The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl defense hasn’t gotten off to the best start, as the team lost several key players in free agency. Philadelphia’s championship run was powered by an improved defense, but after this offseason’s departures, the unit is looking more like it did before the Super Bowl when the Eagles collapsed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round.
Eagles Drop in Post-Free Agency NFL Power Rankings
While Philadelphia remains a top contender, its dominant defense has taken a hit. The Eagles have seen a significant exodus of talent, including Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat, rising defensive tackle Milton Williams, and veteran cornerback Darius Slay Jr.
Each of these players was a key piece of Philadelphia’s defensive success, and their departures have resulted in the Eagles dropping to fourth in PFSN’s NFL post-free agency rankings, per Kyle Soppe.
“Winning a Super Bowl often means losing key players in free agency, and the Philadelphia Eagles are no exception.
“The issue isn’t just that Philadelphia lost talent — it’s that those losses were concentrated on defense. The Eagles lost Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Darius Slay in free agency before trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston for offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
“The offense remains elite, but with so many defensive departures, the Eagles are more vulnerable than they were a year ago.”
Soppe argues that Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win was fueled by defensive improvement from 2023 to 2024, while the offense remained at a similar level.
Here’s how PFSN Insights grades changed from 2023 to 2024:
2023 Eagles
- Defense+: 69.8
- Offense+: 76.3
2024 Eagles
- Defense+: 87.9
- Offense+: 77.4
Meanwhile, the Eagles have focused on adding offensive pieces rather than defensive reinforcements so far in free agency. They traded for backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson from the Browns, sending Kenny Pickett to Cleveland, giving Philadelphia a mobile backup behind Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles also traded for Houston Texans guard Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick, and signed former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon.
One positive move before free agency was re-signing Zack Baun, keeping the linebacker group stable. However, losing Slay, Williams, and Sweat still outweighs Baun’s return.
Eagles Defensive Departures Impact
All four of Philadelphia’s key defensive departures made an impact during their time with the Eagles.
Sweat, a fourth-round pick in 2018, spent seven seasons in Philadelphia, tallying 43 sacks and 97 quarterback hits. He signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams, a third-round pick in 2021, started 19 of 67 games over four seasons. He had his best year in 2024, recording five sacks and 10 QB hits. The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots, the largest free agent deal this offseason.
Slay, acquired in a 2020 trade, made the Pro Bowl three times in five seasons with Philadelphia. He recorded two pick-sixes and 11 tackles for loss. Although his 2024 season was his worst as an Eagle, he still landed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lastly, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to Houston. In his two seasons with Philadelphia, he recorded six interceptions each year, leading the NFL in 2022.
While Philadelphia can still add reinforcements in the second wave of free agency, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles repeating last year’s success. However, the offense remains explosive, and as long as Hurts and Saquon Barkley are in Philadelphia, the Eagles can’t be counted out.