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The Eagles definitely have enough talent to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2025, but the losses suffered in free agency can't be discounted or easily replaced. Philadelphia saw three starters and two key contributors depart in free agency. At the same time, C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Texans) and Kenny Pickett (Browns) were traded to free up salary cap space for future moves.
On offense, the backup running back and starting right guard departed, leaving an explosive offense with two holes that need to be filled. All wasn't lost, as the Eagles added a running back, three pass-rushing linebackers, two tight ends, a cornerback, and a new long snapper.
With the second wave of free agency underway, we're looking at how eight Eagles free agent additions will impact this month's NFL draft.
The Eagles won the Super Bowl because of excellent pass rushing, and Ojulari has the potential to match Josh Sweat's production, if not outperform it. Still, Philadelphia signed Ojulari to a one-year deal to replace Sweat and Brandon Graham. The 25-year-old pass rusher had five sacks in three games and finished the season with eight. Even with Ojulari signing, a young edge rusher is a priority in the first or second round.
Like Ojulari above, young pass rusher struggled over the past two seasons but was named an underrated pass rusher by PFF entering 2025 NFL free agency. Ojulari had 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 27 total tackles in 2022—easily the best season of his five-year career. Even with the former Patriots pass rusher on the roster, selecting a young prospect is a priority in Round 1 or 2.
Philadelphia saw three veteran free agents depart in Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (UFA), and Avonte Maddox (Lions). The young cornerbacks are really good, but a veteran presence was still needed with third-year cornerback Kelee Ringo holding the seniority in the room. Still, Jackson will turn 30 during the first month of the season. Philadelphia has eight cornerbacks on the roster, but the four key players are 23 or younger. A cornerback would be a nice addition, but it would not be necessary in the first two rounds.
Dillon and Aaron Jones teamed up in Green Bay for a dynamic one-two punch, and that could happen in Philadelphia with the Eagles looking to take some of the load off of Saquon Barkley following a season in which he led the league with 2,0005 yards. Last summer, Dillon was set to enter a contract year in 2024, but he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury and missed the entire season. With the addition of Dillion, Philadelphia has five running backs on the roster, and used a mid-round pick on Will Shipley last season. The Eagles will only draft a running back if it provides excellent value and an elite talent slips.
With the team moving on from Britain Covey, the Eagles signed return man Avery Williams to a one-year deal. Philadelphia wants to move away from Cooper DeJean, who was returning punts, while the primary kickoff returner, Kenneth Gainwell, departed in free agency. Last season with Atlanta, Williams saw action in all 17 games, logging 22 rushing attempts for 109 yards, one touchdown, and 13 receptions for 61 yards. Williams is most efficient as a return man. In 2024, he returned 20 punts for 185 yards and 15 kickoffs for 408 yards. Philadelphia could add a wide receiver, running back, or defensive back with return ability in the middle rounds.
Special teams are imperative, and Johnson was among the league's best during his first stint with the Eagles. Philadelphia selected Johnson in the seventh round, with the 234th overall pick, of the 2021 NFL draft. The fourth-year linebacker totaled four tackles while serving as a core special-teams player in 12 games with the Giants last season. Even with Johnson returning, the Eagles will draft a pass rusher or outside linebacker that can contribute on special teams if not earn a starting role.
With the team potentially moving on from Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia signed a second tight end in free agency, inking Kylen Granson to a one-year deal. Prior to that, the Eagles signed veteran tight end Harrison Bryant to the roster.
The 26-year-old Granson finished the season with 14 catches on 31 targets for 182 yards and no touchdowns. Selected by the Colts with the 127th Pick In the 2021 NFL Draft, Granson has 86 career receptions on 136 targets for 958 yards and one touchdown. Bryant finishes his 2024 campaign with nine receptions for 86 yards on 12 targets across 13 games with the Raiders, primarily providing depth at tight end behind All-Pro rookie Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Even with the additions, Philadelphia should select a tight end in the second or third round. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is a player to watch in the first round, while Mason Taylor or Elijah Arroyo would be game-changing picks.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How signing nine free agents impacts the Eagles' 2025 NFL draft plan
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On offense, the backup running back and starting right guard departed, leaving an explosive offense with two holes that need to be filled. All wasn't lost, as the Eagles added a running back, three pass-rushing linebackers, two tight ends, a cornerback, and a new long snapper.
With the second wave of free agency underway, we're looking at how eight Eagles free agent additions will impact this month's NFL draft.
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Agreed to terms with OLB Azeez Ojulari on a one-year deal
The Eagles won the Super Bowl because of excellent pass rushing, and Ojulari has the potential to match Josh Sweat's production, if not outperform it. Still, Philadelphia signed Ojulari to a one-year deal to replace Sweat and Brandon Graham. The 25-year-old pass rusher had five sacks in three games and finished the season with eight. Even with Ojulari signing, a young edge rusher is a priority in the first or second round.
Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with OLB Joshua Uche
Like Ojulari above, young pass rusher struggled over the past two seasons but was named an underrated pass rusher by PFF entering 2025 NFL free agency. Ojulari had 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 27 total tackles in 2022—easily the best season of his five-year career. Even with the former Patriots pass rusher on the roster, selecting a young prospect is a priority in Round 1 or 2.
Agreed to terms with CB Adoree' Jackson on a one-year deal
Philadelphia saw three veteran free agents depart in Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (UFA), and Avonte Maddox (Lions). The young cornerbacks are really good, but a veteran presence was still needed with third-year cornerback Kelee Ringo holding the seniority in the room. Still, Jackson will turn 30 during the first month of the season. Philadelphia has eight cornerbacks on the roster, but the four key players are 23 or younger. A cornerback would be a nice addition, but it would not be necessary in the first two rounds.
Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with RB A.J. Dillon
Dillon and Aaron Jones teamed up in Green Bay for a dynamic one-two punch, and that could happen in Philadelphia with the Eagles looking to take some of the load off of Saquon Barkley following a season in which he led the league with 2,0005 yards. Last summer, Dillon was set to enter a contract year in 2024, but he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury and missed the entire season. With the addition of Dillion, Philadelphia has five running backs on the roster, and used a mid-round pick on Will Shipley last season. The Eagles will only draft a running back if it provides excellent value and an elite talent slips.
Agreed to terms with KR/PR Avery Williams on a one-year deal
With the team moving on from Britain Covey, the Eagles signed return man Avery Williams to a one-year deal. Philadelphia wants to move away from Cooper DeJean, who was returning punts, while the primary kickoff returner, Kenneth Gainwell, departed in free agency. Last season with Atlanta, Williams saw action in all 17 games, logging 22 rushing attempts for 109 yards, one touchdown, and 13 receptions for 61 yards. Williams is most efficient as a return man. In 2024, he returned 20 punts for 185 yards and 15 kickoffs for 408 yards. Philadelphia could add a wide receiver, running back, or defensive back with return ability in the middle rounds.
Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with OLB Patrick Johnson
Special teams are imperative, and Johnson was among the league's best during his first stint with the Eagles. Philadelphia selected Johnson in the seventh round, with the 234th overall pick, of the 2021 NFL draft. The fourth-year linebacker totaled four tackles while serving as a core special-teams player in 12 games with the Giants last season. Even with Johnson returning, the Eagles will draft a pass rusher or outside linebacker that can contribute on special teams if not earn a starting role.
Agreed to terms with TE Harrison Bryant/TE Kylen Granson
With the team potentially moving on from Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia signed a second tight end in free agency, inking Kylen Granson to a one-year deal. Prior to that, the Eagles signed veteran tight end Harrison Bryant to the roster.
The 26-year-old Granson finished the season with 14 catches on 31 targets for 182 yards and no touchdowns. Selected by the Colts with the 127th Pick In the 2021 NFL Draft, Granson has 86 career receptions on 136 targets for 958 yards and one touchdown. Bryant finishes his 2024 campaign with nine receptions for 86 yards on 12 targets across 13 games with the Raiders, primarily providing depth at tight end behind All-Pro rookie Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Even with the additions, Philadelphia should select a tight end in the second or third round. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is a player to watch in the first round, while Mason Taylor or Elijah Arroyo would be game-changing picks.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How signing nine free agents impacts the Eagles' 2025 NFL draft plan
Continue reading...
