Natalie Dean’s future in Philadelphia is in question as 2025 looms. After injuries and a delayed return from PUP, the Eagles’ linebacking corps faces a pivotal year, with Dean’s extension prospects murky amid a trio of cheaper, younger options. Campbell, Trotter Jr., and Mongon have earned opportunities, while Zack Baun remains a stalwart. Fantasy managers should watch Week 5 return timing and how the depth chart shifts behind an evolving defensive scheme.

The piece highlights roster economics and the cost/benefit calculus of keeping Dean versus developing a budget-friendly youth movement. If Dean doesn’t secure an extension, Philadelphia could lean into Campbell, Mongon, and Trotter Jr. as long-term answers, affecting Dynasty and IDP value beyond 2025.

Reed Blankenship could be the next Eagles player groomed for an early extension, as Philadelphia has long prioritized front‑loading deals to retain core talent. Blankenship climbed from UDFA to captain and a vocal leader on a defense built around versatile backs lines and a coachable culture. With Dallas Goedert likely entering a contract year and Nakobe Dean returning from injury, Philly’s front office appears inclined to lock in cost‑effective talent before prices rise, keeping Hurts and the 2028 class behind them.

The piece emphasizes proactivity in roster decisions, not reaction. If Blankenship stays in the starting role, his fantasy upside as a ball‑hawking safety in Philly’s scheme improves, potentially lifting his IDP value. Extending him could help stabilize the back end, preserve cap flexibility, and influence how the defense evolves around a franchise quarterback who’s already secured long‑term commitments to talent like Brown and Mailata.

IDP fantasy managers get a concise guide to 2025 sleepers, breakouts, and busts across four-defender formats. Edgerrin Cooper’s late-season surge for Green Bay signals breakout potential, while Nik Bonitto’s spike season in Denver makes him a prime breakout candidate at a discounted price. Cooper DeJean’s versatility with Philadelphia hints at a high-ceiling role, and Jalon Walker’s athletic potential makes him worth late-round risk in redraft formats. The article also highlights deep sleepers like Marques Sigle, Mike Green, Dee Winters and Jack Kiser, plus notable busts such as DaRon Bland, Bradley Chubb, and Nakobe Dean, emphasizing ADP context and format variability across IDP leagues.