Wow! What a year! One day, we'll all be old and grey, and we'll place the grandchildren on our knees and tell them about this Philadelphia Eagles squad. We'll tell them about the 2-2 start, a bad day in Tampa vs. the Buccaneers, and the ten-game winning streak that followed the bye week.
The 2024-25 Eagles story will also consist of Saquon Barkley's addition. Then, we'll discuss his run to the Offensive Player of the Year award (pun intended) and the phenomenal offensive line that led the way. We'll certainly have to mention the defense.
Vic Fangio, Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, and a pair of rookie defenders have a part of that story as will a Super Bowl win and victory parade. We're just sad its over.
After the slate is wiped clean and the Eagles prepare for the offseason, the answers to several questions provide the journey's road map.
So, now what? We won't lie. The buzz caused from winning another Vince Lombardi Trophy hasn't worn off yet, but it's almost time to get back to work again. The NFL Scouting Combine begins on February 27th. It's time to begin examining the next crop of potential Eagles prospects.
Free agency follows. The next NFL Draft is at the end of April. Trust is on this one. We won't be short on topics to discuss.
This is shaping up to be an exciting offseason, one the Birds will navigate as the defending Super Bowl champions. The next handful of questions need to be answered rather quickly. The answers will determine the roadmap for how the journey progresses.
Who do the Eagles value more, Josh Sweat or Milton Williams?
With decisions needing to be made about several impending free agents, there may be a decision made about whether to keep Milton Williams OR Josh Sweat. If Philly finds a way to keep both, that would be outstanding.
But, there are several areas to address, and so much has been invested into the Eagles' defensive line already. Both of these guys could be nearing massive paydays, especially Sweaty. The latter just hired some new representation.
Can Philly keep both? Only time will tell.
Will Zack Baun test free agency and, if he does, will he remain in Philadelphia?
Zack Baun has never been here before. He'll be one of the most sought-after players at his position once the free agency frenzy begins. Philly will have the rights to negotiate with him before that happens, but might he test the market to see what his value is? He has kind of earned the right to do so.
It seems that moving on from a First-Team All-Pro would be a mistake, but whatever happens, we trust Howie Roseman. We want Zack to hang around. It sounds like Zack wants to stay in Philly.
He's a top priority, but the Birds don't normally invest heavy coins into the linebacker position. This will be discussed from now until we enter March.
Will Darius Slay be back?
This one isn't being discussed as often, but Darius Slay wants to play one more season. He has one more year on his current Eagles deal.
Will he play that final season in Philly? Will he move on? Frankly, we wouldn't be shocked by either outcome.
Brandon Graham is going to retire, right?
Brandon Graham said this would be his final season. Then, he got hurt. We thought his efforts to get back to play in the Super Bowl would serve as his swan song, but since the game, he hasn't ever answered the question about whether or not he's done playing.
B.G. has earned the right to take his time and ponder this decision. It's a big one.
Will any of Howie Roseman's assistants or the Eagles' assistant coaches leave for opportunities with other organizations?
So far, the Eagles have lost Kellen Moore to the New Orleans Saints. He'll be their next head coach. We feel Philly's best bet is to promote Kevin Patullo to replace him.
We'll see what happens. We haven't ruled out the possibility of Patullo following Moore to be his OC. Then, there's the other angle. Other teams always have their eyes on Philly's front office. Keep an eye on this. We'd hope Philly will keep these great staffs together, but you never know. The NFL is a nomadic profession.
