The echoes of a Wild Card exit still linger over Lincoln Financial Field. After a promising 11-6 regular season that saw them clinch the NFC East title, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ 2025 campaign ended with a frustrating 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While winning the division for the second consecutive year was a notable achievement, the early playoff departure left a bitter taste. As the team and its passionate fanbase turn their attention to the 2026 NFL season, the path back to the Super Bowl hinges on the evolution of several key players. With futures odds for a championship run sitting at +1600, the potential is there, but turning that potential into reality will require significant steps forward from a core group of talent. Here are seven pivotal Eagles who need to elevate their game in the upcoming season.
Jalen Hurts: From Great to Elite
After a somewhat uneven 2025 season, the spotlight shines brightly on quarterback Jalen Hurts. While he earned a Pro Bowl selection and posted a respectable 79.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), there were moments of inconsistency that hampered the offense. The Eagles’ scoring offense ranked 19th in the league, a significant drop-off from previous top-seven finishes, which ultimately led to the departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Hurts’ passing numbers included 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions. However, his rushing production saw a notable decline, with career-lows in attempts and yards per game (excluding his rookie season). For the Eagles to truly contend, they need Hurts to recapture the MVP-caliber form that led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2024. This means not only making the right decisions in the passing game but also re-establishing himself as a dynamic dual-threat that keeps defenses off balance. The team’s success is intrinsically tied to his performance, and his ability to elevate from a great quarterback to a consistently elite one will be the driving force behind any championship aspirations.
Jalen Carter: Dominance Over Flashes
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter possesses the kind of disruptive talent that can single-handedly wreck an opponent’s game plan. His PFF pass-rush grade of 78.7 ranked an impressive 9th among interior defenders in 2025, a testament to his explosive first step and raw power. However, his overall game lacked the consistency of a truly elite player. His run-defense grade of 41.2 was a glaring weakness, ranking 112th at his position. Durability is also a concern, as Carter missed time with injuries during the 2025 season. In the 12 games he played, he recorded 33 tackles and 3.0 sacks. While he earned Pro Bowl honors, for the Eagles’ defense to reach its full potential, Carter needs to transition from a player who shows flashes of brilliance to one who dominates on a down-in, down-out basis. Improving his run defense and staying on the field for a full season are the critical next steps in his development. A fully realized Jalen Carter would anchor the defensive line and create opportunities for the entire unit.
Jordan Davis: The Unmovable Force
The 2025 season was a breakout year for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. He set career highs in tackles (72) and sacks (4.5), and his signature moment came when he blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. His performance earned him the Toyota Player of the Year award for the team. Davis proved to be a formidable presence against the run, earning a 71.6 run-defense grade from PFF, which ranked 11th among interior linemen. However, there is still room for growth, particularly as a pass rusher. His pass-rush grade of 62.3 ranked 68th, indicating that he can still develop a more diverse set of moves to pressure the quarterback more consistently. With the Eagles’ exercising his fifth-year option, the team has shown its commitment to him as a cornerstone of the defense. For Davis to take the next step, he needs to build on his phenomenal 2025 campaign and become an even more disruptive force in both facets of the game.
Here’s a look at Jordan Davis’s impressive 2025 statistics:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 72 |
| Solo Tackles | 34 |
| Sacks | 4.5 |
| Passes Defended | 6 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
Source: Wikipedia
DeVonta Smith: The Consistent Number One
DeVonta Smith has been a model of consistency and reliability since entering the league. In 2025, he led the Eagles in receiving yards, catching 77 passes for over 1,000 yards. Despite playing alongside another top-tier receiver for much of his career, Smith has consistently produced like a true number one. He is one of the best deep-ball threats in the league and his precise route-running makes him a quarterback’s best friend. The challenge for Smith in 2026 is to continue this high level of play and, if possible, find another gear. With the departure of A.J. Brown in the offseason, more defensive attention will inevitably shift his way. How he handles being the undisputed top target will be a key storyline. If Smith can continue to win his matchups and make clutch plays, even with the added focus from opposing secondaries, the Eagles’ passing attack will remain a formidable threat.
Landon Dickerson: Anchoring the Interior
The Philadelphia Eagles have long been known for their dominant offensive line, and Landon Dickerson is a major reason why. A three-time Pro Bowler, Dickerson brings a physical and tenacious presence to the left guard position. In 2025, he earned a respectable 67.2 overall grade from PFF. While his run-blocking grade of 68.3 was solid, his pass-blocking grade of 60.3 ranked 51st among guards, and he allowed 5 sacks and 32 total pressures. For an offensive lineman of his caliber, these are numbers that can certainly be improved upon. With the offensive line being a critical component of the Eagles’ success, Dickerson elevating his pass protection to an elite level would provide Jalen Hurts with even more time to operate and would solidify the interior of the line as an impenetrable wall. Entering his fifth year, the expectation is for Dickerson to be one of the premier guards in the entire NFL.
Zack Baun: Building on a Breakout Season
Linebacker Zack Baun’s 2025 season was nothing short of phenomenal. After joining the Eagles, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the defense, leading the team with 123 tackles and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Baun’s instincts in coverage were on full display throughout the year, and he demonstrated a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The challenge for Baun in 2026 will be to prove that his breakout season was not an anomaly. Opposing offenses will now be game-planning specifically to neutralize him. He will need to continue to refine his game, anticipate plays, and be a vocal leader in the middle of the defense. If Baun can replicate or even improve upon his 2025 performance, the Eagles’ linebacker corps will be in excellent hands.
Quinyon Mitchell: From Top Rookie to Shutdown Corner
As a rookie in 2025, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made an immediate impact. He didn’t allow a touchdown pass until the playoffs and was named a first-team All-Pro, a remarkable achievement for a first-year player. Mitchell showcased the lockdown potential that made him a high draft pick. Now entering his sophomore season, the expectations will be even higher. The challenge for Mitchell is to avoid a “sophomore slump” and to continue his development into a true shutdown corner who can consistently take away an opponent’s top receiving threat. Offenses will have a full season of tape to study on him, and they will undoubtedly test him early and often. Mitchell’s ability to adapt and continue to dominate his matchups will be crucial for a defense that relies on strong play from its secondary.
