Decisions for a World Championship Roster
With Free Agency Looming — How the Eagles Will Return the Existing Roster for A Second Run.
Last month — at a celebratory parade down on Broad Street — a shirtless, exuberant Nick Gates walked along the parade route to celebrate his first NFL championship as an NFL Player. Less than ten days later, he was released by the Eagles.
It happens to almost every NFL Team that wins a Super Bowl. Other NFL clubs study every aspect of your success and then plan to pillage your roster in free agency. Right after the championship parade and during the dinner and ring ceremony, the reality of the business of the NFL settles into the room.
When the Eagles receive their championship rings at the Novacare Complex, it will be the last time the complete 2024–2025 Eagles will be assembled.
As free agency looms over perhaps the best Eagles roster in team history, here is my take on who will stay and who will be gone by the start of optional mini-camps in the Spring.
Offense
PHOTO: Eric Hartline/Imagn Images
No team knows the value of a great backup quarterback better than the Eagles, and even though Nick Foles is retired, they should look to trade Kenny Pickett. Novacare is really high on Tanner McKee, and the Eagles could easily leverage Pickett for draft picks in return. Saquon Barkley will return to the Eagles this season at age 28 with a contract extension, meaning they need a quality backup. The promise of Will Shipley’s 55-yard run in the NFC Championship Game all but seals the deal that Kenneth Gainwell will be elsewhere next season.
Wide receiver Paris Campbell most likely won’t be back next year, with rookies Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson taking more of the reps and a solid contribution from Penn State alum Jahan Dotson behind Brown and Smith. If Cooper DeJean continues to return punts, it’s hard to see a spot for wide receiver Britain Covey. The future of Dallas Goedert is certain for now. He is one of the top tight ends in football and will have solid contributions from Grant Calcaterra. CJ Uzomah is most likely gone.
One place where the Eagles need to make some tough decisions is the offensive line. Mekhi Becton was a huge piece of the Super Bowl victory, but considering the money he will command on the open market, it’s hard to envision him returning. An Eagles long-term strategy about Lane Johnson will dictate whether or not Fred Johnson, La’Raven Clark, or Jack Driscoll returns.
Defense
The Eagles committed this week to returning Zach Baun next season in midnight green. Oren Burks played well in an opportunity to play a little fullback, which could be an indicator of whether or not Ben VanSumeren returns.
Up front, it looks increasingly likely that both Milton Williams and Josh Sweat will get big paydays elsewhere.
Brandon Graham — one more year?
James Bradberry was interviewed while cleaning out his locker at the Novacare Complex, and he is all but gone in the coming days. As it appears, so is Big Play Slay.
Perhaps Avonte Maddox or Isaiah Rodgers, Jr. could come back in a backup role to support Mitchell and DeJean.
Special Teams
Sure, sign Rick Lovato back. Every great special team starts with a reliable long snapper.
We are just days away from the official start of NFL free agency.
We don’t expect many great splashes from the Eagles. Let’s hope that there are no tidal waves, either.
PHOTO: Eric Hartline/Imagn Images
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