As the 2026 NFL offseason begins to heat up, the Philadelphia Eagles have once again found themselves at the center of many discussions heading into the upcoming free agency period.

One of the big names that continues to swirl around in trade rumors is star wide receiver AJ Brown, as he’s clearly shown his dissatisfaction with the offense. However, the Eagles are set to lose a key piece on the defense this offseason in linebacker Nakobe Dean, who is set to become a free agent.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo recently gave his thoughts as to what Dean could do this offseason, early this week, claiming that he believes that the talented linebacker will not be back with the Eagles in 2026.

“I am 100 percent convinced that Nakobe Dean is hitting the market and headed elsewhere,” Garafolo stated on The Anthony Gargano Show. “That is my stance and belief as of right now, and I don’t see anything that’s going to change that. [There will] be a familiarity factor to this with wherever he winds up...If you asked me to make a short list, [the Dallas Cowboys will] be on it."

After an incredible college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, Dean managed to fall into the lap of the Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft, as general manager Howie Roseman would select him in the third round. While many believed that the star linebacker could potentially sneak into the back-end of the first round, Dean’s medical history became a concern to the entire league, forcing him to be a late-day two selection.

During Dean’s rookie season, the highly-touted defender did not see much playing time, which was followed by a short-lived, five-game season in 2023. However, the tides quickly changed throughout the 2024 season, as he managed to carve out a significant role on the Super Bowl-winning defense. Dean finished the 2024 season with 134 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, four pass deflections, and three sacks.

Unfortunately for the rising star on defense, Dean would only play in 10 games this past season for the Eagles, while starting in eight games. Still, he made his presence felt, recording 55 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and four sacks in 2025.

Now, with Dean set to become a free agent, Philadelphia’s 2025 NFL Draft could pave the way to letting him sign elsewhere this offseason. Former 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell showed plenty of promise as a rookie, ending the year with 80 tackles, three pass deflections, two tackles for losses, and one interception through 17 games.

Eagles Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Eagles. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.