The Philadelphia Eagles have made significant free agent signings to strengthen their roster for 2026, focusing on defense. Key additions include veteran J.T. Gray and standout cornerback Riq Woolen.
Key points
Eagles focused on defense in 2026 free agency
Key signings include J.T. Gray and Riq Woolen
Marcus Epps returns to the roster
Roster aims for Super Bowl contention
OTAs are approaching for the Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL Draft has been completed, and Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman has swung the roster shaping pendulum toward the defense for 2026 and beyond. Nakobe Dean (Raiders), Reed Blankenship (Texans), Jaelan Phillips (Panthers), and Adoree' Jackson (free agency) have all departed. Marcus Epps is back, and the Birds added longtime veteran J.T. Gray to the backend after trading Sydney Brown. While there are new names to know, the bulk of a Super Bowl-caliber roster remains. Still, this roster isn't perfect, and there are plenty of pieces to be added.
The Eagles were active in free agency, adding several new faces to a roster looking to compete for a Super Bowl championship. With OTAs fast approaching, we're breaking down one standout trait or reason to be excited about each of the Eagles’ 2026 free agent signings as Philadelphia reloads its roster.
Who are the key free agent signings for the Eagles in 2026?
The Eagles' key free agent signings include veteran J.T. Gray and cornerback Riq Woolen.
What changes have the Eagles made to their defense for the 2026 season?
The Eagles have added new players like J.T. Gray and Riq Woolen while retaining Marcus Epps to enhance their defense.
How does the Eagles' roster look after the 2026 free agency period?
The Eagles' roster remains largely intact with several new additions aimed at maintaining their Super Bowl-caliber status.
What is the significance of the Eagles' free agent strategy for 2026?
The Eagles' free agent strategy focuses on bolstering their defense, aiming to compete for a Super Bowl championship.
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Riq Woolen #27 (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Riq Woolen #27 (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
2025 PFF grade: 59.8
NFL rank: 66th
Woolen possesses unmatched measurables for a cornerback as he's tall, athletic, physical, fast, and has top-flight ball skills. Woolen is 6-4 with long arms and ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Even more impressive, he produced the second-highest lockdown percentage (65%) in the NFL this past season.
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) gets off a pass pressured by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) gets off a pass pressured by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 74.9
NFL rank: 27th
Despite limited snaps, Ebiketie's 74.9 overall grade was 28th out of 115 edge rushers in the NFL, while his 73.4 pass rusher grade was 30th in the NFL.
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) celebrates after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) celebrates after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 69.8
NFL rank: 51st
A former Ravens first-round pick, Brown caught 49 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns last season and still separates from coverage.
BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 04: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #90 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Jason Ivey #72 during Cleveland Browns OTA offseason workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 04, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 04: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #90 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Jason Ivey #72 during Cleveland Browns OTA offseason workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 04, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
2025 PFF grade: 72.2
Last season with the Bears and Browns, Tryon-Shoyinka earned a 72.2 overall PFF defensive grade, and a pass-rush grade of 67.6, with a run-defense grade of 66.2. Tryon-Shoyinka generated 8 total pressures, 0 sacks, 6 hurries, and 2 QB hits. Against the run, he recorded 10 solo tackles.
Elijah Moore #18, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
Elijah Moore #18, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
2025 PFF grade: 62.9
Before being cut by Buffalo, Moore had been active for nine of the team's first 11 games, logging nine catches for 112 yards and 17 targets while adding 24 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt (86) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt (86) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 59.6
NFL rank: 48th
Last season, he caught nine passes (on 19 targets) for 111 yards across 16 regular-season games in 2025, when he served mostly as a run blocker and backup to Brenton Strange.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 16: Stone Smartt #84 of the New York Jets gets tackled by Chris Board #49 of the New York Giants during a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31-12. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 16: Stone Smartt #84 of the New York Jets gets tackled by Chris Board #49 of the New York Giants during a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31-12. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
2025 PFF grade: 56.0
In a reduced role behind Mason Taylor, Smartt caught seven of nine targets for 52 yards while appearing in 15 games for the Jets in the 2025 season.
Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) calls a play in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) calls a play in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 55.0
Dalton had just one start during four regular-season appearances with the Panthers in 2025, and the 38-year-old second-round pick by the Bengals in 2011 has 169 regular-season starts to his credit. He will be a huge addition for Jalen Hurts.
Dameon Pierce #31, Texans vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Dameon Pierce #31, Texans vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
2025 PFF grade: 36.6
Pierce's most productive season came as a rookie when he rushed for 939 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He also added 30 receptions for 165 yards and a score.
J.T. Gray, S
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety J.T. Gray (48) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety J.T. Gray (48) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
No grade
Gray, 30, is a three-time All-Pro and was a special teams Pro Bowler in 2021, but spent last season with the Bucs, Broncos, and Ravens.
Chandler Martin #48 and T.J. Tampa #27 (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Chandler Martin #48 and T.J. Tampa #27 (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
No grade
Martin, 23, was an undrafted rookie who appeared in three games for Baltimore in 2025 as a practice-squad elevation, with 34 snaps and five special-teams tackles, yet still offers enough potential for the Eagles to offer a two-year deal.
