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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 16: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles leaves the field following a game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have no shortage of offseason questions, but Nakobe Dean’s future stands out and the linebacker has made his feelings clear.

Dean, a pending free agent, has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Philadelphia as he approaches the open market. 

In a clip shared recently by PHLY Eagles, the former third-round pick once again didn’t mince words about his desire to return to Philly in 2026: 

“Like I said, I want to stay,” Dean said. 

“Real conversations have to be had as we get closer to free agency, but I want to stay. I’ve said it a million times.”

When healthy, Dean has been one of the Eagles’ most dynamic defenders.

He is a tone-setter and leader who plays with speed, aggression, and instincts that made him a star at Georgia.

The question now isn’t whether Dean wants to stay, but whether the Eagles can, or will, make it work.

Nakobe Dean’s Production Carries Real Value

Despite another injury-shortened season in 2025, Dean was impactful when on the field. 

He appeared in 10 games and posted 55 total tackles, four sacks, six quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles, setting a new career high in sacks along the way.

Those flashes are exactly why his free agency is tricky to evaluate. 

Injuries have followed Dean through much of his four-year NFL career, but when available, he’s consistently proven he can be a gamechanger. 

His speed and downhill style add a dimension few linebackers can replicate. 

According to Spotrac, Dean’s projected market value sits around four years, $31.6 million, roughly $7.9 million per season.

In a league with a rising salary cap for 2026, that number could make re-signing him a realistic option rather than a luxury. 

Eagles’ Linebacker Depth Complicates the Decision

The Eagles aren’t lacking options at linebacker.

Zack Baun is locked into a long-term deal, Jihaad Campbell was a first-round pick in 2025, and young depth pieces like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon are waiting for opportunities.

That depth may explain why franchise legend Brandon Graham recently cast doubt on Dean’s return.

Speaking to PHLY Eagles, Graham estimated the odds of Dean re-signing at just “30 percent.”

Still, Dean’s role late in the season showed the coaching staff values him when available. 

Philadelphia inserted him back into the lineup for a reason as his speed, pass-rush ability, and football IQ remain difficult to replace.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to health, cost, and how the Eagles prioritize other pending free agents like Dallas Goedert and Reed Blankenship. 

Dean has made his stance very clear.

Now, the ball is firmly in the Eagles’ court.

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