Eagles Stay or Go 2026: Special teams originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro bring back Stay or Go in 2026, trying to figure out the futures of every Eagles player on the roster.
We already took a look, at quarterback, running back, receiver, tight end, interior offensive line, offensive tackle, edge rusher, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and safety.
Up last: Specialists.
Jake Elliott
Roob: Tough one because Elliott has been so good for so long. But not the last two years. He’s one of the worst kickers in the NFL since 2024 with pedestrian 76 percent accuracy and an NFL-worst 33 percent from 50 yards and out. He’s 31 now and three years removed from his last elite season. In the modern NFL, it’s tough to get by with a 75 percent kicker and a 33 percent kicker from 50 yards and out. Elliott is the greatest kicker in Eagles history and his Super Bowl LII performance was brilliant. But it’s time. It’s been two years of inconsistency. He’s just not good enough anymore.
Verdict: Goes
Dave: It was a bad season for Elliott. He made just 20 of 27 field goals and was just 4 for 8 from 50+. Over the past two seasons, Elliott has made just 5 of his 15 attempts from 50+. That 33.3% from 50+ over the past two seasons is the worst percentage in the NFL among the 35 kickers who have attempted at least 5. Elliott, 31, is an Eagles legend, a two-time Super Bowl champion who is 9-for-9 in his three Super Bowl appearances. But it might be time to think about an exit strategy. The problem is that Elliott got a four-year contract extension in 2024 and cutting him before June 1 would make his cap hit balloon. So here’s how I think the Eagles should handle this: Bring in competition and let the best man win. If that’s Elliott, fine. If that’s his competition, so be it. For now, I have Elliott staying but this one could go either way.
Verdict: Stays
Charley Hughlett
Roob: Hughlett and Cal Adomitis split long snapping duties this year and I’m not going to pretend I could tell the difference. They both seemed fine. Adomitis was released once Hughlett was healthy and he’s now with the Steelers, so I guess Hughlett has a better than 50 percent chance of being back in 2026. Honestly, who knows? This is a pure guess.
Verdict: Stays
Dave: The Eagles cut ties with Rick Lovato after the Super Bowl season and brought in 10-year veteran Charley Hughlett. And they clearly liked Hughlett because he had core muscle surgery during the season and they still brought him back. But Hughlett is currently a free agent and if there’s any fear that he won’t be able to stay healthy, then the Eagles will probably move on. If they find a good, young long snapper, they can keep him for the next decade.
Verdict: Goes
Braden Mann
Roob: Mann was one of the Eagles’ best players this year, an absolute beast of a punter who easily could have made the Pro Bowl after averaging 49.9 yards per punt with a 43.3 net. He’s by far the best Eagles punter ever and after getting released by both the Jets and Steelers he’s really found a home in Philly. He’s not going anywhere. Dude just keeps getting better and better.
Verdict: Stays
Dave: The Eagles had some ups and downs with their special teams units in 2025 but Mann was a huge bright spot. The former Jet had an average of 49.9 and a net average of 43.1. That’s even more impressive when you remember that he’s punting in the northeast. Mann is an unrestricted free agent but it’s not like the punter is going to break the bank. He’s definitely deserving of an extension and it’s not like the punter is going to break the bank — at least he shouldn’t.
Verdict: Stays