The NFC East heads into the 2026 offseason with plenty of questions.
Philadelphia needs to make several key re-signings as it looks to bounce back from a down year. The Cowboys need to overhaul a bad defense, Washington must address several aging positions, and the Giants have to make a concerted effort to build around franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Here is where each NFC East team should focus heading into the 2026 offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles
Tight End: Dallas Goedert is set to hit free agency, and Grant Calcaterra, also a free agent, has not shown enough to be viewed as a viable starter. With AJ Brown’s future in question, the Eagles will need as many pass catching options as possible for Jalen Hurts heading into the season.
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson has announced he is returning for one more year, but the Eagles need a plan for when he is gone. This offense is built around its offensive line, and Johnson’s absence will be felt if they are not prepared with a long term replacement.
Safety: Reed Blankenship and Marcus Epps are both free agents. Unless the Eagles plan to move Cooper DeJean from nickel to safety, they will need to either re-sign Blankenship at the right price or find a replacement on the open market.
Dallas Cowboys
Defensive End: Three of Dallas’ top four pass rushers are free agents, and the defense struggled even with them. Dante Fowler feels like the most likely re-signing candidate, but the Cowboys will almost certainly be involved in the bidding for Trey Hendrickson.
Wide Receiver: The George Pickens free agency saga is already heating up, with reports that he is seeking around $30 million annually. Pickens is a priority to retain, as there are few comparable replacements available on the open market.
Linebacker: Logan Wilson and Kenneth Murray are both gone, with Wilson’s departure representing a significant trade miss. Even if Murray returns, Dallas would benefit from adding a play-calling linebacker like Demario Davis to improve a terrible defense.
Washington Commanders
Running Back: Austin Ekeler is not getting any younger or healthier, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt profiles more as a change of pace option. If Jayden Daniels returns healthy, he will need a reliable running game to support the play action and give him more time in the pocket.
Cornerback: Reports indicate Washington plans to release Marshon Lattimore this offseason. Looking at the depth chart, there is not much proven talent in the secondary to fall back on. The Commanders will likely need to add at least one veteran corner and draft another to begin stabilizing the position.
Defensive End: Washington has lacked a consistent pass rush for multiple seasons, and it has significantly limited the defense’s ability to get off the field. If the team is in win-now mode, Khalil Mack could be a target. Otherwise, expect them to invest draft capital in pass rush help.
New York Giants
Offensive Line: This unit is Andrew Thomas and not much else. Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor are both free agents, and neither profiles as a priority to bring back. Jaxson Dart needs better protection in Year 2, and the Giants must prioritize his development after investing significant draft capital in him.
Tight End: Theo Johnson was New York’s top tight end in 2025, catching 45 passes on 74 targets. Backup Daniel Bellinger is a free agent. Dart needs a reliable safety valve when plays break down, and Johnson has not yet proven to be that option.
Cornerback: The Giants need help on the perimeter. They are not losing key contributors in free agency, but relying on Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks as the top options highlights the lack of depth. There is a real chance the offense takes a step forward in John Harbaugh’s first year, but it will not matter much if opponents can consistently throw the ball on this defense.
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