The Philadelphia Eagles' future hinges on the contributions of key players, particularly under new offensive assistant Sean Mannion. His coaching role is expected to significantly impact quarterback Jalen Hurts and the team's overall performance.
Key points
Sean Mannion is the new offensive assistant for the Eagles.
Mannion previously coached quarterbacks and helped develop Malik Willis.
The Eagles' success will depend on key offensive players.
The defense faces challenges with the loss of several key players.
Nick Sirianni is the head coach of the Eagles.
Mentioned in this story
Sean MannionJalen HurtsMalik WillisJaelan PhillipsNakobe DeanReed BlankenshipPhiladelphia EaglesDallas Cowboys
The Sean Mannion era is underway in Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni is the head coach, but the Eagles' future fortunes will rest on the creativity of a former NFL quarterback and a fast-rising coach. A former NFL quarterback and 2015 third-round pick, Mannion, 33, played four seasons with the Rams, three seasons with the Vikings, and one season in Seattle with the Seahawks as a backup quarterback.
Mannion was hired to Matt LaFleur's coaching staff as an offensive assistant working with quarterbacks under Tom Clements. LaFleur promoted Mannion to quarterbacks coach in 2025. Mannion is widely credited with playing an instrumental role in Malik Willis's development, who went from a bust in Tennessee to the most valued free-agent quarterback available. During his NFL combine media session, GM Howie Roseman spoke on Mannion's arrival and what it could mean for Jalen Hurts.
As the new league year approaches, we are examining the five offensive players most vital to Mannion's success in his first year.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts threw for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, six interceptions, with 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. Mannion will coordinate and build the ' new offense and should thrive, having been a career backup quarterback who'll fully understand what Jalen Hurts is experiencing under center. Mannion has seen everything in the NFL, every system, every offense, and every defense that works to counter explosive offensive units. The 33-year-old was a 2015 third-round pick by the  and played quarterback under several of today's top coaches during his journeyman career, including Sean McVay, Kevin Stefanski, Kevin O'Connell, and Klint Kubiak.
Q&A
Who are the most critical players for the Philadelphia Eagles' future?
The article identifies five offensive players essential for the Eagles' success under Sean Mannion's coaching.
What role is Sean Mannion expected to play in the Eagles' future?
Sean Mannion is expected to significantly influence the development of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the team's offensive strategy.
How has Sean Mannion's coaching experience influenced his role with the Eagles?
Mannion's previous experience as a quarterbacks coach, particularly in developing Malik Willis, positions him as a key asset for the Eagles' offensive growth.
What challenges is the Eagles' defense facing heading into the new league year?
The Eagles' defense is regrouping after losing key players like Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship, alongside a coaching change.
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Despite Kevin Patullo, DeVonta Smith (1,008) and A.J. Brown (1,003) are the only Eagles WR duo to produce 1,000+ receiving yards each in the same season. Only five Eagles have three 1,000+ yard receiving seasons â Brown (four), Smith, Harold Carmichael, DeSean Jackson, and Mike Quick. Smith caught eight of 11 targets for 70 yards in the 23-19 wild-card game loss to the 49ers. The 2025 season was Smith's third 1,000-yard regular season in five NFL campaigns, as he caught 77 of 113 targets for 1,008 yards and a career-low four touchdowns while dressing for all 17 regular-season games.
Brown could depart, and even if he's not traded, Smith, who is tied to the Eagles through the 2028 season, needs to ascend to the No. 1 wide receiver spot.
The Dawgs on the defensive line
Philadelphia has an elite trio with Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo, with Byron Young and Ty Robinson as capable backups. Despite two badly injured shoulders, Carter was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Ojomo's 71.0 PFF grade was the 80th best in the NFL last season, but he's much improved, and Ojomo saw his snap count increase to 60 percent in his third year. He started nine games for the Eagles this season and played in all 17, finishing second on the team in sacks.
Dickerson has established himself as one of the top left guards in the NFL since joining the Eagles. Dickerson made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2022 to 2024 and signed a four-year contract extension worth $84 million in 2024, which included $50 million guaranteed. Still, Dickerson, 27, played through multiple injuries in his first five NFL seasons, and labored in 2025 after suffering knee and back injuries this past season. The former Florida State and Alabama fell to the second round of the 2021 NFL draft after suffering two torn ACLs and multiple significant ankle injuries in college.
Baun & Campbell
Zack Baun logged another All-Pro worthy season in 2025. Baun was the only NFL player to post 120+ tackles (123), 3.5+ sacks (3.5), and 3+ takeaways (2 INTs, 1 FR). According to PFF, Baun finished as the 2nd-highest graded LB (83.9) in the league, trailing only Jack Campbell (90.2) (min. 1,000 defensive snaps).
Campbell was the first off-ball linebacker the Eagles have selected in the first round since Jerry Robinson in 1979. The Erial, New Jersey native was named to the first-team All-SEC in 2024 after leading the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. A procedure on his shoulder prior to the NFL draft forced Campbell to miss the bulk of the off-season, but he hit the ground running at training camp in place of an injured Nakobe Dean.
As a rookie, a versatile player with a bright future, Campbell played in all 17 games and started 10, logging 80 tackles and one interception, along with a fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Campbell's 76.2 grade from Pro Football Focus was the 13th-best among 88 NFL linebackers, and his presence is the main reason the Eagles can feel comfortable allowing Nakobe Dean to depart in free agency.
Cornerback trio
The strength of this defense will be at cornerback. Philadelphia has gone from uncertainty at the position to being absolutely loaded after landing Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The move allows Cooper DeJean to remain a versatile weapon. At the same time, Michael Carter II could transition to safety, which allows the Birds to keep Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo in reserve roles.
The Eagles' revamped defense will give some of the top passing offenses a run for their money, matching up with outside pass catchers and in the slot. Woolen possesses unmatched measurables for a cornerback as he's tall, athletic, physical, fast, and has top-flight ball skills. Even more impressive, he produced the second-highest lockdown percentage (65%) in the NFL this past season. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia and Sharp Football, the Eagles used man coverage on 24.5% of their snaps last season. That ranked 12th in the NFL, whereas the Seahawks' man usage (15.2%) ranked 27th.
Even in a down season, Barkley made history. Barkley played in 16 games (16 starts), running for 1,140 yards on 280 carries (4.1 avg.) with 7 TDs, adding 273 receiving yards on 37 catches (7.4 avg.) With two touchdowns. Barkley became the first Eagle since LeSean McCoy in 2013-14 to post back-to-back 1,000+ yard rushing seasons. Still, after the dismal offensive finish, Philadelphia will likely need to pass efficiently to create those clear rushing lanes.
