
11 – Kapena Gushiken
Mitchell and DeJean made first-team All-Pro in their second season. They’re studs. Woolen is a volatile player but the upside is tremendous and he could give the Eagles the best cornerback room in the NFL. Jones could be this year’s version of Adoree’ Jackson but actually serving in a backup role at both outside and the inside, assuming he makes the roster. Ringo shouldn’t be a lock to make the roster but his special teams ability could help him make the cut. Bennett probably won’t make the team after looking rough last year. Johnson could provide depth at nickel cornerback in addition to being in the mix at safety. McWilliams could win a job as a depth corner. Thomas seems like the NFL equivalent of a quad-A player in baseball. TCF is likely looking at a practice squad spot at best. Gushiken is a long shot as a UDFA signing.
SAFETY
1 – Andrew Mukuba
2 – Marcus Epps
3 – Michael Carter II
4 – Cole Wisniewski
5 – J.T. Gray
6 – Andre’ Sam
7 – Maximus Pulley
Mukuba might miss some offseason practice time while recovering from injury. The Eagles really need him to make a leap in his development. Epps is a cromulent starting safety but it would be more ideal if he was the No. 3 option. MC2 might also factor in at cornerback, especially in the slot or as a dime defender. But there’s also talk he’ll compete for a starting safey role. Wisniewski might be able to find a role quicker than expected for a late Day 3 pick. Gray is a special teams standout who could win a job on the roster. Sam is realistically competing with Gray for the same kind of role. Pulley has quite the name; he’s a long shot from Division I FCS Wofford College.
