As NFL training camp quickly approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles are eager to erase last season’s disappointing end. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been hard at work this offseason, making several notable additions to Philadelphia’s roster.
Despite all of the additions that Roseman has made, there are still a handful of questions that remain unanswered heading into training camp.
Unanswered Questions Ahead of Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp
Following the disastrous end to Philadelphia’s season in 2023, many pointed to the secondary as the root of the team’s struggles. This is why Roseman and the Eagles added multiple upgrades at cornerback and safety.
Philadelphia has seemingly taken care of its secondary, but there are still other areas of concern. Here are five unanswered questions ahead of Eagles training camp!
Is Cam Jurgens Ready To Replace Jason Kelce?
Philadelphia’s All-Pro center Jason Kelce retired earlier this offseason. While his retirement was expected, replacing the legendary center will be more difficult than many are making it out to be.
Although Kelce essentially handpicked his replacement in Cam Jurgens, the 24-year-old has yet to play meaningful snaps at center in the NFL. Therefore, it’s a bit confusing to see how confident many are in Jurgens’ ability to replace Kelce without any drop-off.
Wouldn’t want to be on the other side of @CameronJurgens pulling
For more highlights, visit https://t.co/Sgw2lqUZ2U pic.twitter.com/kMRnIZbKh6
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 5, 2024
Don’t get me wrong, Jurgens should play well at center, given that it’s his natural position, and he showed flashes during preseason. I’m just not comfortable stating that the transition from Kelce to Jurgens will be seamless. He will certainly be put to the test against the strong defensive fronts of the NFC East.
Can Jalen Hurts Return to MVP-Caliber Form?
It feels like an eternity ago that Jalen Hurts was in the running to win MVP over Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2022. Hurts struggled mightily with turnovers last season, which was unexpected given his efficiency with the football the year prior.
Now, Hurts heads into his fourth season as Philadelphia’s full-time starting quarterback, joined by his third different NFL offensive coordinator. Given the arrival of Kellen Moore, it’s safe to assume that Hurts will take a step forward in 2024.
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However, it’s worth pointing out that Hurts’ interception percentage of just 1.3% now looks like an outlier for his career. His career average sits at 2.2%, which he and Moore will look to decrease in 2024.
What Is the Contingency Plan at Safety?
After Roseman’s plan at safety in 2023 failed miserably, he went back to what worked this offseason. The Eagles reunited with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but there are concerns worth mentioning regarding his return.
Although “CJGJ” is a notable addition, his health and availability are major concerns. Gardner-Johnson has played just 27 total regular-season games over the last three years. Plus, given that both Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown each missed games due to injuries last season, Philadelphia has a legitimate problem on its hands.
Despite Philadelphia’s improved safety room, depth is a serious issue. Mekhi Garner, Andre’ Sam, and Tristin McCollum aren’t exactly the ideal trio that a team would want behind three players who dealt with injuries in 2023. Roseman might need to make another phone call to address the safety spot before the start of the season.
How Impactful Can Saquon Barkley Truly Be?
Roseman and the Eagles surprised many by signing star running back Saquon Barkley to a massive contract early in free agency. Although Roseman usually elects to go bargain hunting at running back, he admitted that Barkley is both a special player and a special person.
Still, there are legitimate questions about Barkley’s potential impact on the Eagles, given his workload and injury history. While Barkley has stayed relatively healthy in recent years, there is truth to the fact that most running backs begin to decline around the age of 27.
Jalen Hurts handing off to Saquon Barkley at Eagles mini camp pic.twitter.com/eGGFWdJZB8
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 22, 2024
While Barkley certainly isn’t your average RB, it’s fair to wonder if his best years are behind him.
Despite all of the questions, Barkley is in position to put up obscene numbers in 2024 — especially with the skill-position talent around him and the best offensive line he’s ever had in the NFL.
Did the Eagles Do Enough To Address LB?
Similar to Philadelphia’s plan at safety, the Eagles were a mess at linebacker last year, which is likely why Roseman addressed the need early in free agency, signing both Devin White and Zack Baun. Philadelphia also added Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Eagles certainly made additions at linebacker, but was it truly enough?
White is a proven commodity, but he had an awful year in 2023, which he admitted was due to the distraction of his contract negotiations. Baun will be making the transition from playing on the edge to inside linebacker, which at this point, makes him a wild card.
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While Trotter’s story is wholesome, it’s safe to assume that he likely won’t be contributing much on defense during his rookie season. Nakobe Dean struggled to stay on the field in 2023, which was his first opportunity to play meaningful snaps for Philadelphia.
All in all, a lot is riding on Roseman’s offseason LB additions. If White returns to his old form and Baun succeeds at a new position, it’ll look like a home run. But there is certainly a reason to be concerned about Roseman’s plan at the position in 2024.
