Updated March 21, 2026, 9:55 p.m. ET
The Philadelphia Eagles have publicly shown confidence in Jake Elliott. They recently reworked his deal, which seems to ensure that he’ll be around for another season. But, not so fast (as the great Lee Corso would say). Recent developments suggest they may not be completely closing the door on competition.
Elliott’s resume still carries weight. He’s delivered in big moments, including deep postseason kicks that helped define recent success. Still, consistency has become a growing concern. Over the past two seasons, his field-goal percentage has dipped below the standard expected from a contending team, and in 2025, the decline became harder to ignore.
Philadelphia’s decision to rework his contract this offseason seems to signal commitment. There’s hope in some areas of the fan base that this isn’t about complacency. According to NFL reporter Arye Pulli, the Philadelphia Eagles were present at the UTSA Roadrunners’ Pro Day. Wow! This scouting team is certainly turning over every rock, aren’t they? Kicker Jaffer Murphy put together an eye-opening performance.
As Pulli states, Murphy reportedly connected from 70 yards and went 12-of-13 on field-goal attempts during the workout, showcasing both leg strength and accuracy. That alone doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does raise a fair question. Are the Eagles doing their due diligence at kicker? The answer is likely yes, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Good teams constantly evaluate every position, even ones that appear settled. Special teams can sometimes be overlooked until they become a problem. Philadelphia may be trying to get ahead of a curve that seems to be approaching.
Bringing in a young leg, whether it’s Murphy or another prospect, wouldn’t necessarily mean Elliott is on the way out. It would, however, create accountability and push performance. That’s something fans have been calling for, especially as frustrations have quietly built and Elliott’s approval rating has fallen. At the very least, this feels like a situation worth monitoring. The Eagles aren’t sounding alarms, but they are paying attention.
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Sometimes, that’s how change begins. If Jake Elliott responds the way he has before, this becomes a footnote in another successful season. If not, the Eagles may already be laying the groundwork for a transition. Either way, the message is clear. Nothing is being handed out, not even in the kicking game.