As was the case last season, the Philadelphia Eagles entered the offseason knowing that they would lose talent. Oh well… That’s what happens when your team drafts and stocks its cupboard well. Roster turnover is part of the deal. It’s impossible to hang on to everyone. Tough decisions have to be made, and if Howie Roseman and company have to carry dead cap money, so be it.

They don’t seem to care about that as much as the average fan and media member. They always seem to manage. Roseman will certainly find a way to move the necessary funds around.

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The new league year begins at 4 p.m. EST on March 11. Legal tampering came two days earlier. The first day didn’t bring much excitement for the game’s most loyal fan base, unless you count an exodus of players who have earned the respect of Birds fans everywhere.

Silver linings after it is announced that a handful of Eagles are leaving via free agency.

And, so it begins. The ‘Exciting Whites’ split, on the field anyway. The Houston Texans sign Reed Blankenship to a $24 million deal spanning three seasons. As expected, Nakobe Dean is gone. He joins the Las Vegas Raiders. His deal will pay him $12 million per season, for a total of $36 million from 2026 until 2028.

Jalean Phillips also cashes in. He gets $120 million on a four-year arrangement with the Carolina Panthers. Jahan Dotson also joins the NFC South as part of the Atlanta Falcons.

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Don’t worry. Again. This is all part of the process, but if you’re feeling sentimental, there are reasons to be encouraged. Here are some silver linings for those carrying dark clouds.

Philadelphia didn’t overpay for the players that left.

Okay, here’s some brutal honesty. There was no reason to give Nakobe Dean $12 million per season, nor was there a need to hand Phillips $30 million.

Both are good. Neither needed to be offered that type of bank, especially when injuries are a constant concern. The front office didn’t overpay emotionally, and that will benefit the organization later.

The Eagles are clearing space for some massive signings later.

Now and again, Roseman makes his splash, but quiet starts to free agency are also common. Philadelphia won’t panic. They’re obviously preparing to hang on to some cash to spend on the bill coming due for some of the young stars on defense.

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It will soon be time to pay Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jalyx Hunt. If Trent McDuffies is getting $31 million per season, what do you think Mitchell and DeJean will be worth when they need to get paid?

Philadelphia receives a league-high four compensatory picks.

Philadelphia’s willingness to let players walk is also part of its focus on the bigger picture. The compensatory draft pick formula certainly worked in the Eagles’ favor this time around.

Howie Roseman and his staff have drafted pretty well as of late. They receive four compensatory picks for 2026, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens for the most awarded to a single franchise.

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The Eagles made a smart decision by retaining Michael Carter II.

This one will fly under the radar, but the Eagles apparently like Michael Carter II. Credit them for hanging on to a good player and doing so rather inexpensively.

Be confident that Howie Roseman has a plan.

Howie Roseman won’t limit the roster-building process to a few weeks in March. He sees this as the beginning of a journey that will last through the NFL trade deadline.

Be patient. If you notice, the current feeling some of you are experiencing mirrors what you felt last offseason. Things worked out then. They’ll work out this time, too.

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No one knows how, if we’re being honest. Still, Howie Roseman has earned trust, so let’s agree to give him that.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles silver linings following a quiet first day of legal tampering