The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly in the mix for star defensive end Trey Hendrickson before he ultimately signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.
After falling short of a potential Super Bowl repeat during the 2025-26 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman are now beginning to retool the roster throughout the offseason.
Throughout the first two days of the free agency period this week, Roseman and the front office have made a couple of key moves to prepare for the upcoming season. This includes signing former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Riq Woolen to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, as well as resigning tight end Grant Calcaterra to a one-year contract.
However, the Eagles had a much bigger plan this offseason, as NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday morning that Philadelphia was in play for former Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson before he ultimately signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
What is the Eagles’ Backup Plan?
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)Prior to this week’s free agency madness, the Ravens made the huge decision to trade two first-round picks in exchange for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby late last week. This led to the Eagles being in a perfect spot to sign Hendrickson this offseason, as Baltimore was out of the running for Hendrickson.
Unfortunately, the deal for Crosby would fall through on Tuesday night, as the Raiders stated that their trade partner had backed out of the deal. While there was no indication of why the Ravens decided to pivot from the deal, multiple reports last night surfaced that Crosby failed his physical.
Now, with Hendrickson off the market, the Eagles must find another defensive end to pursue in free agency this offseason in order to bolster the organization’s pass rush in 2026. One name that could make sense is veteran Joey Bosa, who spent last season with the Buffalo Bills. Depending on how the rest of free agency goes for Philadelphia, Bosa could be an experienced pass rusher that the Eagles desperately need for 2026.
Another name, now that he is back with the Raiders, is Crosby himself. While Roseman would have to trade multiple first-round picks for the elite defensive end, adding a top-five EDGE rusher on defense could truly take the team to the next level.
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