The Philadelphia Eagles are soaring high after their second Super Bowl win, and with the game and parade behind them, the focus on 2025 has started. Howie Roseman was working the day of the parade and signed 13 players to reserves/futures deals. The NFL combine is at the end of this month, and Free Agency is shortly after that. The Eagles are playing catch-up after working into February and need to determine which players they will be keeping or letting go. The stay-o-meter has arrived to help decide!
Eagles Offense
Mekhi Becton is the only offensive starter not signed for next season, and the front office’s faith in Tyler Steen, coupled with what Becton commands on the open market, will likely determine his stay. The rest of the players listed below are not starters, but they are valuable pieces to the Super Bowl team, and the Eagles could have interest retaining all of them.
Mekhi Becton (OL) had a career resurrection in Philadelphia. He can play inside or outside and will garner interest in free agency. He has earned every dollar and deserves to see what he can get, but he also loved his time with the Eagles and could take less to stay. Look at his joy.
Stay-o-meter coin toss 50%
Fred Johnson (OL)has stepped up when needed, and it would be a surprise to see him leave the building. He started six games in 2024 and is a valuable OL on the roster. His future could be tied to what happens with Becton, but they should pay him to return either way. He is a great locker room guy, continues to develop, and is reliable.
Stay-o-meter 70%
Kenny Gainwell (RB) will see his value to another team but could decide that the grass is not ‘greener’ and return on a 1 year contract. He is a perfect fit as the backup and accepts his role. Think Boston Scott.
Stay-o-meter 51%
Ben VanSumeren (FB LB) is a core special teamer, and he made an impact as a fullback. His development has been impressive. BVS is an exclusive right FA, it would be surprising to see them move away from him.
Stay-o-meter 90%
Britain Covey (PR WR) is well-liked and has proven to be a good return man in the punt game. Covey was also showing off his talent as a receiver before being injured.
Stay-o-meter 55%
Eagles Defense
Eight of the Eagles’ eleven defensive starters are under contract for the 2025 season, and those three have been major contributors to the team; two were drafted and developed in Philadelphia, while the other might be one of the greatest free-agent signings in NFL history. (Z. Baun, J. Sweat, & M. Williams)
Zack Baun (LB), priority number one, hand selected by Fangio, and seems to believe the Eagles got the best of his abilities
“I’m curious,” he said. “I don’t know what it’s going to look like, honestly. My goal every time is to play the best football that I can. Hopefully it’s here. I love this place, and I really appreciate what they’ve done for my career and my family, and just everything. I got a lot of options to weigh, and a lot of stuff to think about.”
His meteoric rise to an All-Pro at age 28 is an incredible story, and it appears that both the franchise and Baun know this is a perfect marriage.
“I guess you could say I’ve never felt that sort of stardom. I don’t like the attention, so it’s very different for me. But it’s going to take some adjusting and getting used to because when you bring a Super Bowl to Philly, you’re a legend for life. And it’s just so freaking cool.”
Indeed you are.
Stay-o-meter 75%
Josh Sweat (EDGE) didn’t take anything from his locker and indicated that he and the Eagles would like to stay together. I also sense that he was looking forward to seeing what he could make as a free agent. He has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent.
Stay-o-meter 45%
Milton Williams (DL) wore his agency team hoodie to locker cleanout day, and DTs of his caliber are making 16–20M on the open market, so he is likely gone. The Eagles also have to prepare for Jalen Carter’s extension, which they can do at the end of the 2025 season. Williams made one of the more memorable plays in the Super Bowl with a strip sack of Patrick Mahomes and will be forever a legend in Philadelphia.
Stay-o-meter 5%
Oren Burks (LB) was a valuable signing as an insurance policy at the linebacker position. He played well late in the season and stepped up just as much after the team lost Nakobe Dean to injury during the wild card round vs the Packers. He should not break the back to return and has proven his worth. I expect him to remain an Eagle and sign a one or two-year contract.
Stay-o-meter 75%
Isaiah Rodgers (CB) will be one of the more fascinating scenarios to watch unfold. He played well and could get a nice contract to match. His tenure in Philly could be determined by what the Eagles decide to do with BP Slay. Slay mentioned he would like to play one more season but does not know if the Eagles will be the team to pay him. If he leaves, Rodgers is someone they would likely bring back.
Stay-o-meter coin toss 50%
Brandon Graham (DL) will decide to continue playing or sail off into the sunset after his second Lombardi trophy. He has earned the right and trust to make the correct decision. I believe he wants to play and knows he has some juice left in the tank. It would be surprising if he doesn’t ultimately choose to hang them up.
Stay-o-meter 10%, likely retires
Avonte Maddox (DB) made a nice PBU in the Super Bowl, and I was happy to see a long-time Eagles player who has had his career derailed by injuries contribute on the biggest stage. He could come back on a minimum deal, but it would be surprising if another team doesn’t offer more this offseason.
Stay-o-meter 20%
Special Teams:
Rick Lovato (LS) should get extended. I never hear his name called for any reason, and as a long snapper, that is a great thing. The Eagles have enjoyed over a decade of excellence from the position transitioning from Jon Dornebos to Rick, and there is no need to stop that now.
Stay-o-meter 85%
The Rest
Any of these players could return as practice squad or backup players. Jack Driscoll is the front-runner in this group to remain in Philadelphia.
Ian Book (QB)
Parris Campbell (WR)
C.J. Uzomah (TE)
Le’Raven Clark (OL)
Jack Driscoll (OL)
Nick Gates (OL)
As always, thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
