The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have lost several key players in the early stages of the 2025 NFL free agency period, leading to a disappointing grade.
Why the Eagles Received a ‘D’ Grade in 2025 NFL Free Agency
In PFSN’s assessment of each team’s free agency moves, the Eagles earned a “D” grade, with analysts noting, “The Super Bowl champions have lost some impact pieces off of their defense, but that is status quo for teams following a championship season.
“While their team is certainly weaker today than it was at the end of Super Bowl 59, this team remains a well-balanced machine that is as dangerous as anyone.”
Notable Departures on Defense Leave Eagles Weaker
The Eagles have seen a significant exodus of defensive talent, including Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat, rising defensive tackle Milton Williams, and veteran cornerback Darius Slay Jr. Each player was a major contributor to Philadelphia’s defensive dominance.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Sweat spent seven seasons in Philadelphia, racking up 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 season 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 total contract value of any free agent signing this offseason.
Slay, acquired in a 2020 trade, made the Pro Bowl three times in five seasons with Philadelphia, recording two pick-sixes and 11 tackles for loss. Although his 2024 campaign was his worst as an Eagle, Slay still secured a one-year, $10 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Additionally, the Eagles traded 27-year-old safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans after his second stint with the team. In his two seasons with Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson recorded six interceptions each year, leading the NFL in 2022.
Reflecting on the trade, Gardner-Johnson initially thought it was an April Fool’s prank but later stated there was “no bad blood” between him and the organization.
Notable Signings Provide Philadelphia With Depth on Offense
The Eagles acquired backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson via a trade with the Browns that sent Kenny Pickett to Cleveland. The move now gives Philadelphia an athletic backup option behind Jalen Hurts.
In two seasons with the Browns, Thompson-Robinson struggled, throwing 10 interceptions to just one touchdown, with a 45.2 passer rating. Meanwhile, Pickett performed well in his only 2024 start, completing 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in a 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles also traded for Texans guard Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick, and signed former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon.
Green, who turns 24 later this year, missed the entire 2023 season due to injury and underperformed in his first two seasons. However, he has an opportunity for a resurgence in Philadelphia, especially with starting guard Mekhi Becton and backup Jack Driscoll both set to hit free agency.
Meanwhile, Dillon had his best season in 2021, totaling over 1,100 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. However, he was placed on injured reserve in August 2024 and missed the entire season.
What Eagles’ Free Agency Moves Mean for the Team’s Future
PFSN ranked the Eagles No. 2 overall on their list of 2024’s top defenses, with analyst Sterling Xie writing, “They’re an elite defense that also happens to generate takeaways at a high rate, making Vic Fangio’s unit one of the deadlier units in recent memory.
“There wasn’t a single statistical flaw in Philadelphia’s defense… this unit will be remembered as one of the great defenses in recent history.”
Re-signing linebacker Zack Baun before free agency helped maintain stability, but it may not be enough to offset Philadelphia’s significant defensive losses.
Gardner-Johnson was the secondary’s most valuable player. Can Nakobe Dean compensate for the loss of Josh Sweat? Will the two-headed duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean keep the secondary elite without Slay? With Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, the Eagles’ defensive line is still top-tier, but will the lack of depth hurt them in the long run?
While Philadelphia remains a top contender to repeat, its dominant defense has taken a hit. The Eagles must address these gaps through the draft or make savvy moves in the second wave of free agency.