The Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 season is shaping up to be an intriguing one, and it's time to dive into the players they can least afford to lose to injury. While the team has had its fair share of injury woes in the past, the 2026 season presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Let's take a closer look at the 10 players who will be crucial to the Eagles' success this year.
10. Jordan Davis: The Unstoppable Run Defender
Jordan Davis had a breakout season in 2025, solidifying his status as the Eagles' best run defender. His 72 tackles and 4.5 sacks were impressive, and his ability to disrupt plays in the trenches is invaluable. What makes Davis truly special is his versatility. He's not just a run-stuffing nose tackle; he's also become a threat as a pass rusher, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Davis' leadership skills are equally impressive, as he takes on the role of locker room leader, a position previously held by Brandon Graham. While he may not have been ranked highly in 2025, his impact on the field and in the locker room cannot be overstated.
9. Zack Baun: The Versatile Linebacker
Zack Baun's 2025 season was a step down from his outstanding 2024 campaign, but he still managed to earn his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination. Baun's production may have dipped slightly, but his importance to the Eagles' defense remains unwavering. The team has good depth at linebacker, but Baun's versatility and impact on the field make him an irreplaceable asset. His ability to play multiple positions, including outside linebacker and dime linebacker, gives the Eagles a strategic advantage. Baun's presence on the field is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to depth and flexibility.
8. Jordan Mailata: The Unstoppable Offensive Lineman
Jordan Mailata is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, and his impact on the Eagles' offense is undeniable. The team's offensive scheme changes whenever Mailata or Lane Johnson is out of the lineup, highlighting his importance. Mailata's ability to anchor the offensive line and protect the quarterback is crucial, and his presence opens up opportunities for the running game. While he may not have been ranked highly in 2025, his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
7. Saquon Barkley: The Explosive Running Back
Saquon Barkley's 2025 season was a step down from his outstanding 2024 campaign, but that doesn't diminish his importance to the Eagles. Barkley's explosiveness and ability to break tackles make him a constant threat, and his presence in the backfield opens up opportunities for the passing game. While his production may have dipped, the team's acquisition of Tank Bigsby adds depth and versatility to the running back position. Barkley's potential for a bounce-back season in 2026 is a fascinating prospect, and his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
6. Cooper DeJean: The Versatile Defensive Back
Cooper DeJean's versatility is a true asset to the Eagles. His ability to play multiple positions, including slot corner, outside corner, dime linebacker, and punt returner, gives the team a strategic advantage. DeJean's extreme versatility opens up options to fill glaring holes, and his impact on the field is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to flexibility. While he may not have been ranked highly in 2025, his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
5. Quinyon Mitchell: The Shutdown Corner
Quinyon Mitchell's 2025 season was a true breakout, as he became a legitimate star player. His ability to allow just 36 completions on 82 targets for 389 yards and 0 touchdowns is a testament to his shutdown corner abilities. Mitchell's 17 pass breakups and First-Team All-Pro nomination are a constant reminder of his impact on the field. While he may not have recorded any regular-season interceptions, his ability to prevent big plays and disrupt opposing offenses is invaluable. Mitchell's potential for a Hall of Fame career is a fascinating prospect, and his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
4. Jalen Carter: The Dominant Defensive Lineman
Jalen Carter's 2025 season was marred by injuries, but his impact on the field is undeniable. His mere presence opens up one-on-one opportunities for the Eagles' other defensive linemen, and his ability to disrupt plays in the trenches is crucial. Carter's nasty attitude and focus on opposing offensive coordinators make him a constant threat. While his shoulder injuries and spitting incident on Dak Prescott may have been setbacks, his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
3. DeVonta Smith: The Focal Point of the Passing Game
DeVonta Smith's potential to become the focal point of the Eagles' passing game is a fascinating prospect. His ability to dominate targets and his big-moment mindset make him a constant threat. While his 2025 season may have been unranked, his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence. The team's willingness to trade A.J. Brown for Smith highlights his importance, and his ability to carry the passing offense is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence.
2. Lane Johnson: The Unstoppable Offensive Tackle
Lane Johnson's impact on the Eagles' offense is undeniable. Since 2016, the team is 15-29 when Johnson is out of the lineup, highlighting his importance. His ability to anchor the offensive line and protect the quarterback is crucial, and his presence opens up opportunities for the running game. While his absence in 2025 was felt, his impact on the field and in the locker room is a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence. Johnson's ability to dominate opposing edge rushers and his impact on the team's offensive scheme make him a true difference maker.
1. Jalen Hurts: The Heart and Soul of the Eagles
Jalen Hurts' importance to the Eagles cannot be overstated. His ability to lead the team and his impact on the field are a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence. While the team has had its fair share of injury woes, Hurts' presence and impact on the field are a constant reminder of the Eagles' commitment to excellence. His ability to lead the team and his impact on the field make him the heart and soul of the Eagles, and his potential for a successful 2026 season is a fascinating prospect.
