After spending his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles, top NFL free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean could depart for a larger role elsewhere this upcoming 2026 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, Dean is listed as a top 5 free agent, who could exceed expectations with a new team if he can stay healthy. The injury issues are the main reason why it makes it easier for the Eagles to move, as the linebacker is still one of the better defensive playmakers, but his health is at risk for the team to continue investing in him. Either way, the Eagles have one of the linebackers when it comes to depth.
Philadelphia has Jaelan Phillips, who they’ll likely re-sign, and two promising standouts in Jihaad Campbell and Jaylx Hunt waiting in the wings for a larger role. The Eagles can’t re-sign everyone, but they have plenty of talent to lean on, such as Zack Baun and Nolan Smith Jr., too.
Top 5 NFL Free Agent Nakobe Dean May Be a “Star” for These Teams
Unfortunately, it puts Dean on the back burner when the team evaluates who should return to the team next season. Originally selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product spent some time as a rookie in the special teams unit. After impressing enough, the Eagles moved him to the starting linebacker position, but he suffered an injury during Week 1 of the 2023 season. Despite injuries derailing most of his 2023 campaign, the linebacker was able to have a nice 2024 regular season.
Dean recorded 55 tackles, four sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and a pass defense across the 10 games. He isn’t the most durable, but he should earn at least a one-year contract with these three teams.
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have built one of the most dominant interior defensive lines since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Between Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa, it’s hard to imagine any offensive line can stop them. The Cowboys are still searching for a new defensive coordinator since firing Matt Eberflus. If Dallas wants to change their defense, they should target the linebacker position.
They brought in Logan Wilson to help Kenneth Murray Jr., but these two haven’t played long enough together to establish a chemistry duo. Dallas is better off signing the former Eagle to freshen up the edge rush.
Chicago Bears
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have built their defensive and offensive lines over the past two offseasons. They have a bright future under head coach Ben Johnson, but they must continue to stack this defense to make quarterback Caleb Williams much easier. The defense showed up during the postseason in the most crucial moments despite the exit in the divisional round. Tremaine Edmunds is currently the best linebacker in this defensive unit, so they could look into signing Dean.
It doesn’t mean that Amen Ogbongbemiga or D’Marco Jackson can improve, but if Dean is available, the Bears should take the opportunity.
Los Angeles Chargers
If anyone loves an old-school defense, it’s Jim Harbaugh. Unfortunately, they could lose Khalil Mack to retirement this upcoming offseason. Even if he does return, the Chargers can’t afford to lean all responsibility on him. He needs help if they want Mack to make an impact, and Dean could be the perfect low-stakes investment that the team could make.