With the Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener against the Washington Commanders just over a week away, now is the perfect time to hand out preseason superlatives across six different team honors. Following an offseason defined by high-profile roster departures and staff changes, the Eagles enter the season looking to win their third Super Bowl in nine years. Here is who stands to make the biggest impact in 2026.
MVP: Jalen Hurts
If the Eagles are a Super Bowl caliber team this season, it will be on the back of a bounce-back season from the offense, with Hurts at the helm.
Under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Hurts will operate under center more frequently. The scheme will reportedly involve a high dose of routes over the middle of the field and designed quarterback runs.
While the system will likely be dynamic, its success falls on Hurts to deliver the ball to his receivers in space to let them make plays. Doubters have questioned Hurts’ passing ceiling, but Mannion’s structure gives him the perfect framework to quiet his critics.
Most Improved: Dontayvion Wicks
The Eagles acquired Wicks from Green Bay early in the offseason, one of several moves to retool the wide receiver room following A.J. Brown’s departure. Despite what looked like a crowded depth chart, Wicks has emerged as the clear WR2 in Philadelphia.
Last season, Wicks logged under 50% of the offensive snaps in Green Bay and posted career lows in catches and yards. Since arriving in Philadelphia, he has quickly built strong chemistry with Hurts by consistently getting open and making tough catches in traffic.
Given Hurts’ history of producing dual 1,000-yard receivers in a single season, Wicks is positioned to finish second on the team in receiving yards behind DeVonta Smith, which would more than triple his production from last season.
Breakout Player: Jalyx Hunt
Now, it may seem odd to label a player who led the Eagles in sacks and interceptions last season as a “breakout” candidate, but all reports from training camp indicate that Hunt is primed for an All-Pro caliber season.
He dominated throughout summer practices and joint sessions with the New England Patriots. With Jonathan Greenard expected to miss the opening stretch of the season, Hunt will have every opportunity to shine as Philadelphia’s primary edge rusher.
Best New Addition: Riq Woolen
The one true question mark on the Eagles defensive unit last season was the third cornerback outside of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. PFF graded Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson in the bottom fifth of all qualified cornerbacks.
Woolen gives the Eagles a legitimate boundary corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell, boasting world-class speed and elite ball-tracking ability. That talent was on full display during Philadelphia’s second joint practice with New England, where Woolen picked off Drake Maye multiple times. Paired with Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Woolen gives the Eagles what could easily be the NFL’s best cornerback trio.
Comeback Player: Lane Johnson
Johnson missed the final eight games of last season due to a foot injury. When healthy, he remains one of the most talented offensive linemen in the NFL.
Johnson enters the year tied for the second-best odds to win the NFL Protector of the Year award. With 2026 potentially serving as Johnson’s final season, winning top lineman honors would be the ideal final bow on a legendary career.
Unsung Hero: Dallas Goedert
Goedert has been one of the most underrated tight ends in the NFL since entering the league. Last season, Goedert tied for the second-most receiving touchdowns in the NFL, yet failed to earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection.
With reports indicating Eagles second-round pick Eli Stowers may be a healthy scratch on game days, Goedert remains the only dynamic pass-catching tight end on the depth chart. He will once again have a massive role in the offense as one of the Eagles’ go-to end zone targets.
