Summer break is finished in Philadelphia. After months dominated by local sports highlights from the World Cup to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the Eagles report to training camp on Tuesday and hit the turf Wednesday for their initial workout session. The return follows a significant offseason triggered by a wild-card playoff exit against the San Francisco 49ers in January, setting the stage for substantial changes on and off the field.
Sean Mannion Takes Over an Offense Adapting to Life Without A.J. Brown
The most pressing storyline heading into the 2026 campaign centers on an offense looking to rebound from a disappointing finish that ranked No. 24 in the NFL in total offense last season. The struggles prompted the firing of former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and an exhaustive search that landed Sean Mannion as the new play-caller. Mannion enters his third year as an NFL coach after spending the previous two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, bringing a Shanahan-style scheme to Philadelphia.
The system will heavily feature under-center formations, play-action passes, and throws over the middle of the field. Quarterback Jalen Hurts faces the challenge of mastering this new scheme while adapting to life without star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who was traded to the New England Patriots over the offseason. To offset Brown’s departure, the front office added free agent signee Hollywood Brown and trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks, alongside first-round draft pick Makai Lemon, who was selected after the team leapfrogged the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jonathan Greenard Anchors the Defense Following a Massive Extension
Defensively, the Eagles made their biggest splash during draft weekend by acquiring edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and a seventh-round pick from the Houston Texans in exchange for two third-round selections. Greenard, who recorded 12 sacks in each of the previous two seasons before being limited to three sacks across 12 games last year due to injuries, quickly signed a four-year, $98 million deal with his new club.
The pass-rushing unit aims to improve on a 2025 campaign where the defense recorded its lowest three-and-out percentage (27.8 percent) since at least 2000, according to TruMedia statistics cited by The New York Times. Alongside Greenard’s integration, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio faces personnel decisions in the secondary following the departure of unrestricted free agent Adoree’ Jackson and veteran linebacker Brandon Graham, who had returned from retirement last October.
Key Position Battles and Jalen Carter’s Contract Loom Over Camp
While most starting roles are solidified, competitive battles highlight the depth chart. With Reed Blankenship departing in free agency, the safety position presents an opening. Marcus Epps emerges as the early frontrunner in the competition, challenged by players including Michael Carter II and Cole Wisniewski, while All-Pro cornerback Cooper DeJean shifts to play safety alongside Drew Mukuba in base defensive packages.
Off the field, defensive tackle Jalen Carter enters camp as a focal point for potential contract negotiations. As The Athletic notes, Carter possesses the talent to reset or nearly reset the defensive tackle market—previously set by Jeffery Simmons’ deal paying him $35.276 million annually—making his extension a simmering storyline to watch as practices get underway.
Fan Access, Preseason Schedule, and Joint Practices in New England
For supporters hoping to catch the team in action, opportunities remain limited compared to historical training camp stints at Lehigh University or West Chester University. Most practices at the Jefferson Health Training Complex are closed to the general public, but fans can attend an open practice at Lincoln Financial Field scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, at 6 p.m. General admission tickets cost $15, with a $50 VIP option available, and proceeds directly benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation.
The preseason itinerary also features high-profile joint practices. The Eagles travel north for joint sessions with the New England Patriots in Foxborough on August 19 and August 20, ahead of their preseason matchup at Gillette Stadium on August 22.
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