The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl with the best defense in football, a unit with depth and high-end talent at every level, and a system orchestrated by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. However, the club’s hopes of repeating could take a hit in 2025 with looming departures.
Philadelphia still has a negotiating window to try and re-sign some of its impending free agents. However, with limited cap space, only one or two starters might be a part of the Eagles defense next season. Even to make that happen, there will likely need to be cap casualties
Related: Philadelphia Eagles could suffer massive losses this offseason
- Philadelphia Eagles free agents 2025 (defense): Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Zack Baun, Milton Williams, Oren Burks, Avonte Maddox, Isaiah Rodgers
It’s assumed that the team will cut defensive back James Bradberry, especially with the bidding war that defensive linemen Milton Williams and Josh Sweat along with All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun will generate in NFL free agency. That might come at the cost of Philadelphia’s secondary.
According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com, the Eagles are expected to part ways with cornerback Darius Slay this offseason, making him a salary cap casualty and allowing him to sign with another club.
Related: NFL defense rankings, find out where the Philadelphia Eagles land
- Darius Slay stats: 14 starts, 13 pass deflections, 54.7% completion rate allowed, 81.9 QB rating allowed in coverage, 6.1 yards per target allowed on 75 targets
Slay, age 34, already announced that the 2025 NFL season would be his last. While he played very well, the Eagles coaching staff is confident that cornerback Keele Ringo could take on a bigger role next season. Furthermore, the club intends to re-sign cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and give him a shot to play a much higher snap share in 2025.
If Rodgers re-signs with Philadelphia, the team could start him on the outside opposite of Quinyon Mitchell with Cooper DeJean playing the nickel. It would likely be a training camp battle between Ringo and Rodgers, with the loser of the competition still having a sizable role next season.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft, see who the Philadelphia Eagles pick