From the Archives: Eagles Players to Watch on Offense in 2026

From the archives: My top 25 Philadelphia Eagles players to watch out for in 2026 was never uploaded to readingeagle.com, so instead, Back Sports Page will get the honors instead.

Originally written before training camp, my outlook and opinions on some players and their impact have obviously changed, but for the most part, they were adjusted as we’re only one day from kickoff against the Washington Commanders.

Here are my offensive player breakdowns and some questions that should be asked before the helmets strap up.

QB Jalen Hurts (7th season): 3,224 pass yards, 25 TDs, 6 INTs | 421 rush yards, 8 TDs in 2025.

One of, if not the most, talked-about players across the entire NFL, Jalen Hurts is seemingly always a topic of conversation around the city of Philadelphia. And this season, the discussions and spotlight will be turned up even more, if that’s possible.

The Super Bowl LIX MVP is entering his sixth season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback and is eligible for a contract extension. But the biggest question to be answered is: How will 2026 treat the three-time Pro Bowler?

Hurts will be under his sixth offensive coordinator in Sean Manion, who will be a first-year play-caller. That, in itself, will come with a handful of growing pains in different areas for both Manion and the offense.

Last season, Hurts posted a 27.26 passing EPA (Expected Points Added), ranking 18th among NFL quarterbacks. Even on the ground, for a player known for using his legs to create big plays, Hurts rushed for just 421 yards in 2025, his lowest total since becoming the Eagles’ full-time starter.

In 2026, Hurts will be expected to do things he is not comfortable with, including going under center, turning his back to the defense in play-action, quickly processing the defensive coverage thrown at him, and attempting to fit the ball into tight zone coverage windows.

Along with the scheme itself, Hurts’ top receiving target has left the building in A.J. Brown, for better or worse. The offensive line is another year older and dealing with a number of health issues, while the 2,000-yard rusher from 2024, Saquon Barkley, isn’t getting any younger.

Hurts will have a heavy load on his shoulders as he tries to take the city of Philadelphia back to the promised land.

All of the above will be critical in determining how the Eagles organization moves forward with Hurts.

To be successful, Hurts needs to become comfortable with being uncomfortable because, early in September and October, it will be evident there are things the Eagles’ offense is adjusting to from previous seasons.

Can Hurts adapt and grow his game, leaving the doubters across the league eating their words? Or will we see the same Jalen Hurts we’ve become accustomed to seeing when everything around him isn’t perfect?

RB Saquon Barkley (9th season): 1,140 rushing yards, 7 TDs | 273 receiving yards, 2 TDs in 2025.

It came as no surprise that Saquon Barkley did not have the same type of production he did in 2024, when he became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, accomplishing that legendary feat en route to the Eagles’ second Super Bowl victory.

The wear and tear on running backs is what gives the position such a short shelf life at an elite level, if they ever reach those heights. That raises the question: Will Barkley remain a top-five running back as he enters his age-30 by the end of the season’s calendar year?

It’s certainly possible with the talent the three-time Pro Bowler possesses, but the biggest key in Barkley’s equation is the offensive line staying healthy and building continuity under new offensive line coach Chris Kuper.

Last season, the Eagles’ superstar was hit behind the line of scrimmage on 47.1% of his carries, resulting in an average of just 0.7 yards per carry. On the other hand, when he wasn’t contacted before the line of scrimmage, he averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.

There are two ways to look at those statistics. The offensive line was a major issue last season, and Barkley will be fine if it improves and gets healthy, or Barkley has lost a step of his elusiveness, making defenders miss once the ball is in his hands, and has actually begun to regress.

It’s also worth noting that Tank Bigsby, who was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars after Week 1, averaged 5.9 yards per carry compared to Barkley’s 4.1. While it’s obviously a much different sample size, it’s still noteworthy heading into 2026.

The early part of the season should be telling in determining what kind of season Barkley has left in him.

Barkley has stated this offseason that he feels fantastic both physically and mentally. Can a well-rested Saquon Barkley stamp his name back atop the NFL’s running back rankings?

WR DeVonta Smith (6th season): 1,008 receiving yards, 4 TDs in 2025.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ new No. 1 wide receiver: DeVonta Smith.

What a ride Philadelphia fans have been through over the past few seasons with the A.J. Brown saga, but 2026 will begin a new era on the outside as Smith takes over the “X” receiver role.

The Alabama Heisman Trophy winner recorded his third 1,000-yard season in 2025 as he enters a bigger role, facing No. 1 cornerbacks all season long. He will certainly command more attention on his side of the field without Brown’s presence.

Many analysts and fans alike are predicting a breakout season from Smith as he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his talent with more targets coming his way.

Even while spending most of his career as the “Z” receiver after his rookie season, Smith has consistently produced when his number is called.

Without Brown in the lineup over the past four seasons, Smith has recorded 23 receptions for 291 yards and one touchdown in four games.

It’s a small sample size, but there’s little doubt Smith has the potential to post the best statistical season of his career.

Last season, Smith had a 24.3% target share compared to Brown’s 29.5%, but it’s likely his share will surpass that in 2026 with a surrounding receiver room that now includes rookie Makai Lemon from USC, Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers and Hollywood Brown from the Chiefs.

The Eagles’ receiver room may not have the same top-end talent it did with the duo of Brown and Smitty, but a deeper, more well-rounded, and cohesive unit could prove more beneficial in the long run.

Smith has the intangibles to become one of the league’s elite receivers and put his name in top-10 conversations. Ultimately, though, will he live up to the expectations many have placed on him this season?

WR Dontayvion Wicks (4th season): 332 receiving yards, 2 TDs with the Green Bay Packers in 2025.

A sneaky trade that cost just two Day 3 draft picks, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired their potential No. 2 receiver, Dontayvion Wicks, in lieu of the A.J. Brown saga.

Wicks’ production has decreased each season after an impressive rookie year, recording 581 yards and four touchdowns as a fifth-round draft pick.

Green Bay has had a unique situation on the outside, with more of a committee of receivers rather than a true X receiver to carry the load of production, not having a 1,000-yard receiver since Davante Adams in 2021.

Nonetheless, the Eagles have shown they are betting on the uncharted potential of Wicks, who signed a one-year extension worth up to $12.5 million.

“I want to come out and show what I’m worth,” Wicks said in an interview.

First-year offensive coordinator Sean Manion and former Packers receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey, who is now the Eagles’ run game coordinator and tight ends coach, are familiar with Wicks from their time at Lambeau.

That will certainly help the situation as Wicks develops into a bigger role as an Eagle.

With the loss of Brown and former No. 3 receiver Jahan Dotson, Wicks can be a big part of Philadelphia’s passing game.

Wicks stands at 6-foot-1, the same as Brown, but weighs significantly less at 205 pounds. He will be looked at as the more big-bodied receiver, as he has the most size in the room.

The 25-year-old can play inside and outside, getting reps at Z, X, and J while in Green Bay. He played 47% of the offensive snaps and started seven games in 2025.

He was put in a ton of pre-snap motion, with a 34.1% target rate when doing so. The majority of his routes were speed outs or deep outs, with Jordan Love getting the ball to him quickly without much yards after catch, totaling just 67 throughout the season.

Wicks is a pretty good route runner who can create separation at the top of his routes, but has struggled with drops throughout his career, recording 14 in 46 games played.

Since being traded for, and as a veteran, Wicks will be looked at to lock up the Z spot on the depth chart in camp, with Makai Lemon starting in the slot while Hollywood Brown will be more of a rotational No. 4 receiver.

As of now, it’s Wicks’ job to lose, as he will be expected to have a career year alongside Devonta Smith.

WR Makai Lemon (Rookie season): No. 20 overall pick out of USC. Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. 1,156 receiving yards, 11 TDs in 2025.

The Philadelphia Eagles jumped up three spots to snag one of the top wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking him right out from under their in-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was a one-of-a-kind draft experience. Lemon was on the phone believing he was about to become a Steeler before suddenly asking, “Why is Philly calling me?”

Lemon immediately enters the NFL with high expectations following the departure of A.J. Brown and as a first-round pick the Eagles acquired after trading with their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.

To add to the pressure, Eagles fans were left with a bad taste in their mouths the last time the franchise selected a wide receiver in the first round: Jalen Reagor.

Unlike the Eagles’ 2020 first-round pick, Lemon is known for having some of the best hands in the draft. He tracks the ball exceptionally well and has elite catch timing, waiting until the very last second to flash his hands and make the catch before the defensive back even realizes the ball is there.

At just 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Lemon will spend the majority of his time in the slot in 10 and 11 personnel.

His quickness and twitchy speed will give linebackers and safeties problems whenever they’re matched up against him.

The USC product will also fill a gap in the Eagles’ lack of yards after catch on throws under 10 yards, which ranked 31st in the NFL at 3.3 yards after catch.

Last season, Lemon averaged 6.4 yards after catch, accounting for nearly 47% of his total yards, showing his ability to make defenders miss and find extra yards with the ball in his hands.

Lemon will be a critical piece of the Eagles’ offense in 2026 as the organization hopes he finds his footing in the NFL sooner rather than later.

It’s extremely important that some of the pressure is taken off DeVonta Smith on the outside, and with Lemon’s ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties, he’ll have plenty of opportunities throughout the season.

TE Dallas Goedert (9th season): 591 receiving yards, 11 TDs in 2025.

The 31-year-old returns for his ninth season as an Eagle.

After recording a career high in touchdowns (11), Goedert entered free agency as an unrestricted free agent but didn’t gauge much interest on the open market.

As a result, the longtime Eagle will remain in the City of Brotherly Love for at least one more season after signing a one-year, $7 million contract.

In the draft, the Eagles used their second-round pick on Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, who is expected to be Goedert’s long-term replacement.

For now, though, Goedert remains the top option in a deep and crowded tight end room that also includes Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins, and Dae’Quan Wright.

It’s safe to assume the Eagles could carry four, or even five, tight ends on their 53-man roster when final cuts are made.

Sean Manion will have the opportunity to utilize plenty of 12 and 13 personnel packages to complement the running game and get more athletes involved on the edge.

Expect to see plenty of red-zone opportunities for the tight ends, especially with a receiver room that doesn’t have quite the same star power it did in previous seasons.

It’s exciting to think about what the Eagles’ offense can do with the blend of veteran leadership and young talent in the tight end room.

Even if the younger players begin to take on a larger share of the snaps, Goedert remains Jalen Hurts’ security blanket and should continue to see his fair share of opportunities.

It’s also important for Goedert to remain a dependable run blocker to keep himself on the field, as that’s an area of a player’s game that can begin to decline with age.

Nonetheless, the Super Bowl champion will have the opportunity to wear midnight green for at least one more season as one of Philadelphia’s fan favorites.

RT Lane Johnson (14th season): Missed nine games due to a Lisfranc foot injury in 2025.

Heading into his 14th season, future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson continues to anchor the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line at right tackle.

His 2025 season was cut short due to a Lisfranc foot injury, which resulted in the two-time All-Pro appearing in just 10 games.

After playing only 14 offensive snaps against the Detroit Lions in November, Johnson’s season came to an end.

There were hopes that Johnson would return for a deep playoff run, but a Wild Card exit eliminated that possibility.

After suffering a major foot injury at 36 years old, many believed Johnson’s career had come to an unpoetic end for such a phenomenal player.

However, this offseason has provided a new chapter, as the old dog learns new tricks. Longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was relieved of his duties, and the Eagles brought in first-year offensive coordinator Sean Manion along with new offensive line coach Chris Kuper, whom Johnson has a tremendous amount of respect for.

Learning a new offensive line system will certainly be an adjustment for one of the league’s longtime elite units.

However, like the professional he is, Johnson is ready to grab the bull by the horns.

The longest tenured Eagles went on record saying, “I’ve watched this system […] from afar, and I’ve always envied it and wanted to be a part of it. So here I am after all these years getting the chance,” via the team’s website.

With the scheme changes, Johnson will receive more help from his right guard, Tyler Steen, in both pass protection and run-blocking schemes, something he isn’t particularly used to after spending most of his career isolated one-on-one against defensive ends.

As the six-time Pro Bowler continues to get older, help from his younger teammates isn’t something Johnson will turn down.

But don’t get it twisted, the elite right tackle will look to hold onto that title until the wheels fall off.

LG Landon Dickerson (6th season): Started all 15 games he appeared in during 2025.

Another member of one of the NFL’s longstanding elite offensive lines, Landon Dickerson is back for his sixth season, something that was very much up in the air following the conclusion of last year.

Dickerson, only 27 years old, contemplated retirement but ultimately decided to return for at least one more season.

The Alabama product has been riddled with injuries dating back to his college days. Dickerson missed the majority of last season’s training camp after undergoing meniscus surgery but was still able to suit up for 15 games, playing through both an ankle injury and a back injury that has seemingly plagued him throughout his entire career.

It’s a shame when players with Dickerson’s talent and prestige are slowed down by the injury bug, but unfortunately, that’s just football.

Over the years, many offensive linemen have decided to step away from the game relatively early due to similar circumstances, including former Eagle Stefen Wisniewski, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper, and former Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick, to name a few.

One thing worth noting is that when athletes begin contemplating retirement and shift away from that all-in mindset, it can be difficult to completely flip the switch and get fully locked back in. It’s just something to keep an eye on in 2026.

For the time being, however, Dickerson remains under contract through the 2028 season.

The three-time Pro Bowler has been an integral part of the Eagles’ front five since entering the league in 2021. Similar to Lane Johnson and the rest of the offensive line, he’ll be learning a new scheme up front, which could prove beneficial in the long run.

Chris Kuper’s philosophy relies more on wide-zone blocking concepts, including reach blocks designed to help teammates create running lanes, rather than Jeff Stoutland’s approach of essentially overpowering the man in front of you.

And obviously, Stoutland’s philosophy worked, helping the Eagles win two Super Bowls with one of the league’s most dominant fronts. But from a health standpoint, and considering where the league is trending offensively, Kuper’s scheme may be the better fit for an aging, injury-riddled offensive line.

LT Jordan Mailata (7th season): Started all 16 games he appeared in 2025.

Still one of the premier left tackles in the NFL, Jordan Mailata will continue to defend Jalen Hurts’ blindside.

In a recent survey of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mailata was ranked as the fourth-best tackle in the league. Even in the down year the once-elite offensive line had, Mailata still earned high praise.

Like the rest of the starting offensive line, Mailata has been taking on Chris Kuper’s new scheme with a new sense of rebirth.

Mailata stated, “I feel like a rookie again,” via the team’s website, when discussing learning a different scheme for the first time since entering the league after transitioning from a rugby player into a top-tier NFL left tackle.

After last season, there will be plenty of eyes on the entire offensive line, as it was one of the biggest disappointments of 2025. That came as a surprise to many for a team that has had such continuity and dominance over the past several years.

In overall win block rate, the Eagles ranked 14th in the league at 67.78%, while the Chicago Bears led the NFL at 74%.

However, pass protection was their strong suit throughout the season, ranking fifth, while they finished 22nd in run blocking.

That comes as no surprise, as the run game took a huge hit last season. Saquon Barkley was contacted behind the line of scrimmage at an alarming rate, while Hurts generally had plenty of time to sit back in the pocket in pass protection.

Early in the season, it’ll be interesting to see how Mailata and the rest of the offensive line adjust to the new scheme and how it translates both in the passing game and the run game.

Learning in the classroom this offseason will be the most important part of grasping the concepts and philosophies taught by Kuper. The performances on the field will come as they may.

C Cam Jurgens (5th season): Started all 14 games he appeared in, Pro Bowl selection in 2025.

Since taking over for future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens has done an exceptional job stepping into the role at center, earning Pro Bowl honors over the past two seasons.

But, similarly to his teammates Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson, Jurgens has dealt with his own health issues during his time as an Eagle.

Following the 2024 Super Bowl victory, Jurgens revealed he played through an excruciating, lingering sciatica and herniated disc back injury throughout the second half of the season.

That required surgery, and by the time he had healed and completed rehab, it was already time to report for 2025 training camp.

Jurgens was not himself and did not play to his full potential, regardless of earning Pro Bowl honors.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, the injury bug has plagued what was once such a sturdy offensive line. That raises the question: Can this unit stay healthy and reach its full potential under Chris Kuper’s guidance, or will a new regime begin to turn the page if these players cannot consistently stay on the field?

Jurgens has echoed the same sentiments about feeling healthy with a full offseason under his belt, as well as his eagerness to learn the new scheme.

The simple fact that the starting offensive linemen all share the same thoughts and opinions, at least publicly, is a sign in the right direction, as it is well known how much they enjoyed playing under Jeff Stoutland.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to do something special under new leadership. Even if the offensive line is beginning to show its age, there is real hope around the building and throughout the city that this change is exactly what they need to get back to the heights they reached just two seasons ago.

As for Jurgens, according to PFF.com, he was ranked the 17th-best center in the league. There will certainly be a fire lit underneath him to climb back toward the top.

RG Tyler Steen (4th season): Started all 17 games he appeared in during 2025.

Following the Mekhi Becton experiment in 2024, Tyler Steen, a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, stepped in and did a sound job.

Steen, only 26 years old, started all 17 games last season, playing 96% of the Eagles’ offensive snaps.

According to PFF, Steen earned a 71.6 overall grade in 2025, ranking 17th among 81 qualified offensive guards.

Even with that strong grade, Steen is still considered the weak link of the offensive line, which says a lot about the talent up front.

Steen allowed 36 quarterback pressures, the most on the unit, while also allowing the most sacks (2) and committing the most penalties (9).

In 2024, Becton posted similar numbers, earning a 75.2 PFF grade that ranked 16th among qualifying guards after making the move from tackle to guard.

With the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, Becton ranked 79th out of 81 qualifying guards and allowed 37 quarterback pressures.

Whether it was playing alongside multiple Pro Bowlers or simply being a better scheme fit, Becton played much better in Philadelphia, and Tyler Steen stepped into the role while providing similar production.

Now heading into his second season as the starter, the Miami native will be expected to take the next step, especially as one of the younger members of the offensive line.

The Eagles are, obviously, well known for drafting and developing offensive linemen, and Steen’s path seems to be headed down that same road to becoming another key piece of one of the league’s best offensive lines, assuming the group stays healthy.

However, if Steen isn’t able to uphold that standard, there are options behind him hungry to take his spot, including rookie Hollin Pierce and newly acquired free agent Michael Jordan.

It’ll be interesting to see how Steen adjusts to Chris Kuper’s teachings and whether he’s the long-term answer at right guard.