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The Eagles are starting to make plans for their 2026 roster, and Philadelphia alumni are doing the same throughout the league. Free agency doesn’t officially start until March 11, but that still leaves plenty of time for trades, rumors, and speculation about a handful of former Eagles.
Here are some notables:
Zach Ertz wants to play Year 14
Seeing Zach Ertz go down with a torn ACL in Week 14 was a gut punch. His emotions in the moment were real, raw, and suggested that he may have considered the more long-term implications of a big injury so late in his career. Now, a few months removed from the devastating blow, Ertz is rehabbing and is making it known that he’s interested in playing again in 2026 — in what would be his 14th season.
The former Eagles tight end is expected to be cleared around the start of next season, and could be a low-cost risk for teams in free agency. Ertz has shown that he’s still elite at his position, and can elevate any team’s red-zone game, plus he’s always been a great leader and locker room presence.
Could the TE come back to Philly? There’s always a chance. He signed a one-year deal with the Commanders in 2025 worth just over $6 million, and up to $9 million with incentives. The Eagles have three of their four tight ends from 2025 hitting free agency, and are expected to address some of that in the draft. Ertz would be a great mentor to a young addition to the room, and could be an inexpensive option for what could be his retirement tour in 2026.
Javon Hargrave on the trade block?
The Vikings have started to make moves as they try and get salary cap compliant heading into free agency, and that includes telling Javon Hargrave that he will be cut if they can’t find a suitor.
It usually doesn’t bode well for a trade when the team announces they’ll end up cutting a player soon enough anyway, but the Vikings will still try and get some value out of the former Eagles DT.
As ESPN’s Kevin Siefert reported:
“Hargrave, meanwhile, signed a two-year contract last year with the Vikings after recovering from a torn right triceps that cut short his 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers.
He started 15 games at age 33 but managed only 3.5 sacks and was set to earn $15 million with a cap number of $21.7 million for the 2026 season.“
The Eagles replaced Hargrave with Milton Williams, who they then replaced with Moro Ojomo, so it’s not likely that Hargrave ends up back in Philadelphia.
Other notables
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a free agent after finishing last season in Chicago, and when asked about a return to Philly, he joked that they should come get him. He’s actually one of four former Eagles with the Bears in 2025 that are now free agents, joining OL Ryan Bates, SS Kevin Byard, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus.
- Despite all the praise from Aaron Rodgers last season, Kenny Gainwell could be a one-and-done in Pittsburgh with a new coaching staff. The RB proved that he can be a lead rusher, and is likely looking for some long-term stability.
- There are currently over 40 former Eagles about to hit free agency, which means plenty of updates over the coming weeks.