The Philadelphia Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman are a force to be reckoned with in any offseason, as the league’s No. 1 dealmaker works tirelessly to improve his employer’s fortunes.
That means, every year, familiar names and fan favorites are going to lose their jobs.
The outcome of the 2026 NFL draft should be no different.
Eagles Wire’s Glenn Erby singled out 2 well-known Eagles starters who could be impacted by the draft in a major way: kicker Jake Elliott and edge rusher Nolan Smith.
“New draft classes are always impactful, and the trickle-down effect starts with key veterans, players on the final year of their deals, and young players in jeopardy of being replaced,” Erby wrote on Tuesday.
Jalyx Hunt May Have Already Displaced Smith
In the case of Smith, an injury-riddled 2025 and a breakout season by 2nd-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt may have already sealed his fate — if you see an edge rusher taken in the 1st 3 rounds, it might underline that point.
Smith was a 1st-round pick (No. 30 overall) in the 2023 NFL draft and is entering the final season of his 4-year, $11.9 million rookie contract. The 5th-year option on his contract would be for $14 million, which the Eagles almost certainly won’t want to commit to.
“A solid run defender and explosive pass rusher, Smith missed seven games in 2025, logging 31 tackles, 3 sacks, one forced fumble, 33 QB pressures, 24 QB hurries, and a 67.7 PFF grade in 12 games,” Erby wrote. ” … Hunt became the first Eagle to lead the team in both sacks (6.5) and INTs (3) in the same season. He is the second Eagle to have 6.0+ sacks and 3.0+ INTs in a season, joining Seth Joyner (1991-92). Philadelphia adding a big-name pass rusher could make Smith vulnerable.”
Eagles Seem Intent on Drafting Kicker in 2026
While the buzz to draft an edge rusher hasn’t been overwhelming for the Eagles, the signs pointing toward them adding a new kicker have been.
Elliott reworked the 4-year, $24 million contract he signed with the Eagles before the 2024 season, but could still face some stiff competition for his job.
The Eagles already made a trip to see college soccer star-turned-kicker Jaffer Murphy in person on March 21.
“What happened at UTSA’s Pro Day on Wednesday was insane, and I don’t see anyone talking about it: Kicker (!!) Jaffer Murphy was clocked as low as 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and made a 70-yard FG,” NFL reporter Arye Pulli wrote on his official X account. “He also made 12 of his 13 attempts. Murphy spoke with over a dozen teams, I’m told … Among the teams in attendance, per source: the Philadelphia Eagles.”
In his latest 7-round mock draft, ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicted the Eagles will draft Florida kicker Trey Smack in the 6th round (No. 197 overall).
Smack earned All-SEC honors in 2025 and set the program record with 10 career field goals of 50-plus yards.
“Smack has a strong leg and can deliver beyond 50 yards at a high rate without having to drive balls with a lower trajectory,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “His repeatable process and consistent placement give him an above-average chance of making it in the league.”
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