There are no days off in the NFC East. Not on Sundays. Not during the offseason. And certainly not when its stars are in front of a microphone.
The Dallas Cowboys are getting used to life without Micah Parsons, while New York Giants fans are staring down a new era of fun-loving football. As the Washington Commanders try to maximize Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract, the Philadelphia Eagles — and all of their drama — still stand in their way.
Each of these teams is flawed, and as the margins between them thin, their collective offseasons will grow in importance. Ahead of the trade deadline, let’s take a look at where these teams might allocate capital during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Urgent needs: Edge rusher, cornerback, tight end
Worth considering: Safety, offensive tackle
The Eagles are still stacked, but their talent can use reinforcement, and as their quasi-dynasty continues, hard decisions will be made. Tight end Dallas Goedert is a pending free agent, and while an extension remains possible, an uptick in 12 personnel could make life easier for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Further, depth at offensive tackle should be prioritized. General manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from high-value players in the trenches, and a long-term replacement for Lane Johnson is not on the roster.
On the other side of the ball, the return of once-retired edge rusher Brandon Graham shows the injection of talent needed up front. A second boundary corner remains the team’s most pressing need. This unit isn’t quite as potent as last year’s tour de force, but with the offense lacking avenues to instant improvement, it feels likely that the defense will earn Philadelphia’s biggest investment this spring.
Dallas Cowboys
Urgent needs: Edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, safety
Worth considering: Running back, offensive tackle, wide receiver
Dallas traded away one of the best defensive players in football and immediately turned into … one of the worst defenses in football. Funny how that works.
This is a historically bad unit, lacking talent at every level and becoming over-reliant on splash plays that just aren’t going their way. Between injuries and inconsistencies, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland haven’t met expectations since their interception-based euphoria. The pass rush needs a star, and until DeMarvion Overshown returns, the second level is untenable.
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It doesn’t matter where the Cowboys add to their defense in April, as long as they do so in spades.
Offensively, the potential departure of George Pickens looms large, and Javonte Williams’ resurgence doesn’t guarantee a southbound sequel. Either spot could use reinforcement next offseason.
Washington Commanders
Urgent needs: Running back, edge rusher, wide receiver
Worth considering: Defensive tackle, safety, cornerback
The Jacory Croskey-Merritt story was fun. I’m not sure it’s going to last all that long. Pairing a high-level running back with a mobile quarterback has proven to be fruitful, and adding a piece like Jeremiyah Love to the backfield could emulate what the Eagles or Baltimore Ravens did in 2024. Washington’s receiving corps is good, but not elite, and Deebo Samuel Sr. potentially leaving town makes that an even bigger need.
Moreover, head coach Dan Quinn wants to play man coverage. If he’s not getting home with four, that becomes a lot riskier. Washington lacks the horses to shut down top offenses and the pass rush necessary to take over games. Chipping away at those flaws while terraforming the league’s oldest roster is paramount.
New York Giants
Urgent needs: Wide receiver, center, guard
Worth considering: Cornerback, linebacker, tight end
New York has new life in its backfield. Setting its buddy comedy up for success will require investments both up front and on the boundary. Malik Nabers’ injury has made it painfully obvious that the Giants lack above-average talent at receiver. Tight end Theo Johnson has flashed, but he hasn’t established himself as a long-term starter, either.
The Giants’ offensive line has been a point of contention for the better part of a decade. Fortunately, it is playing well enough to evaluate Jaxson Dart. However, neither Jermaine Eluemunor nor Greg Van Roten is under contract for next season. Marcus Mbow figures to take one of those spots, but center John Michael Schmitz needs replacing, too.
Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott’s emergence has temporarily improved a volatile secondary. Yet, extending him after an age-25 breakout feels flimsy, keeping the window open to add another defensive back. Slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is also a free agent at the end of the year.
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