The Philadelphia Eagles have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the NFL, consistently averaging over 10 wins per season since 2017. With appearances in three Super Bowls during this period and victories in two, the team demonstrates a winning pedigree that other franchises aspire to emulate. Central to their success is General Manager Howie Roseman, whose long-term vision has played a pivotal role in constructing a team built for sustained success.
The Eagles boast a formidable roster, particularly on the defensive side, where they manage to maintain a top-tier unit despite allocating the fourth-lowest cap dollars to defense. This strategic allocation of resources showcases Roseman's adeptness in team building. Key players, such as Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith Jr., Nakobe Dean, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, have fortified the team since being drafted in 2022. With a decent amount of cap space and nine draft picks scheduled for April, Philadelphia is well-positioned to continue its legacy into 2025 and beyond.
However, challenges loom as the Eagles face the expiration of contracts for critical contributors like Zack Baun, Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Mekhi Becton. They also need to overcome the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who recently took on the head coach role at the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, now facing his fifth different playcaller since joining the league in 2020, will need to adjust to these changes.
The Eagles must decide whether to elevate passing game coordinator/associate head coach Kevin Patullo or seek an external candidate with extensive playcalling experience. Despite these uncertainties, the team remains fortified by seven defensive starters aged 25 or younger and promising first- and second-year players poised to fill any voids left by outgoing free agents.
Philadelphia’s success can be attributed to its blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. The organization has secured many core veteran players on long-term contracts, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson. This strategy ensures both stability and continuity within the roster.
General Manager Howie Roseman’s long-term approach is underscored by his job security, giving him the freedom to plan strategically for the future. As Jeffrey Lurie noted:
"It's a huge part of my personality, it's a huge part of Howie's personality." – Jeffrey Lurie
Roseman himself emphasizes his commitment to team-building over personal job security:
"I'm not concerned in my job security, not because I'm on scholarship, just because I think if you start worrying about that and not worry about what's best for the team." – Howie Roseman
His focus is unwavering:
"It's all I think about all the time." – Howie Roseman
As the financial landscape tightens with increasing player costs, Roseman acknowledges the necessity of integrating younger talents into the team:
"As the cap gets tighter, as all our expensive players start becoming expensive, you have to go with young players." – Howie Roseman
The Eagles find themselves approximately $25 million under the cap for 2025, placing them around the middle of the pack in the NFL. This financial positioning allows them flexibility in managing their roster and addressing future needs without compromising their competitive edge.
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