The Philadelphia Eagles report to training camp today, and the atmosphere carries the familiar mix of optimism, scrutiny, and high stakes that defines the franchise under Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman. Coming fresh off the 11-6 campaign last year that secured a third consecutive NFC East title but ended in a disappointing 23-19 wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, this year’s team enters training camp seeking to reestablish themselves as Super Bowl contenders.
The 2025 season exposed the positions where they struggle most on offense after the highs of the Super Bowl LIX championship in 2024. Now, with some roster changes and a coaching turnover, training camp will serve as the proving ground for a reimagined attack and a defense that remains one of the league’s most talented. The biggest storyline is clear: how Jalen Hurts and a brand-new offensive staff adapt after years of instability at the coordinator position.
Coaching Overhaul and the Sean Mannion Era
Sirianni enters his sixth season with a stellar 59-26 record and a Super Bowl ring; the offensive side of things has undergone constant change. Kevin Patullo lasted just one year as offensive coordinator before the team parted ways with him in January 2026. In his place, the Eagles hired 34-year-old Sean Mannion, the former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach, marking the fifth different OC in five seasons. Jeff Stoutland, the longtime offensive line coach and run-game coordinator who had been a fixture since 2013, also departed. Ryan Mahaffey takes over as run-game coordinator and tight ends coach, while Chris Kuper becomes the new offensive line coach. Josh Grizzard was added as passing game coordinator.
Mannion’s scheme is expected to feature more under-center looks, motion, and intermediate throws over the middle—elements less emphasized in recent years. Hurts, who thrived under Shane Steichen in 2022, will definitely bring significant changes for everyone to comprehend during training camp. This season, the Eagles are looking to be more modern; last year, they were ranked 23rd in passing yards and stagnated frequently, scoring 20 or fewer points in 10 games.
On the defense side of things, Vic Fangio returns for his third season as defensive coordinator after briefly considering retirement. Fangio, who orchestrated the league’s top defense during the Super Bowl run, expects this year to be different, bringing new talent to help solidify a powerful NFC team this year with a young, experienced core.
Offense: Life After A.J. Brown and a Reshaped Skill Group
The most seismic roster move was the June 1 trade of A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Brown, a consistent 1,000-yard receiver during his four seasons in Philadelphia and a key piece of two Super Bowl appearances, grew frustrated with target distribution. His departure leaves DeVonta Smith as the clear WR1.
With the departure of brown eagles aggressively loaded up the wide receiver room for more targets for Jalen Hurts to throw to. In the offseason, the Eagles pursued a trade for Dontayvion Wicks from Green Bay, the free-agent signing of speedster Marquise “Hollywood” Brown on a one-year deal, and the addition of Elijah Moore. In the draft, they also got their centerpiece, Makai Lemon (No. 20 overall out of USC), who can be a polished route-runner and contested-catch specialist compared by some to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lemon is expected to contribute immediately.
At tight end, Dallas Goedert returns on a one-year deal, likely for a final season, while second-rounder Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), the John Mackey Award winner, arrives as a dynamic 6-foot-4 matchup problem capable of lining up all over the field. Grant Calcaterra was also retained. The group has fresh talent but must develop chemistry quickly under a new staff.
The backfield has some changes, but Barkley remains the anchor entering a pivotal year. Last year’s production dipped in 2025 amid offensive-line injuries and scheme issues. He still showed big-play ability, and a healthier line plus better play-calling could restore him closer to his peak form. Barkley’s contract structure makes 2026 a significant evaluation year. Depth includes Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and their addition in the backfield includes Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell.
The offensive line faces questions. Lane Johnson returns for his 14th season after a Lisfranc injury. Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens both sought advanced treatments (including stem-cell procedures in Colombia) for ongoing issues. Third-round tackle Markel Bell (Miami), a massive 6-foot-9, 346-pound prospect, provides long-term depth but is unlikely to start immediately. Fred Johnson and others offer veteran insurance. The transition away from Stoutland’s schemes will be closely monitored.
At quarterback, Hurts remains the undisputed starter under a contract that carries a manageable 2026 cap hit but shifts toward year-to-year decisions afterward. Hurts will have to make sure that he is being consistent and making good, accurate throws to his targets. Backup options include Tanner McKee, veteran Andy Dalton (acquired via trade), and fifth-rounder Cole Payton from North Dakota State.
Defense: Elite Core, New Pieces, and Contract Drama
Fangio’s unit returns with continuity and star power. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean formed one of the league’s best cornerback pairings and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2025. The secondary adds length and experience with free-agent corner Riq (Tariq) Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, plus Jonathan Jones. However, one of the key pieces that they are going to miss is Safety Reed Blankenship, creating an opening that camp battles will fill.
Up front, Jalen Carter continues to ascend to superstardom, signing a 4-year, $ 152 million deal extension, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. Jordan Davis signed a three-year, $78 million extension. The edge group lost several free agents (including Jaelan Phillips, who signed a big deal with Carolina) but gained Jonathan Greenard via trade from the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a four-year, $100 million extension. Nolan Smith’s fifth-year option was also picked up. Additional depth arrives via Arnold Ebiketie and others. Linebacker Zack Baun anchors the second level, with younger pieces like Jihaad Campbell developing.
Fangio’s scheme rewards versatility and discipline. Not every high-profile addition has thrived in it previously, so Woolen and Greenard’s fits will be key camp narratives. The defense finished strong in recent years and enters 2026 as a clear strength that will hopefully bring value to this team when they need it the most.
Key Storylines and Expectations
- Hurts and the new offense — Can the fifth OC in five years unlock a more explosive, less predictable attack?
- Receiver chemistry — How quickly do Smith, Lemon, Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and the tight ends gel without A.J. Brown?
- Offensive line health and scheme transition — Johnson, Dickerson, and Jurgens must stay available while learning new techniques.
Training camp practices begin today with joint sessions against the Patriots in mid-August and a preseason slate that includes games against the Ravens, Patriots, and Bengals. The regular season opens in early September with championship expectations still firmly in place.
Philadelphia has the talent and the coaching pedigree. The question is whether the new pieces and the new scheme can restore the offensive rhythm that once made the Eagles nearly unstoppable. Camp will provide the first real answers for what this season will bring to the table. For a fan base that demands excellence, the 2026 season begins under the South Philadelphia sun with equal parts hope and urgency.
