The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to losing players in free agency after a trip to the Super Bowl. After losing several starters in 2023, many expect the Eagles to see several starters sign elsewhere this offseason as well. Yet the franchise is ready to take advantage of those potential losses once again.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie reportedly said that Philadelphia is preparing for compensatory picks in 2026, according to Zach Berman of PHLY. Which is exactly what the Eagles did after their last trip to the Super Bowl, as they gained four compensatory picks in the 2024 NFL Draft following the departures of Javon Hargrave, Isaac Seumalo, Andre Dillard and T.J. Edwards in 2023.
Now the Eagles will wait to see where Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Mekhi Becton and others land in free agency this offseason. While Lurie mentioned preparing for compensatory picks, the Eagles will need to be careful with how they navigate free agency in anticipation of receiving those picks.
If the Eagles were to sign a high-priced external free agent, they could void one of their potential incoming compensatory picks. Yet players released by other teams don’t count towards the compensatory pick formula.
Several veterans have already been released around the NFL with more likely on the way. Therefore, here are five potential targets for the Eagles to sign in free agency that wouldn’t impact their compensatory pick haul in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dre’Mont Jones, DL
Dre’Mont Jones is a 28-year-old versatile defensive lineman with ties to two key coaches in Philadelphia. Jones was drafted by the Denver Broncos when Vic Fangio was the team’s head coach in 2019. Fangio allowed Jones to showcase his versatility in their three seasons together in Denver, as he played all over the defensive line.
Following a four-year stint in Denver, Jones signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 while Clint Hurtt was the team’s defensive coordinator. Jones recorded 8.5 sacks in two seasons with the Seahawks and was released this offseason. He would make a ton of sense as a potential replacement for Milton Williams in Philadelphia.
Harold Landry, EDGE
Harold Landry quietly put together a really impressive career in six healthy seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Landry recorded 50.5 total sacks across his career with the Titans, including nine or more sacks in three of his last four seasons.
Eagles linebacker coach Bobby King was in Tennessee with Landry for two seasons from 2022 to 2023, although the talented pass rusher missed the entire 2022 season due to suffering a torn ACL. The Titans made Landry available for trade this offseason and couldn’t find any takers, therefore he was released and could help the Eagles deal with the potential departures of Sweat and Brandon Graham.
Jonathan Allen, DL
Jonathan Allen was a defensive cornerstone in Washington for eight seasons, including two trips to the Pro Bowl. Despite Washington’s success last season, Allen was released and the 30-year-old veteran will be looking for a new team in free agency.
While Allen could certainly be out of Philadelphia’s price range, his fit with the team is certainly intriguing. Allen played in multiple spots in Washington and would fit in perfectly in Fangio’s defensive scheme. If Allen is looking to get revenge against his former team and chase a Super Bowl, he could land in Philadelphia.
George Fant, OT
Fred Johnson is slated to become a free agent and Philadelphia could be looking for their next swing tackle. George Fant is a 32-year-old veteran offensive tackle with a ton of experience on the outside. According to Pro Football Focus, Fant has played over 2,100 snaps at both left tackle and right tackle.
While the Eagles could certainly re-sign Johnson or go with a younger player than Fant, the veteran would provide much-needed insurance. Both Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson missed time last season and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has recently mentioned the need for more depth along the offensive line.
Devin Duvernay, WR
Eagles have yet to tender Britain Covey and he will likely test the open market. Given his neck injury from last season and Cooper DeJean’s importance to the defense, Philadelphia could opt to add a new return specialist in free agency.
Devin Duvernay was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing a two-year deal last offseason. Duvernay is a former All-Pro and Pro Bowl returner, although he hasn’t contributed much as a wide receiver over the last two seasons. If the Eagles are looking to replace Covey, Duvernay would make sense.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
