ESPN Expert Names Boye Mafe as Ideal Free Agent Fit for Eagles

Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe was listed by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz as a potential free-agent signing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Schatz noted Mafe’s effectiveness as a pass-rusher, getting 33 pressures this season for the Super Bowl champs as a reason to target him in free agency, which opens next week.

The Eagles could use more help on the edge to rotate with Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, and Mafe had an outstanding season for the Super Bowl champions in 2025. Although Mafe had only two sacks, he added 33 pressures. His 18.7% pass rush win rate was eighth among edge rushers and his 11.4% pressure rate was 17th. Mafe is quick and still in his prime, turning 28 in late November.

The veteran is still in his prime, and us just 28 years old. He has played in 65 career games since being drafted in the second round by Seattle in 2022. He played in all 17 games for the Super Boiwl champions, getting two sacks, but has 20 over his four NFL seasons.

Philadelphia’s Salary Cap Reality Heading into 2026

The Eagles enter free agency near the middle of the pack in cap space. Philadelphia ranks 17th in the NFL at $13.6 million to spend, according to OverTheCap.

Potential Departures: Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean

One of the reasons Schatz has the Eagles adding a edge rusher is becasue he sees Jaelan Phillips heading to New England, signing with the Patriots.

Phillips had two sacks and 27 pressures after he was traded to the Eagles from Miami at midseason. His 12.4% pass rush win rate ranked 24th among qualifying edge rushers. Phillips could replace free agent K'Lavon Chaisson and/or make a good partner for Harold Landry III.

One other Eagles free agent that Schatz sees heading elsewhere is linebacker Nakobe Dean, who he has landing with the Green Bay Packers.

Dean is still only 25 years old and arguably stronger than Walker in pass coverage. Dean had four sacks, two forced fumbles and 55 total tackles last season.

The Impact of the Jihaad Campbell Draft Pick

While Dean had a strong season for Philadelphia, the team drafted Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, making Dean unlikey to return.

NFL Free agency begins on Wednesday of next week with the legal tampering window opening on Monday.