Eagles Name Seven Captains for 2026 Season

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially announced their seven team captains for the upcoming 2026 National Football League season. The selection, revealed on Friday, shows a notable change from the previous year: the absence of a designated special teams captain. This strategic decision marks a departure from a more common practice observed across the league, where many teams typically include a specialist in their leadership group.

The newly formed leadership cohort comprises five offensive players and two defensive players. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and offensive tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata will represent the offense. On the defensive side, linebacker Zack Baun and defensive tackle Jordan Davis have been selected to lead their unit. The roster reflects a mix of seasoned leaders and new additions to the captaincy.

Leadership Continuity and New Faces

Jalen Hurts, the team's starting quarterback, is set to serve as a captain for his fifth consecutive year, underscoring his consistent leadership role within the organization. Jordan Davis, a defensive tackle, is the sole first-time captain among those named for the 2026 season, indicating his growing influence within the team. This year's selection sees DeVonta Smith and Jordan Davis stepping into captaincy roles that were previously held by wide receiver A.J. Brown and safety Reed Blankenship, respectively, signaling a generational shift in some leadership positions.

Notably, kicker Jake Elliott, who served as the special teams captain in the 2025 season, was not included in this year's captain list. His exclusion directly reflects the team's decision to forgo a dedicated special teams captain for the 2026 campaign. This shift is reportedly a deliberate choice by the team's management.

Strategic Rationale Behind Captain Choices

The Eagles' decision to not name a special teams captain diverges from what is considered standard practice across Football League. Most organizations within the league typically designate at least one player from their special teams unit to serve in a leadership capacity. Team officials have suggested that this strategic adjustment aims to reduce potential pre-game distractions for specialists. The intention is to allow these players to focus exclusively on their highly technical routines and preparations without the added responsibilities of captaincy during critical pre-game periods.

This leadership structure is planned to remain in place for the entirety of the 2026 season. The composition of team captains often plays a crucial role in maintaining team morale, communication, and on-field discipline throughout a demanding NFL schedule. The selections for the 2026 season will likely set the tone for the team's dynamics and performance expectations, reflecting the coaching staff's vision for internal leadership and strategic focus.