NFL expert begrudgingly lists Eagles as a team primed for a big 2026 offseason

USA Today

28-05-2025

NFL expert begrudgingly lists Eagles as a team primed for a big 2026 offseason
It's hard to remember when the Philadelphia Eagles' hate truly began. Maybe it was that slippery field in the desert during Super Bowl 57? Perhaps it was the questionable James Bradberry holding call that came late in the fourth quarter. Then again, it could be none of those things.
It does, however, feel like the anti-Eagles sentiment began sometime between Jason Kelce's victory parade speech after the first Super Bowl win and everything weird that transpired against the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2023. That's when the conspiracy theories ended. It couldn't have been more obvious. It feels like the NFL is out to get this team.
Legions of Birds supporters took the high road. After all, blaming referees for bad calls instead of a team refusing to put a game in the refs' hands qualified as 'bush league' thinking, but the haters kept multiplying. That included two NFL teams who lost playoff games to Philly and couldn't accept the L's and move on.
Yes, we've lost a ton of respect for the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers in recent years, but Philadelphia's media members and fans have embraced the 'villain' role. After all, green is the color of envy, right?
Then, it happened. For one night, SB LIX, the Birds were the good guys and the Chiefs were the villains. Go figure, huh? No worries. It didn't last long.
The offseason came, and Philly was public enemy number one again. Their infamous quarterback sneak had evoked a nationwide feud, but here's where dark clouds reveal silver linings. If you're among the anti-Eagles contingent, here's a reminder of your worst nightmares.
Howie Roseman and the Eagles will have upwards of a dozen picks or more in 2026.
Did everyone see how quiet it got? It's almost become comical over the years. Every destination leads to new faces who ask the same questions. 'How does Howie Roseman keep doing this?' How did he get Jalen Carter with the ninth overall selection of the 2023 NFL Draft? Why are the Eagles even picking that high after they had just appeared in a Super Bowl?
Oh, that's right... It's because Howie keeps taking advantage of the New Orleans Saints... And, the Saints keep letting him do it. But back to the draft... How did he get Nolan Smith with the 30th selection during Round 1 of that same draft, where he landed Jalen Carter?
How did Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Jihaad Campbell all slide and fall into his lap? Here's some bad news if you hate the Philadelphia Eagles. Let Tyler Sullivan's words on the CBS Sports platform serve as a bitter reminder. He recently mentioned five NFL teams well-positioned for a big 2026 offseason. Guess who made the cut.
Of course, Philadelphia is on his list! Here are some of his reasons for placing them there.
"The rich are about to get richer. The defending Super Bowl champions already have a stacked roster that is positioned to possibly go back-to-back even after losing some key contributors to this latest run in free agency... But, it will help general manager Howie Roseman work further magic in the NFL Draft next spring."
Sullivan also mentions that Philadelphia has the 13th highest cap space for next offseason ($27,254,029) and that they are tied for the second most draft picks (nine), but the hits don't stop there. Remember those previous conversations about the Eagles possibly gaining three compensatory picks? Sullivan's take mentions that as well.
"Already, Philadelphia was armed with nine total picks, which was tied for the second most in the league. However, the Eagles are projected to receive three more selections, including a third- and fourth-round compensatory pick for losing Williams and Sweat this offseason. In total, that gives Roseman 12 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Given his affinity for trades, folks better get their popcorn ready."
So, back to that question about why Philadelphia is hated so much. Maybe the answers lie in the questions. Why does he manipulate the salary cap so well? How on Earth did the Eagles ever land Saquon Barkley? Why does the Brotherly Shove work so doggone often?
The Eagles are hated because they're good at what they do, and as long as they are good, that isn't going to change. Every victory is an act of defiance. Every tush push drives the knife further into the hearts of Philly's haters. The Birds are so good it feels like they are cheating, even though they aren't.
Heavy is the crown, they say, but if anyone is equipped for the heavy doses of venom that continue to be tossed, it's the champs. Everyone will rally around the mantra Jason Kelce once sang in his off-pitch tone, 'No one likes us. We don't care.' Buckle up. It's going to be an intense season.