The Philadelphia Eagles continue rebuilding with the goal that the 2026 season becomes as significant as 2024, when they reached the Super Bowl and ultimately won it, decisively overpowering the Kansas City Chiefs.
With that in mind, and amid everything surrounding the ongoing saga between the franchise and wide receiver AJ Brown, it is said that he will leave the team no matter what, although his destination remains unknown. What also has yet to be determined is when this situation will unfold.
In that context, Eagles management has just restructured Jake Elliott’s contract. Although the kicker has been consistent in his work, the performance he delivered in recent games raises serious doubts.
Jake Elliott’s 2025 season was not his best
During the 2025 season, Elliott did not perform at his peak level. In fact, his play raised several red flags that cast doubt on his continuity with the team. However, that possibility now appears to have been dismissed.
He converted 74.1% of his field goals. With that percentage, he ranks among the worst in the league and well below the NFL average, which stands at 85%. For the Eagles, this is far from encouraging news.
If a team wants to have serious aspirations of competing for a championship, it must maintain a perfect balance among offense, defense, and special teams. That is why the decision to stick with Elliott creates more uncertainty than confidence.
For the kicker, long distances have become his Achilles’ heel. On attempts beyond 50 yards, he has shown weakness, and in today’s NFL, converting those kicks is routine.
By struggling in that range, he could become a major liability for the franchise, while also generating a lack of trust among his teammates. In the final four games of last season, he committed those significant errors.
In response, Nick Sirianni came to his player’s defense, pointing to the long track record of strong performances Elliott has delivered throughout his career. However, it is worth noting that the past does not play; what matters is the present and execution, where he has struggled considerably.
Age naturally diminishes players’ abilities. Time spares no one, and it seems that reality is beginning to catch up with Elliott. As a result, his continued presence does not necessarily bring reassurance, but instead raises many questions heading into the 2026 season.
Perhaps what Philadelphia should consider is bringing in competition so the position is contested, preventing him from feeling too secure as the next kickoff approaches.
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