Eagles reload around Jalen Hurts — and move on from A.J. Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles enter 2026 as the team to beat in the NFC East, even after an offseason of significant change. Philadelphia moved on from a star receiver, took a patient approach in free agency, and reloaded around quarterback Jalen Hurts — the profile of a confident contender that trusts its roster and its process.

Moving on from A.J. Brown

The biggest storyline was the decision to trade receiver A.J. Brown, a move the Eagles executed after June 1 for salary-cap purposes. Dealing a star pass catcher is never small, but Philadelphia clearly felt comfortable enough with its roster and its offensive identity to reshape the receiving corps. The move creates cap flexibility and opportunity for the team's other weapons, and it reflects a front office willing to make hard calls to keep the bigger picture intact.

A patient offseason

Philadelphia was one of the slower teams to act in free agency, with cornerback Tariq Woolen among its first notable additions — a length-and-speed corner who fits the secondary's needs. That measured approach isn't a lack of ambition; it's the luxury of a team that already has a strong, well-constructed roster and doesn't need to overspend to stay on top. The Eagles added youth in the draft, selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 20 to help replenish the position.

The Hurts factor

Everything runs through Hurts and an offense built around a dominant line and a punishing run game. As long as that identity holds, Philadelphia has one of the highest floors in the conference, and the roster remains deep and talented on both sides of the ball. The Eagles have been to the mountaintop recently, and the core of that success is largely intact.

Season outlook

Philadelphia enters 2026 as the NFC East favorite and a genuine conference contender. The questions — how the receiving corps looks without Brown, and whether the patient free-agency approach leaves any gaps — are the kind a strong team can absorb. With Hurts, an elite line, and a deep roster, the Eagles have the profile to win the division and make another deep run. In a competitive NFC East, they remain the class of the group.