A Deep Dive into the Philadelphia Eagles’ Most Pressing Roster Concern for the 2025 Season
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for another highly anticipated NFL season, one central question arises: What is the team’s most significant weakness entering 2025? At first glance, that’s a complicated question to answer — not because the Eagles are flawless, but because they’ve built one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL. Still, when examining each area of the team, one positional group does appear to lag behind: the edge rusher position.
Let’s explore in great detail how the Eagles have addressed their roster this offseason, what their current strengths are, where the true gaps lie, and why the edge may ultimately be the make-or-break spot for this potential Super Bowl contender.
Offensive Stability from Top to Bottom
The Eagles head into 2025 with an enviable amount of stability and star power on offense. At quarterback, they have a former Super Bowl MVP at the helm, supported by two capable backup signal callers who bring both developmental promise and actual game experience. Unlike many teams that must cross their fingers and pray the starter stays healthy, Philadelphia can move forward with confidence no matter who lines up under center.
In the backfield, the Eagles pulled off one of the biggest free agency coups of the offseason by signing Saquon Barkley, a back with the kind of explosive, MVP-caliber ability that can single-handedly take over games. To support him and ensure he doesn’t carry too much of the regular season workload, the team has improved its depth behind him, adding younger, complementary backs to help carry the load.
Blocking for this dynamic skill group is one of the league’s best offensive lines. Even with some age among the starters, the line remains a physical, intelligent unit that imposes its will on opposing defenses, opening lanes for the run game and protecting the quarterback with consistency.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Outlook
While some concerns have been raised about the Eagles’ depth at the pass-catching positions, these criticisms are mostly surface-level. The starting tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ranks among the most explosive and polished duos in the NFL. Both receivers have the ability to take over a game — Brown with his physicality and catch radius, and Smith with his route-running and finesse.
At tight end, Dallas Goedert remains a dependable and high-level target. There is speculation that 2025 could be his last year in Philadelphia, which could prompt some long-term planning at the position. But for this season, he is still a cornerstone of the passing game.
Behind the starters, there’s room for improvement. The backup wideouts don’t offer much proven production, and the tight end depth could use bolstering. Still, these are minor quibbles when the starting lineup is so dominant and durable.
Defense Rebuilding On the Fly
Following a deep playoff run, Philadelphia saw significant turnover on defense. Several key contributors either retired, signed elsewhere in free agency, or were dealt away in trades. That included longtime Eagles like Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Despite these departures, the Eagles are not in panic mode. Their front office has shown a deft hand at replenishing talent, often from within.
Young defenders who’ve been groomed for years are now ready to step into bigger roles. Players such as Sydney Brown, Kelee Ringo, and Milton Williams are expected to rise into prominence. The Eagles have drafted and developed these players precisely for this moment — to keep the defense afloat while transitioning away from its aging veterans.
Secondary: A Healthy Mix of New and Proven Talent
One of the most fascinating position groups to watch this season will be the defensive backfield. While the Eagles did lose several contributors, the way they’ve reshaped the secondary is a testament to smart drafting and opportunistic signings.
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both recent top draft picks, will be featured heavily. Each brings a different skillset — Mitchell as a speedy, lockdown corner, and DeJean as a versatile defensive back capable of playing both safety and slot roles. Sydney Brown, already an ascending player, looks to have a breakout year. Andrew Mukuba and Mac McWilliams were brought in to compete and add depth, making this unit one of the youngest but most exciting in the NFL.
If things click as expected, this group could evolve into a strength by midseason. If not, the depth and youth might be tested in high-stakes moments.
Linebacker Position Reimagined
Another key overhaul came at linebacker. The Eagles used a first-round pick on Jihad Campbell, a do-it-all athlete who can cover tight ends, blitz effectively, and serve as a leader in the middle. Alongside him, Zack Baun returns as a reliable and experienced option. Together, they should give the Eagles better coverage and pursuit speed than they had last year.
Georgia product Smael Mondon Jr., added in the draft, is a high-upside depth piece who’s already making noise in training camp. His speed and tackling range give the coaches flexibility to rotate players and manage snaps across the season.
Interior Defensive Line Depth is Solid
Along the interior of the defensive line, the Eagles are in good shape. Despite losing Milton Williams, they bring back both Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter — two blue-chip, young defensive tackles capable of dominating the trenches. Carter has already proven himself as a game-wrecker, and Davis continues to improve as both a run stuffer and gap occupier.
Moro Ojomo emerged as a strong rotational player during last season’s playoff push, showcasing refined pass-rush moves and quickness. Meanwhile, fourth-round pick Ty Robinson from Nebraska adds another big body to the mix. Robinson offers inside-out flexibility, making him a great chess piece on the defensive line.
This unit should be able to withstand injury and still bring pressure up the middle, a key component in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Where the Concern Lies: Defensive End Depth
And now, we come to the biggest question mark on the entire roster: edge rusher.
With Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat no longer on the team, the Eagles have a large void to fill at defensive end. The current presumed starters, Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, offer talent but not necessarily assurance.
Smith, a former first-round pick, has high expectations attached to his name. His athleticism and speed are well-documented, but he has yet to consistently produce over a full season. Jalyx Hunt, who emerged late in 2024, was impressive in the postseason and has received rave reviews in camp, including a bold comparison to Micah Parsons from teammate Jordan Mailata. However, he remains unproven in a full-time starting role.
Behind them? Things get murkier.
Trying to Patch the Depth with Value Signings
The Eagles attempted to shore up their depth at edge rusher with a pair of short-term, low-risk signings. First came Josh Uche, the former New England Patriot who once looked like a future star. After a breakout double-digit sack season, his production dipped, and he eventually became a part-time player in Kansas City.
Still, Uche brings explosive potential and familiarity with various defensive schemes. While not consistent, he offers a change-of-pace rushing style and has earned respect from veterans like Lane Johnson. If he rediscovers his 2022 form, he could be a steal.
Next is Azeez Ojulari, a former New York Giant who also played collegiately at Georgia — giving him pre-established chemistry with players like Carter, Davis, and Smith. Ojulari’s ceiling is lower than Uche’s, but he brings a more stable presence and is considered a steady contributor. He was unable to secure a long-term deal in free agency, but on a one-year contract, he may be motivated to prove his worth.
Rolling the Dice on Rookie Talent
To round out the position, the Eagles used a late draft pick on Antwaun Powell-Ryland, a player who led the NCAA in sacks over the last two seasons. While his production is undeniable, scouts raised concerns about his overall athleticism translating to the pro game. Powell-Ryland will need to prove in camp and preseason that he belongs on the 53-man roster.
Depending on how training camp and preseason shake out, the Eagles could have anywhere between one and five viable edge rushers. It all hinges on development, health, and whether young players can take the next step forward.
Looking Ahead: Trade Possibilities on the Horizon
If the Eagles decide their pass rush isn’t championship-caliber by midseason, there are potential trade options.
The Cincinnati Bengals are currently facing holdouts from two of their defensive ends. Trey Hendrickson is seeking a new deal after consistently posting high sack totals, and Shemar Stewart, their recent first-round pick, has yet to agree to terms due to contract stipulations. While Stewart is unlikely to be moved, Hendrickson could be had — for the right price.
That price would likely be high. Hendrickson’s next contract could approach $100 million over three years. But for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, it’s a move worth considering, particularly if the current group underperforms.
For Now, a Watch-and-Wait Approach
At this moment, general manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles appear content to roll into the season with the roster as currently constructed. However, that could change rapidly if the edge position proves problematic. With the waiver wire offering occasional upgrades and final roster cuts approaching, there’s potential to snag a hidden gem or an experienced veteran cast off from another team.
It’s also worth remembering that Roseman isn’t afraid to make bold moves — like last year’s acquisition of Jahan Dotson — if he believes it can tip the scales toward another Super Bowl run.
Final Thoughts: Championship Window Hinges on Pass Rush
In summation, the Philadelphia Eagles are in a rare and enviable position. They boast top-tier talent at almost every position on both sides of the ball. The offense is loaded, the secondary is deep and athletic, and the linebacker corps has been upgraded with youth and speed. Even the interior defensive line, often overlooked, is among the most physical and dominant in the league.
But the edge rusher group? That’s where uncertainty lingers. It’s the one unit that could derail the team’s championship hopes or, conversely, emerge as a surprising strength if the right players break out.
Only time will tell which direction the Eagles’ edge unit takes. But as of now, it remains their biggest question mark as the 2025 NFL season draws near.
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