The Philadelphia Eagles’ top-ranked defense has already absorbed significant blows as free agency unfolds.
Fresh off their second Super Bowl triumph in franchise history, the Eagles have watched Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, and Isaiah Rodgers all head for new destinations. The front office did manage to retain All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun on a three-year, $51 million deal while also securing Saquon Barkley with a groundbreaking contract extension that makes him the league’s first $20 million-per-year running back.
Maintaining roster continuity was always going to be challenging with the Eagles currently holding just $27.5 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.
Philadelphia simply couldn’t match the offers for Sweat and Williams, who parlayed their standout seasons into lucrative paydays from the Arizona Cardinals (four years, $76.4 million) and New England Patriots (four years, $104 million), respectively. Rodgers departed for the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $15 million contract, while six-time Pro Bowler Slay is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers after being designated as a post-June 1 release. The Gardner-Johnson trade to the Houston Texans came as a particular shock, considering how his ball-hawking abilities and intensity had elevated the defense.
General manager Howie Roseman is clearly looking toward the future, with defensive tackle Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith, and center Cam Jurgens all approaching extension eligibility. The Eagles already have their offensive core of Barkley, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith locked in through the 2028 season.
Now, a prominent NFL insider reveals he expects the Eagles to trim even more salary this offseason.
NFL insider: Expect Philadelphia Eagles to shed more talent, not add to payroll
During an interview with Philadelphia sports radio station 97.5 The Fanatic, ESPN’s Adam Schefter emphasized that the Eagles are more likely to reduce payroll than increase it.
“I think they are more likely to shed more salary than acquire more salary. That’s how I feel right now. So, you’re asking if there’s a trick up their sleeve? No, again, I think they are more likely to shed — shed — more salaries, make more moves the other way, more outgoing than incoming, I think,” Schefter stated.
“I think they are more likely to shed more salary than acquire more salary. That’s how I feel right now. So, you’re asking if there’s a trick up their sleeve? No, again, I think they are more likely to shed – shed – more salaries, make more moves the other way, more outgoing than… pic.twitter.com/AKerdvTx8r
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) March 12, 2025
The Eagles have committed substantial resources to their offensive stars, and there’s only so much money available. The team has drafted well recently, adding Carter and Smith along with defensive tackle Jordan Davis and cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
“The Eagles are paying their quarterback, and their running back, and their two wide receivers, and their offensive line, and they have Jalen Carter coming up and Nolan Smith coming up, and they just paid Zack Baun. Like, you can’t pay everybody, it just doesn’t work,” noted Schefter. “And so, would they have liked to keep some of these players? Of course, but it’s not practical. So, you have to start replenishing the cupboard with good, young players that you hope you hit on in the draft.”
“The Eagles are paying their QB, and their RB, and their two WRs, and their offensive line, and they have Jalen Carter coming up and Nolan Smith coming up, and they just paid Zack Baun. Like, you can’t pay everybody, it just doesn’t work.
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) March 12, 2025
And so, would they have liked to keep… pic.twitter.com/GbcfQTRDy3
With Philadelphia acquiring guard Kenyon Green, a former first-round draft pick still looking to fulfill his potential, from the Texans, it’s unlikely that Mekhi Becton will return despite revitalizing his career in 2024. Additionally, if the Eagles continue shedding salary, tight end Dallas Goedert could be on his way out. Goedert is due over $15 million in the final year of his contract and carries a potential $11.1 million dead cap hit.
Reports indicate the Eagles have made Goedert available in trade discussions. While he’s a premier tight end when healthy, his availability has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons.
