The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the NFL’s most talented rosters, but their pursuit of another Super Bowl appearance could depend on several players reaching another level.
Not every breakout season comes from an unknown player. For established standouts such as Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith, a breakout would mean producing career-best numbers and entering the league’s most exclusive individual conversations. For younger players such as Jalyx Hunt and Jihaad Campbell, it would mean turning flashes of potential into consistent production.
With the 2026 season approaching, here are five Eagles positioned for breakout campaigns, along with one bonus candidate.
DeVonta Smith
Smith has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most polished route runners,
but he has yet to earn his first Pro Bowl selection or record a 1,200-yard season.
That could change in 2026.
Smith’s ability to create separation at all three levels should make him one of the biggest beneficiaries of Sean Mannion’s offense. A larger target share and more opportunities down the field could allow Smith to post the best numbers of his career. Philadelphia has several mouths to feed, but Smith remains one of Jalen Hurts’ most reliable options. A season with more than 1,200 receiving yards should put him firmly in the Pro Bowl conversation.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts has already finished as the runner-up for NFL MVP and led Philadelphia to the biggest stage. His next breakout would involve putting together a complete regular season that ends with the league’s top individual honor.
The talent and supporting cast are certainly in place.
Hurts has elite weapons, one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and a running game capable of preventing defenses from focusing exclusively on him. If he maintains his efficiency, protects the football and produces another dominant season near the goal line, Hurts should be among the leading MVP candidates. Philadelphia’s record will also matter. If the Eagles finish near the top of the NFC and Hurts delivers career-best passing numbers, he could finally secure his first MVP award.
Tyler Steen
Steen enters 2026 with an opportunity to solidify himself as a long-term starter along Philadelphia’s offensive line.
The former third-round pick has spent the early portion of his career developing behind an experienced group and learning multiple positions. That versatility has helped him earn opportunities, but this season could allow Steen to establish himself as more than a dependable option. Steen has the size, strength, and experience to become a difference-maker on the interior. Playing between established veterans should also help him settle into his role.
If Steen remains healthy and performs consistently in pass protection, a Pro Bowl-caliber season is not an unrealistic outcome.
Jalyx Hunt
Hunt may be Philadelphia’s most obvious breakout candidate.
The athletic edge rusher has continued to develop since entering the league as a raw but intriguing prospect. His length, explosiveness, and closing speed give him the physical tools to become a disruptive presence off the edge.
The next step will be converting pressures into sacks and producing consistently against the run.
Philadelphia needs Hunt to assume a larger role within Vic Fangio’s defense. If he takes advantage of favorable matchups created by the talent along the defensive line, Hunt could reach double-digit sacks and emerge as one of the NFC’s most improved defenders.
Jihaad Campbell
Campbell possesses the versatility and athletic ability to become one of Philadelphia’s most important defensive players. He can run sideline to sideline, match up with tight ends and running backs, pressure quarterbacks and make plays near the line of scrimmage. That skill set gives Fangio several options for deploying him within the defense.
Campbell’s workload and responsibilities should increase as he becomes more comfortable diagnosing NFL offenses. If he stays healthy and earns a full-time role, 100 tackles should be within reach. His combination of production and versatility could also push him into the Pro Bowl conversation sooner than expected.
Bonus: Jordan Davis
Davis has already become an important piece of Philadelphia’s defensive front, but he still has another level to reach.
His size and power make him difficult to move at the point of attack. The key will be becoming a more consistent pass-rushing presence while maintaining his effectiveness against the run. Improved conditioning and a broader array of pass-rush moves could allow Davis to remain disruptive in more situations. He does not need to produce double-digit sacks to dominate games. Collapsing the pocket, occupying multiple blockers, and creating opportunities for teammates can be equally valuable.
If Davis combines that impact with improved individual production, he could earn his first Pro Bowl selection and potentially enter the All-Pro conversation.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five Eagles players poised for breakout seasons in 2026
