The honeymoon phase in Philadelphia didn’t just end; it hit a brick wall at full speed. Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles were sent packing in a 23-19 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and the fallout has been swift. If you thought the post-game handshakes were the end of the drama, you haven't been paying attention to the NovaCare Complex lately.
Nick Sirianni is staying, but the deck is being shuffled—violently.
The Offensive Coordinator Vacancy and the Search for Identity
The biggest piece of eagles news and rumors right now is the dismissal of Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo. It happened fast. Sirianni met with Patullo on Tuesday, January 13, and by that afternoon, the team released a statement confirming the change. Honestly, the move felt inevitable to anyone watching the offense stall out in the red zone during the playoffs.
Despite the Eagles ranking statistically well in certain areas, the "eye test" failed miserably down the stretch. A.J. Brown’s visible frustration and Jalen Hurts’ plateauing as a pocket passer created a vacuum that Patullo couldn't fill. Now, Howie Roseman and Sirianni are "casting a wide net."
Rumors are already swirling about names like Mike McDaniel (recently out of Miami) or even a structural pivot toward someone like Todd Monken. The goal? Fix the stagnation. The Eagles need a play-caller who doesn't just rely on individual heroics from Saquon Barkley or DeVonta Smith but actually creates space through scheme.
📖 Related: Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Ring: The Story Behind the 15-Carat Masterpiece
Roster Moves: The Futures Contracts and the Hidden Depth
While the big names dominate the headlines, Howie Roseman is already churning the bottom of the roster. This is where the real "boring" work of an offseason happens.
The team recently signed 12 players to reserve/future contracts. You probably won't see these names on a jersey at the Linc tomorrow, but they matter for training camp depth.
- Carson Steele (RB): The former UCLA standout and Chiefs practice squad member is an intriguing addition. He’s got that fullback/running back hybrid build that could be a weapon in short-yardage situations.
- John Ojukwu (T): With Lane Johnson’s future always a topic of discussion due to age and recent injuries, adding a 27-year-old tackle with 16 games of NFL experience is a savvy move.
- E.J. Jenkins (TE): He’s been around the block in Philly before. He knows the system, and with Dallas Goedert entering a contract year, the Eagles need bodies at tight end.
The Free Agency Looming Crisis
Speaking of Goedert, we need to talk about the 2026 free agent class. This is where the eagles news and rumors get a bit scary for fans. The list of players with expiring contracts is long, and it includes some "glue" guys that hold this locker room together.
✨ Don't miss: Por qué las estadísticas de Newcastle United contra Crystal Palace siempre engañan
Basically, the Eagles are looking at a potential exodus. Dallas Goedert is at the top of that list. So is safety Reed Blankenship, who has become a defensive mainstay. Then you have the pass-rush depth: Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari are both looking at the open market. Even Brandon Graham, the heart of the city, is on that list, though most expect him to either retire or sign one-year "legacy" deals until he's 50.
Howie Roseman has a math problem. He’s got to figure out who is a "must-keep" and who is a "thanks for the memories." With Jalen Hurts’ massive contract starting to eat up larger chunks of the cap, the days of signing every big-name free agent might be over.
What Really Happened with Lane Johnson?
The Wild Card loss left a bitter taste, especially regarding Lane Johnson’s status. He was inactive with a foot injury—a Lisfranc sprain he picked up back in November. He tried to go. He practiced in a limited capacity all week leading up to the 49ers game.
But when Sunday rolled around, the foot didn't hold up.
Fred Johnson stepped in, and while he’s been a serviceable backup, he isn't Lane. The drop-off in protection was noticeable. This highlights the biggest rumor of all: is the legendary right tackle nearing the end? He’s a warrior, but eight straight missed games to end a season is a loud signal from a 35-year-old body.
Moving Forward: Actionable Offseason Steps
If you're looking for what the Eagles must do next to avoid another mid-round exit, it's not just about buying a new linebacker.
First, they have to nail the OC hire. This cannot be a "yes man" for Sirianni. It has to be an innovator who can challenge Jalen Hurts to evolve. Hurts is a Super Bowl-caliber talent, but the league has the book on his current tendencies.
Second, the draft needs to focus on the trenches—specifically the right side of the offensive line. Relying on Lane Johnson’s health for 17 games in 2026 feels like a gamble the team can't afford to lose again.
Finally, keep an eye on the trade market. If the Eagles decide to move on from a high-priced veteran to clear cap space for the 2026 free agents, Howie Roseman is exactly the guy to pull the trigger on a draft-day shocker.
The offseason is officially here. It’s going to be loud.
Next Steps for the Offseason:
- Monitor the Offensive Coordinator interviews; a hire is expected before the Senior Bowl.
- Track the "Reserve/Future" signings as the team fills out the 90-man roster.
- Review the 2026 NFL Draft order—the Eagles will likely be picking in the early 20s, a prime spot for a defensive end or offensive tackle.