The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX to win the second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. After a lengthy and grueling season, Philadelphia heads into the offseason with a few questions to answer.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s next offensive coordinator, biggest offseason needs and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@laAJbrownance asked, “Who is your personal favorite for the OC job?”
Nathan Scheelhaase is a potential offensive coordinator candidate that I have previously mentioned. Scheelhaase reportedly withdrew from the running for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator opening to remain with the Los Angeles Rams earlier in February. Yet he has previously interviewed with the Eagles prior to the team promoting Brian Johnson in 2023.
Scheelhaase worked under Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell for several years, who is a close friend and former college teammate of Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. Last season, Scheelhaase serves as the Rams pass game specialist and “play drawer” for Sean McVay.
Given his potential, Scheelhaase is certainly my personal favorite candidate for Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator opening. Although, the early indications are that Kevin Patullo will be promoted to fill that role for the Eagles in 2025.
@BrentleyDOliver asked, “What is the biggest need for the Eagles for next season?”
Four of Philadelphia’s starters from their Super Bowl winning roster are set to hit free agency: Mekhi Becton, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams and Zack Baun. There’s also a chance that Nakobe Dean could miss a significant amount of time due to his knee injury next season as well.
Yet Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has strategically built this roster to have in-house replacements at several positions of potential weakness in 2025. Therefore, Philadelphia’s biggest positions of need are more long-term.
Here’s how I would rank the top five needs for the Eagles this offseason:
- Defensive Tackle: Milton Williams will likely command a massive contract in free agency and the Eagles need to keep the potential fifth-year option for Jordan Davis and contract extension for Jalen Carter in mind.
- Offensive Tackle: Lane Johnson isn’t getting any younger and both of Philadelphia’s offensive tackles missed time this past season. Fred Johnson filled in admirably off the bench but he’ll be a free agent.
- Tight End: Dallas Goedert is essentially guaranteed to miss multiple games each season and Grant Calcaterra was far too inconsistent to be a reliable replacement for the 30-year-old tight end moving forward.
- Edge Defender: While both Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham could be done in Philadelphia, the Eagles still have a ton of potential on the edge in Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.
- Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are absolute studs. Yet Darius Slay’s future in Philadelphia is murky due to his contract situation and Isaiah Rodgers is set to become a free agent this offseason.
@VladdyMuse asked, “Do you expect any contract restructure(s)? If so, who?”
Roseman has shown over the years that he is willing to get creative with contract structure to create additional cap space. One potential option would be to restructure Saquon Barkley’s current contract, converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus to free up around $1.3 million in 2025.
Lane Johnson has talked about playing for a few more years as well. Therefore, he could help the Eagles out by restructuring his current contract and freeing up nearly $3 million in 2025 as well.
Philadelphia could also create nearly $4 million in cap space in 2025 by restructuring Dallas Goedert’s contract. Yet given his lengthy injury history, he could actually be a sneaky cut or trade candidate this offseason as well.
@Michael93826345 asked, “Who are some edge free agents that intrigue you?”
Fangio has earned the right to have his finger prints all over the construction of Philadelphia’s defense moving forward. It’s clear that the Bryce Huff project didn’t work as planned, which is why Fangio could look to reunite with two of his former players in 2025.
Khalil Mack is a decorated veteran that has essentially done it all except win a Super Bowl in the NFL. Fangio and Mack spent once season together in 2018 and Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator still praises the 33-year-old veteran today. If Mack wants to chase a Super Bowl ring, he could sign with the Eagles in free agency.
Baron Browning was a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in Fangio’s final season as the team’s head coach. Browning has been inconsistent in the NFL thus far and could reunite with Fangio to revitalize his career in 2025.
Azeez Ojulari is just 24-years-old and showed a ton of promise with the New York Giants at times. While the Giants confusingly refused to trade Ojulari in a contract year, he would thrive as a rotational pass rusher in Philadelphia. Especially given the chance to reunite with several of his former teammates from the University of Georgia.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
