ArticleScore 100
Philadelphia Eagles 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 3, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
Loading Fantasy Redzone…
Player mentions
Article text
The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles and preview how it might perform this season. Philadelphia Eagles 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Eagles allowed 4.2 yards per carry to running backs (12th) last season, but they ranked 28th in negative run forced rate. Philly signed Jordan Davis to a long-term extension this offseason and picked up the fifth-year option for Jalen Carter. Moro Ojomo showed flashes with a 12.2% pressure rate in 2024, and he got home on those pressures more in 2025, finishing with 6 sacks. Those three give the Eagles a very good rotation, and they have Ty Robinson and Byron Young as depth options. Philly finished fifth in pressure rate (40.1%) but lagged behind a bit with 42 sacks (12th). Jaelan Phillips was a big but expected departure this offseason, and the Eagles replaced him by trading for Jonathan Greenard. A third-round pick in 2024, Jalyx Hunt took a step forward in his second season, finishing 10th among qualified pass rushers with a 16.9% pressure rate. Nolan Smith logged just 3 sacks but posted a 15.4% pressure rate, though an offseason legal issue could affect his availability for part of the season. The Eagles also added Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in free agency. The Eagles lost Nakobe Dean in free agency, but they prepared for that future by signing Zack Baun to an extension and drafting Jihaad Campbell in the first round last year. Baun remained one of the best linebackers in the league last season, and he has allowed just 4.9 yards per target in coverage over his two seasons with the Eagles. There is not much experienced depth behind the top two, with 2024 fifth-round pick Jeremiah Trotter and 2025 fifth-round pick Smael Mondon next up on the depth chart. The Eagles allowed just 6.4 yards per pass attempt (5th) last season, finishing ninth in EPA allowed per pass attempt. The defense had some trouble finding a good No. 3 option last year, but their young duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean continued their outstanding play. The Eagles made a move to shore up that No. 3 spot in free agency, signing Riq Woolen to a surprisingly team-friendly one-year deal. The Eagles also added Jonathan Jones, and they bring back both Kelee Ringo and Jakorian Bennett as depth. The Eagles had an offseason shake up at safety with Reed Blankenship leaving in free agency and Sydney Brown getting traded to the Falcons. 2025 second-round pick Andrew Mukuba is back after playing 672 snaps across 11 games as a rookie, and DeJean is expected to play safety in base defense. Michael Carter re-signed on a small deal in free agency and should also play a versatile role. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's B…