In 2024 offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles spent plenty of money on some of the most important players in the league. Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson were just some of the talents that were acquired last year.
Because of their big signings last year, the Eagles were far quieter this time around in the offseason.
That doesn't mean they were completely nonexistent. Philadelphia signed edge rushers like Azeez Ojulari and former New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche to one-year deals. It's Uche, though, that one analyst believes will be more impactful this year than people think.
Pro Football Focus' Ben Cooper even said the deal was the one for Philadelphia with the most "upside" and that Uche has "star power."
"Leave it to the Eagles to acquire a defensive lineman with star power for pennies on the dollar. In 2022, Uche established himself as one of the league's most promising edge rushers after racking up 56 quarterback pressures (tied for 20th), including 12 sacks (tied for 12th)," Cooper said. "A less productive 2023 campaign and a slow start to 2024 facilitated Uche's exit, via a trade to the Chiefs before last season's deadline. While the former second-rounder has been in something of a rut, the Eagles will put him in a position to succeed, as they often do with their young defensive linemen."
Uche's development will be key for Philadelphia's depth in 2025. Vic Fangio was able to get Baun to become an All-Pro in his first season with the team.
If they can get similar results with Uche, the Eagles defense will remain elite this season.
