It’s that magical time of year again—Wild Card week! While most of us are laser-focused on the playoffs (because duh, Packers vs. Eagles is huge this Sunday), there’s another big milestone quietly happening behind the scenes. Four young Philadelphia Eagles just hit a career milestone, too.
As of Monday, players still on rookie contracts from the 2022 NFL Draft are eligible to sign contract extensions. For the Eagles, this means some serious decisions are looming. This draft class? Let’s just say it was kind of a big deal. And now, it’s time to pay the piper—or in this case, some very promising football talent.
So who’s in line for that sweet, sweet extension money? Let’s dive in.
1. Nakobe Dean: The Defensive Spark Plug
Ah, Nakobe Dean. Remember how fans were screaming from rooftops about how we stole him in the third round? Fast forward, and the guy is proving them right. Sure, it took a minute—his rookie year was mostly a “wait, what’s he doing over there on the bench?” situation. But 2023? The man showed UP.
Dean’s knack for sniffing out plays before they happen turned this defense into a whole new beast. If the Eagles are serious about keeping their linebacking corps rock-solid, Dean’s extension is a no-brainer. And considering he’s just hitting his prime, the price tag is only going up from here.
2. Cam Jurgens: Kelce’s Heir Apparent
If Jason Kelce’s retirement was a wound, Cam Jurgens was the soothing balm Eagles fans didn’t know they needed. And guess what? The kid crushed it. Jurgens has already made the Pro Bowl in his first season as the starting center.
The Eagles drafted him knowing Kelce wouldn’t play forever, but no one expected him to step in and thrive this fast. It’s kind of wild to think about how seamless this transition has been—like trading in your old, beloved truck for a brand-new one that somehow drives better.
GM Howie Roseman has to lock Jurgens in. Waiting too long? That’s playing with fire, especially with the league-wide demand for elite centers.
3. Jordan Davis: The Gentle Giant with a Big Price Tag
Jordan Davis is already a fan favorite—and not just because of his size-of-a-small-building frame. The guy clogs running lanes like your arteries after a cheesesteak binge. And while his rookie contract still has a fifth-year option, getting ahead of the curve on an extension might be smart.
Davis brings a unique mix of athleticism and sheer power, and when he’s on the field, it’s like offenses forget how to breathe. Teams aren’t going to wait to throw money at him when the time comes. Philly might as well secure their defensive linchpin now.
4. Grant Calcaterra: The Wild Card
Okay, hear me out—Grant Calcaterra isn’t exactly a household name, even among Eagles fans. He’s more of a “Hey, didn’t that guy catch a pass once during garbage time?” type of player.
But tight ends have a way of sneaking into relevance, and Calcaterra has quietly shown flashes of being a reliable depth piece. Is he a priority? Nah, not compared to the other three. But stranger things have happened, and in Howie we trust.
How the Eagles Can Afford It All
Now, you’re probably thinking, “Wait, didn’t we just hand out big bags of cash to Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and others?” You’d be right. The Eagles currently have about $23.6 million in projected cap space this offseason—middle of the pack in the NFL.
But here’s the thing: Roseman is a cap wizard. The guy could probably fit the entire roster under a salary cap made out of Monopoly money. Extensions for Jurgens and Dean feel like top priorities, while Davis might wait another year because of his fifth-year option.
What’s Next?
For now, Eagles fans can relax (kind of) and enjoy the playoff ride. But don’t be surprised if you start hearing whispers of deals getting done soon after the postseason ends. Because if there’s one thing Howie Roseman doesn’t do, it’s procrastinate.
Oh, and about the Packers game this weekend? Let’s just say I’m betting Jurgens and Dean play like they’re already negotiating their contracts. Nothing says “Pay me” like a clutch postseason performance.
