The Eagles are set to retool their defense and could have a new starter at right guard thanks to a loaded free-agent group that includes four critical contributors who could earn lucrative contracts next week.
NFL teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents on Monday, March 10. Free agency officially starts with the 2025 League Year on Wednesday, March 12, at 4 PM.
The Super Bowl Champion Eagles will have a busy offseason with 15 pending free agents, and we're looking at one player on the roster who can replace each potential departure.
OLB Josh Sweat -Bryce Huff
The 27-year-old led the Eagles with eight sacks this season and continued his dominant play into the Super Bowl, where he had a career-high 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. Bryce Huff has been productive in the NFL and logged ten sacks with the Jets in 2023 before cashing in and signing with the Eagles. In Vic Fangio’s scheme, Huff had 2 ½ sacks in his last six games before having wrist surgery in what some deemed a wasted season. Year two should be much better for Huff, who'll be needed with Sweat likely departing and Brandon Graham expected to retire. Jalyx Hunt offers potential, but Huff will be needed opposite Nolan Smith.
Edge Rusher Brandon Graham --Jalyx Hunt
Graham is expected to retire, and the legendary pass rusher reinjured his Triceps during the Eagles' Super Bowl. Jalyx Hunt, who offers elite athleticism, is likely to replace Graham. Viewed as a developmental prospect with a high ceiling, the Eagles selected him out of Houston Christian in the third round. During the first 10 games of his rookie season, Hunt played 42 snaps. Down the stretch with Bryce Huff on injured reserve, Hunt played a little under 30 snaps per game, logging 31 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles during the final seven regular season games and the playoffs run.
LB Zack Baun -- Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
If the All-Pro linebacker departs, Trotter Jr. will get the first opportunity to earn the starting linebacker role. With Baun and Oren Burks free agents and Nakobe Dean likely to miss 2025, the former Clemson linebacker will be forced into the spotlight.
OL Mekhi Becton --Tyler Steen
Drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Becton flourished after Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland moved him from tackle to guard, where he helped the Eagles set a franchise record with 3,048 yards on the ground. If Becton gets a deal he can't turn down, it'll be Steen, the 2023 third-round pick with the first chance to start.
DT Milton Williams --Moro Ojomo
Williams will likely land a lucrative deal after posting five sacks and a forced fumble. Williams cemented his legacy and bank account in Super Bowl LIX with two sacks, two tackles for loss, and a strip of Patrick Mahomes that led to a fumble recovery. If Williams departs, third-year defensive tackle Moro Ojomo will get the first shot as a starter alongside Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Ojomo, who had two tackles, including a tackle for loss in the Super Bowl, could become a more athletic version of Williams.
CB Isaiah Rodgers -- Eli Ricks
Rodgers could have suitors on the open market after playing solid football after his year-long suspension for gambling. If Rodgers does depart, Eli Ricks will move up the depth chart after a season spent watching and continuing to learn his craft. Ricks is 23 years old, plays with great length, and has had incredible mentors in Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
CB Darius Slay --Kelee Ringo
Slay could still return, but Kelee Ringo has worked to become a starter or key contributor if he does depart. He is 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, and he has length, physicality, and speed.
RB Kenneth Gainwell --Will Shipley
Gainwell has been a solid backup during his time in Philadelphia. . In 2024, the dual threat rushed for 290 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries. Gainwell led the Eagles in both rushing yards (181) and scrimmage yards (236) during the 2022 playoff run. If he departs, second year Clemson Will Shipley would move into a key role behind Saquon Barkley. The Eagles drafted Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. Shipley gained 82 yards rushing in his rookie season and did not score a touchdown behind running backs Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart, but showed burst, and toughness.
