Ten Eagles players most critical to Philadelphia's future

The Sean Mannion era is underway in Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni is the head coach, but the Eagles' future fortunes will rest on the creativity of a former NFL quarterback and a fast-rising coach. A former NFL quarterback and 2015 third-round pick, Mannion, 33, played four seasons with the Rams , three seasons with the Vikings , and one season in Seattle with the Seahawks as a backup quarterback.

Mannion was hired to Matt LaFleur's coaching staff as an offensive assistant working with quarterbacks under Tom Clements. LaFleur promoted Mannion to quarterbacks coach in 2025. Mannion is widely credited with playing an instrumental role in Malik Willis's development, who went from a bust in Tennessee to the most valued free-agent quarterback available.

During his NFL combine media session, GM Howie Roseman spoke on Mannion's arrival and what it could mean for Jalen Hurts. While on defense, the unit will regroup after the loss of Jaelan Phillips , Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship on the field, while defensive backs coach Christian Parker took his talents to Dallas to become the Cowboys' defensive coordinator. As the new league year approaches, we are examining the five offensive players most vital to Mannion's success in his first year.

Jalen Hurts Hurts threw for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, six interceptions, with 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. Mannion will coordinate and build the Eagles ' new offense and should thrive, having been a career backup quarterback who'll fully understand what Jalen Hurts is experiencing under center. Mannion has seen everything in the NFL, every system, every offense, and every defense that works to counter explosive offensive units.