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Eagles’ $98 Million Mistake Haunts Team By Halloween
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- Eagles’ $98 Million Mistake Haunts Team By Halloween
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Three bold moves from the spring have turned into major headaches for Philadelphia by Halloween. The franchise signed a new linebacker to a massive contract, let a homegrown star walk, and used a high draft pick on a player who has not caught a single pass.
The most expensive error involves the trade for linebacker Jonathan Greenard. The team gave him a four-year deal worth $98 million in April, expecting him to be a key part of the defense. That money has not bought much production yet. Greenard has played in just four games this season and recorded only one tackle, one QB hit, and one forced fumble. According to Sports Illustrated , the organization likely feels buyer's remorse at this point as the entire defensive unit struggles.
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A Star Left Behind
The second regret is letting linebacker Nakobe Dean leave for Las Vegas. Dean was drafted and developed in Philadelphia, but the team allowed him to sign with the Raiders. He is performing at a high level after leaving his former team. CBS Sports notes that "Dean is in the midst of a standout season, as he's recorded double-digit stops in four of his past five games and is tied for third in the NFL with 68 tackles through seven contests." The Eagles miss that level of play in their own middle of the field.
While Dean thrives in Nevada, the Eagles' current linebacking corps has shown inconsistent play all season. The team cannot pay everyone, but losing a player they helped build hurts when the position group needs stability. Dean's success contrasts with the Eagles' struggles.
The Draft Pick That Stalled
The third issue centers on the second-round selection of tight end Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt. The team had many needs and plenty of options when they made that pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Stowers has appeared in only one game so far this campaign and has zero receptions to his name. It remains unclear if he will eventually become the successor for Dallas Goedert.
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With so many holes on the roster, using a high pick on a tight end who has not contributed feels like a missed opportunity. The team could have addressed other urgent needs with that selection. Sports Illustrated points out that it is tough to look at the current roster and not think the pick could have been better used elsewhere.
These three decisions have stacked up to create a difficult situation as the season moves toward November. The team faces a tough matchup on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders. Jalen Hurts is out for the season due to a blood clot, leaving backup Tanner McKee to lead the offense. The defense is also dealing with injuries, including the absence of DeVonta Smith.
