The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s deepest rosters, but several prominent players are approaching defining years with the organization. Age, contract structure, and competition at premium positions could force Howie Roseman to make difficult decisions following the season. Some players can strengthen their cases for long-term extensions. Others must prove their current production justifies another substantial investment.
Here are five Eagles veterans facing pivotal seasons, along with one bonus candidate.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts is the most accomplished player on the list, but he also enters 2026 with more riding on the season than any other Eagle. Philadelphia signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in 2023. The Eagles
will have paid the fully guaranteed portion of that deal by the end of 2026, creating a natural point for the organization and its franchise quarterback to reevaluate their partnership. Hurts has already led Philadelphia to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one, and finished second in NFL MVP voting. A dominant season under Sean Mannion could place him back in the MVP conversation and position him to pursue another extension that resets a rapidly expanding quarterback market.
The alternative would be far more complicated. If Hurts struggles or the offense fails to meet expectations, Philadelphia could begin evaluating the highly regarded 2027 quarterback class. Moving on would still involve significant salary-cap ramifications, but the conversation will become unavoidable if the Eagles believe they need a different direction.
Hurts controls the outcome. Another championship-caliber season would provide a compelling reason to make him one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks again.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley will turn 30 in February, an age that carries considerable significance for an NFL running back. He remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players and a central piece of Philadelphia’s identity. His explosiveness, vision, and ability to contribute as a receiver give Mannion several ways to build the offense around him.
The Eagles, however, must balance Barkley’s production against his age and future cost. According to Over The Cap, only $2.5 million of his 2027 compensation is guaranteed. That structure gives Philadelphia options following the season. If Barkley remains an elite runner, there will be little reason to alter the arrangement. Any significant decline or extended injury could prompt the organization to explore alternatives.
Barkley has consistently defied conventional thinking about running backs. The 2026 season will determine whether he can continue doing so as he approaches 30.
Zack Baun
Baun’s transformation from special-teams contributor to All-Pro linebacker has been one of Philadelphia’s best recent developmental stories. His contract now makes 2026 especially important.
The Eagles reworked Baun’s deal during the offseason, creating a potential path to designate him as a post-June 1 release following the season. That does not mean Philadelphia plans to move on, but the structure provides flexibility.
Baun must demonstrate that his impact remains worthy of another substantial salary. He is still the defensive signal-caller and one of Vic Fangio’s most trusted players. Still, first-round pick Jihaad Campbell gives Philadelphia a younger option at linebacker, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is ready.
If Baun continues performing at a Pro Bowl or All-Pro level, retaining him will be an easy football decision. If his production declines, the Eagles could use the flexibility they created.
Nolan Smith Jr.
The Eagles exercised Smith’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $13.75 million for 2027 and keeping him under team control for two more seasons.
That provides security, but it does not settle his long-term future.
Smith has developed into a leader and disruptive edge defender when healthy. The next step is producing consistently throughout an entire season and proving he can become Philadelphia’s long-term cornerstone on the edge. Jalyx Hunt’s emergence adds another consideration. Hunt is not yet eligible for an extension, but he could eventually command a lucrative deal if his development continues. Philadelphia may have to decide whether it can make major investments in both edge defenders while also preparing extensions for other young stars.
A healthy, productive season from Smith could accelerate extension talks. Another injury-shortened or inconsistent year could leave the Eagles comfortable letting him play 2027 on the option.
Tyler Steen
Steen enters the final year of his rookie contract with an opportunity to establish himself as a long-term starter.
Philadelphia has invested considerable time in his development, and Steen now has the chance to turn that patience into financial security. He will play alongside an experienced offensive line that should put him in position to succeed.
The Eagles have traditionally prioritized retaining homegrown offensive linemen. If Steen provides reliable protection for Hurts and continues developing as a run blocker, he could position himself for a multiyear extension.
A breakout season could even push Steen into the Pro Bowl conversation. An uneven campaign would leave Philadelphia deciding whether to re-sign him, seek an outside replacement, or promote another young lineman.
Bonus: Riq Woolen
Woolen signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Philadelphia, immediately making 2026 a prove-it season.
The talented cornerback has the size, length, and speed to flourish opposite Quinyon Mitchell. A strong season within Fangio’s defense could place Woolen among the most attractive cornerbacks available in free agency.
That success could also price him out of Philadelphia.
Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will become eligible for extensions after the season, and both could eventually command contracts near the top of the cornerback market. Paying Woolen while preparing record-level investments for Mitchell and DeJean may not be financially realistic.
Woolen can still make the decision difficult. A Pro Bowl-caliber campaign could persuade the Eagles to pursue a new deal or help him secure a significant contract elsewhere. Either outcome makes 2026 one of the most consequential seasons of his career.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five Eagles veterans entering pivotal 2026 seasons with Philadelphia
