The Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed their 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 season, but how does it compare to the team that was on the cusp of greatness one year ago before the horrifying spiral?
Eagles roster comparison: Offense edition
Quarterback
2023: Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee
2024: Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
There’s really not much that’s changed here. A franchise arm heads the pack, a developmental talent sits in third, and a worrying QB2 sits between them. Mariota might not have been perfect, but his wealth of starting experience dwarfs Pickett’s NFL accomplishments. His contract was easier to navigate and he at least brought a similar style of QB play to the table.
After a dreadful preseason from Kenny Pickett, the 2023 QB room takes this one…but only just.
Verdict: 2023
Running back
2023: D’Andre Swift, Kenny Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott
2024: Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, Kenny Gainwell
What a difference a year makes. The Eagles go one back lighter this season safe in the knowledge that they finally have a three-down back they can lean on in Saquon Barkley. One of the most gifted rushers of this generation now leads the Philadelphia backfield, while promising rookie Will Shipley and Kenny Gainwell form the rest of the group. The sky is the limit for this eclectic backfield.
Verdict: 2024
Offensive line
2023 Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Jason Kelce, Landon Dickerson, Fred Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta
2024: Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Fred Johnson, Darian Kinnard, Tyler Steen, Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Mekhi Becton, Trevor Keegan
the main difference here is the goodbye to Jason Kelce. The Eagles have replaced him, but depth on the interior remains questionable. Nick Gates did just sign with the team and will likely be the primary backup behind Cam Jurgens, but we haven’t seen a ton of strong tape from Tyler Steen over the preseason at RG, and Fred Johnson has limited experience at tackle.
I think any unit with Jason Kelce on would have ot be regarded as better, and the lack of reliable depth tilts the scales here.
Verdict: 2023
Tight End
2023: Dallas Goedert, Albert Okwuegbunam, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra
2024: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra
The Eagles are running light at tight end this year, and while usually a drop in depth would be worrying, I don’t think they’re actually losing that much production. Albert O will start the year on IR but remains on the roster anyway, and Jack Stoll struggled to make an impact in his time in Philly.
Verdict: tie
Wide receiver
2023: A.J Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus
2024: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson
The Jahan Dotson trade has completely reshaped the WR room. Gone are the days of empty threats over the middle, and with Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson working in behind after a pair of strong offseasons, there’s a lot to like about this newly fortified group.
Verdict: 2024
Do you think this Eagles offense is better than the one we saw in 2023? Let us know in the comments and stay on the look out for our Defensive edition coming soon!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
