Christian Gonzalez missed the team flight with the Patriots to stay in San Francisco after a former Patriots defensive star was seriously injured and hospitalized following Super Bowl LX

A delicate contract situation is beginning to surface in Philadelphia as Nakobe Dean is reportedly seeking a new deal worth around $10 million, a figure that has placed the Philadelphia Eagles in a difficult position as they shape their roster for the 2026 season. Dean is still playing under his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth approximately $5.17 million signed after the 2022 NFL Draft. However, as his role within the Eagles’ defense has grown, the former Georgia standout is believed to be pushing for long-term security and compensation that reflects his increasing responsibilities rather than a contract tied to rookie-scale economics. From a football perspective, Dean’s request is not without logic. When healthy, he has shown sharp instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and the ability to operate effectively in coverage. His understanding of the Eagles’ defensive system has also made him a trusted on-field communicator, particularly in high-pressure situations where alignment and recognition are critical. The challenge for Philadelphia lies in both the timing and the number. While $10 million per year does not place Dean among the league’s elite linebackers, it represents a significant jump from his current salary. The Eagles have long been disciplined in their cap management, and committing that level of money to a linebacker who has yet to earn Pro Bowl honors carries inherent risk. Inside the organization, there is an awareness that delaying a resolution could have consequences. Linebacker has been a position of instability for Philadelphia in recent seasons, and allowing a young, system-fit player to drift toward uncertainty could create another hole in an already complex defensive puzzle. “I love the way the Eagles play and I want to be here long term, but I also believe what I bring on the field deserves to be recognized at its true value.” That statement, viewed by many as a subtle confirmation of Dean’s intentions, has intensified the conversation around his future. It is less a public demand than a calculated message, one that challenges the Eagles to decide whether they are willing to invest early in a developing defensive cornerstone. For Philadelphia, the decision extends beyond one player. The front office must weigh whether maintaining financial flexibility outweighs the benefit of locking in a young linebacker before his market potentially rises further. Paying now could secure continuity and leadership in the middle of the defense, but it could also complicate future extensions elsewhere on the roster. As the Eagles continue to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term cap health, Nakobe Dean’s reported $10 million request has become a genuine pressure point. Whether Philadelphia chooses to meet that price or take a more cautious approach will say a great deal about how the franchise values emerging talent—and how far it is willing to go to keep it in Philly.