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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 20: Boye Mafe #53 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Lumen Field on October 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles have some clear needs to address as they enter the offseason and look to get back to the top of the NFC. A year after winning Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles did make it back to the playoffs, but were upset at home in the wildcard round and the vibes in Philadelphia left something to be desired.
Amid trade rumors surrounding star WR A.J. Brown, the Eagles have some work to do in free agency. If Brown is dealt, Philadelphia would obviously need to replace his production at wide receiver. Even if they keep Brown, however, the Eagles could use help at outside cornerback, pass rusher, and potentially some depth along the offensive line.
The Philadelphia Eagles Could Target One of the Top Free Agent Pass Rushers
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
On Friday, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz listed the top free agent fit for each team in the league. He gave himself a few rules: only one team per player, only one player per team, and no re-signings in this exercise.
For the Eagles, he named Seahawks ED Boye Mafe as the best fit:
“The Eagles could use more help on the edge to rotate with Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, and Mafe had an outstanding season for the Super Bowl champions in 2025,” Schatz wrote.
“Although Mafe had only two sacks, he added 33 pressures,” Schatz continued. “His 18.7% pass rush win rate was eighth among edge rushers and his 11.4% pressure rate was 17th. Mafe is quick and still in his prime, turning 28 in late November.”
A former second-round pick by Seattle out of Minnesota, Mafe had 31 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and five passes defensed. The Seahawks used a deep rotation of edge defenders and Mafe didn’t play a full-time role, but his potential in a bigger role is undeniable. In 2023, he had 52 tackles, nine sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and six passes defensed.
Will the Philadelphia Eagles Trade WR A.J. Brown?
So far, all we know for sure is that the Eagles are considering dealing arguably their best offensive player. Brown expressed frustration with his role in the (at times) stagnant Eagles offense last year. Speculation swirled around the trade deadline that he could be on the move, but Philadelphia held fast that they weren’t interested in moving him.
It’s seems that’s changed, however, and the Eagles are at least open to the possibility. The Patriots are confirmed to be in trade talks with the Eagles surrounding Brown, but so far they consider the Eagles’ demands in a return to be “unserious.”
There remains the distinct possibility that the Eagles will ultimately keep Brown. Trading him as they try to chase another Super Bowl title does seems counterintuitive. If the Eagles feel their relationship with Brown can be mended — or they don’t get significant assets in return — they could still decide against a trade.
Ethan Woodie is an accomplished sports writer specializing in the NFL and college football for Heavy.com. He’s written for Heavy since 2025 and has years of experience writing for NFL Trade Rumors and Pro Football Focus (PFF). Woodie is an expert in draft scouting and his final 2025 Big Board was included in Arif Hasan’s media consensus board for Wide Left. More about Ethan Woodie
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