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Philadelphia Eagles 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
[Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
While Eagles fans continue to get tattoos commemorating last year’s Super Bowl triumph, demand that statues be commissioned throughout the city to honor their heroes and name their children Saquon, Jalen, Nick and even Howie, the franchise must move forward, comfortable in its defending champion status but knowing that it means nothing during the 2025 season.
More NFL team previews
AFC East:Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West:Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North:Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South:Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West:49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
The Birds will attempt for a repeat title performance with plenty of key pieces back, like 2,000-yard back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and defensive tackle Jalen Carter — to name a few. But Philadelphia has some holes to fill, and thanks to a tight salary cap situation, general manager Howie Roseman wasn’t able to make any big-time signings during the offseason. But the Eagles added some promising talent in the draft and expect some of last year’s reserves to step forward this year.
It will be interesting to see if new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo continues to emphasize the running game, something that was hugely successful last year.
New York Giants fans agonized throughout the season as Barkley piled up 2,005 rushing yards, scored 15 total touchdowns and was the focal point of a run-based Eagles offense. Most importantly, he stayed healthy all year and was one of the league’s most dangerous weapons. There is no reason to believe he can’t have another huge year, provided he stays healthy.
Barkley has strength between the tackles and breakaway ability. Last year, he carried the ball a league-leading 345 times. The Eagles added former Green Bay Packer A.J. Dillon for depth, but his yards-per-carry average has dropped in each of the past three seasons, and he missed all of 2024 due to a neck injury. Second-year man Will Shipley will get a chance to take the main backup role.
Hurts returns after a fascinating season that featured his fewest passing yards since he became a full-time starter in 2021 but only five interceptions — 10 fewer than he had in ’24 — and a career-best 68.7% completion rate. In the postseason, he connected on 71.4% of his passes, threw for five scores and ran for another five. He’s not going to throw for 400 yards too often, but on this team, he doesn’t have to. Hurts has big-play potential with his arm and legs.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. BrownGeoff Burke-Imagn Images
After catching 106 passes in 2023, Brown had something of a “down” year, grabbing 67 and scoring seven times while averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He missed four games and was also targeted fewer times, thanks to the team’s emphasis on the run, but he remains a full-service wideout capable of being productive across the middle and down the field. Smith had another strong year, snaring 68 balls and scoring eight times, though his yards-per-catch average dropped to 12.3. But as he showed by catching a dagger long ball in the Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, he is still a deep threat.
Receiver depth is an issue. Jahan Dotson averaged 11.4 yards on 19 catches last year and didn’t score. Second-year men Johnny Wilson and Ainais Smith did not distinguish themselves last year, and at least one of them needs to develop into a reliable target. As of early May, Dallas Goedert was still the main tight end on the team. The Eagles could still release him, since Goedert (42 catches, 11.8 ypr, two TDs) is owed no guaranteed money. Grant Calcaterra (24, 12.4, one) would then be the starter, with no proven options behind him.
The Eagles’ offensive line should be a big area of strength — again. Although Mekhi Becton has moved on, the four holdovers are among the best at their positions in the NFL. You won’t find a better tackle tandem than Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, and guard Landon Dickerson was named to his first Pro Bowl last year. So was center Cam Jurgens, who signed a big extension during the offseason. The question comes at Becton’s guard spot, where Tyler Steen and Kenyon Green, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans during the offseason, will battle. Steen has been expected to take the job and must now prove he deserves it, while Green will try to match production with potential.
Free-agent pickup Kendall Lamm will provide depth at tackle, and Trevor Keegan (guard) and Brett Toth (guard/tackle) are other options in case of injury.
Coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit was first in the NFL last year in total defense and second in scoring defense. The Birds suffered some losses from the unit, most notably end Josh Sweat (Arizona Cardinals), tackle Milton Williams (New England Patriots) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Texans).
Carter emerged as a standout last year, recording 12 tackles for a loss. He’s strong and quick and showed durability. He is already one of the league’s best. Jordan Davis should be the other starter, but he has to become more productive to ensure his future with the team. The Eagles drafted Ty Robinson, who led the nation in quarterback hits last year and has plenty of athletic ability, although there is no guarantee he can fill Williams’ third tackle role this season.
Jalen Carter(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
On the outside, the loss of Sweat and his eight sacks will hurt. Expect Jalyx Hunt and Azeez Ojulari, a free-agent pickup from the Giants who had six sacks last year, to figure strongly in the rotation. Both have potential, although Ojulari needs to stay healthy. Nolan Smith Jr. and Bryce Huff will also see time. Don’t be surprised if Roseman adds an outside rusher in the summer.
The Birds made two big moves at linebacker during the offseason, first re-signing All-Pro Zack Baun to a long-term deal and then drafting Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. Though Campbell might see time on the edge, too, he will play inside while Nakobe Dean recovers from a knee injury. Baun is a tackling machine, and Campbell has tremendous potential, provided his shoulder is sound. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and rookie Smael Mondon Jr. will provide depth.
Last year’s draft produced two defensive back starters, both of whom excelled. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will be anchors of the secondary again this season. Expect Kelee Ringo and former Giant Adoree’ Jackson to fight for the third spot. Reid Blankenship is back at one safety, and second-round pick Andrew Mukuba is likely the other starter. Now healthy, Sydney Brown could be a factor.
Jake Elliott did not have his usual stellar regular season, making just 28-of-36 field-goal attempts and converting only 1-of-7 tries from 50 yards and beyond. However, in the playoffs, he was 10-of-11. Even though he’s under contract for four more seasons, this is a big year for him.
Punter Braden Mann averaged a strong 48.8 yards last year and put 37% of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He’s in the last year of his deal and could get a nice raise.
DeJean is a reliable punt returner who has the ability to break one. With Kenneth Gainwell gone, expect Shipley to handle the bulk of the kickoff returns.
Although the Eagles sustained some key losses on defense and must replace a starting offensive lineman, they are still one of the best teams in the NFL and have a good chance to reach the Super Bowl again. The question is whether rookies like Campbell, Mukuba and Robinson can step in and provide consistent production. Also, will Patullo continue the run-heavy offensive approach that limited turnovers and made life easier for Hurts? If not, the offense could need time to get comfortable.
More NFL team previews
AFC East:Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West:Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North:Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South:Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West:49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
[Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
While Eagles fans continue to get tattoos commemorating last year’s Super Bowl triumph, demand that statues be commissioned throughout the city to honor their heroes and name their children Saquon, Jalen, Nick and even Howie, the franchise must move forward, comfortable in its defending champion status but knowing that it means nothing during the 2025 season.
More NFL team previews
AFC East:Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West:Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North:Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South:Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West:49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
The Birds will attempt for a repeat title performance with plenty of key pieces back, like 2,000-yard back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and defensive tackle Jalen Carter — to name a few. But Philadelphia has some holes to fill, and thanks to a tight salary cap situation, general manager Howie Roseman wasn’t able to make any big-time signings during the offseason. But the Eagles added some promising talent in the draft and expect some of last year’s reserves to step forward this year.
Offense
It will be interesting to see if new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo continues to emphasize the running game, something that was hugely successful last year.
New York Giants fans agonized throughout the season as Barkley piled up 2,005 rushing yards, scored 15 total touchdowns and was the focal point of a run-based Eagles offense. Most importantly, he stayed healthy all year and was one of the league’s most dangerous weapons. There is no reason to believe he can’t have another huge year, provided he stays healthy.
Barkley has strength between the tackles and breakaway ability. Last year, he carried the ball a league-leading 345 times. The Eagles added former Green Bay Packer A.J. Dillon for depth, but his yards-per-carry average has dropped in each of the past three seasons, and he missed all of 2024 due to a neck injury. Second-year man Will Shipley will get a chance to take the main backup role.
Hurts returns after a fascinating season that featured his fewest passing yards since he became a full-time starter in 2021 but only five interceptions — 10 fewer than he had in ’24 — and a career-best 68.7% completion rate. In the postseason, he connected on 71.4% of his passes, threw for five scores and ran for another five. He’s not going to throw for 400 yards too often, but on this team, he doesn’t have to. Hurts has big-play potential with his arm and legs.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. BrownGeoff Burke-Imagn Images
After catching 106 passes in 2023, Brown had something of a “down” year, grabbing 67 and scoring seven times while averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He missed four games and was also targeted fewer times, thanks to the team’s emphasis on the run, but he remains a full-service wideout capable of being productive across the middle and down the field. Smith had another strong year, snaring 68 balls and scoring eight times, though his yards-per-catch average dropped to 12.3. But as he showed by catching a dagger long ball in the Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, he is still a deep threat.
Receiver depth is an issue. Jahan Dotson averaged 11.4 yards on 19 catches last year and didn’t score. Second-year men Johnny Wilson and Ainais Smith did not distinguish themselves last year, and at least one of them needs to develop into a reliable target. As of early May, Dallas Goedert was still the main tight end on the team. The Eagles could still release him, since Goedert (42 catches, 11.8 ypr, two TDs) is owed no guaranteed money. Grant Calcaterra (24, 12.4, one) would then be the starter, with no proven options behind him.
The Eagles’ offensive line should be a big area of strength — again. Although Mekhi Becton has moved on, the four holdovers are among the best at their positions in the NFL. You won’t find a better tackle tandem than Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, and guard Landon Dickerson was named to his first Pro Bowl last year. So was center Cam Jurgens, who signed a big extension during the offseason. The question comes at Becton’s guard spot, where Tyler Steen and Kenyon Green, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans during the offseason, will battle. Steen has been expected to take the job and must now prove he deserves it, while Green will try to match production with potential.
Free-agent pickup Kendall Lamm will provide depth at tackle, and Trevor Keegan (guard) and Brett Toth (guard/tackle) are other options in case of injury.
Defense
Coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit was first in the NFL last year in total defense and second in scoring defense. The Birds suffered some losses from the unit, most notably end Josh Sweat (Arizona Cardinals), tackle Milton Williams (New England Patriots) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Texans).
Carter emerged as a standout last year, recording 12 tackles for a loss. He’s strong and quick and showed durability. He is already one of the league’s best. Jordan Davis should be the other starter, but he has to become more productive to ensure his future with the team. The Eagles drafted Ty Robinson, who led the nation in quarterback hits last year and has plenty of athletic ability, although there is no guarantee he can fill Williams’ third tackle role this season.
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Jalen Carter(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
On the outside, the loss of Sweat and his eight sacks will hurt. Expect Jalyx Hunt and Azeez Ojulari, a free-agent pickup from the Giants who had six sacks last year, to figure strongly in the rotation. Both have potential, although Ojulari needs to stay healthy. Nolan Smith Jr. and Bryce Huff will also see time. Don’t be surprised if Roseman adds an outside rusher in the summer.
The Birds made two big moves at linebacker during the offseason, first re-signing All-Pro Zack Baun to a long-term deal and then drafting Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. Though Campbell might see time on the edge, too, he will play inside while Nakobe Dean recovers from a knee injury. Baun is a tackling machine, and Campbell has tremendous potential, provided his shoulder is sound. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and rookie Smael Mondon Jr. will provide depth.
Last year’s draft produced two defensive back starters, both of whom excelled. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will be anchors of the secondary again this season. Expect Kelee Ringo and former Giant Adoree’ Jackson to fight for the third spot. Reid Blankenship is back at one safety, and second-round pick Andrew Mukuba is likely the other starter. Now healthy, Sydney Brown could be a factor.
Specialists
Jake Elliott did not have his usual stellar regular season, making just 28-of-36 field-goal attempts and converting only 1-of-7 tries from 50 yards and beyond. However, in the playoffs, he was 10-of-11. Even though he’s under contract for four more seasons, this is a big year for him.
Punter Braden Mann averaged a strong 48.8 yards last year and put 37% of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He’s in the last year of his deal and could get a nice raise.
DeJean is a reliable punt returner who has the ability to break one. With Kenneth Gainwell gone, expect Shipley to handle the bulk of the kickoff returns.
Final Analysis
Although the Eagles sustained some key losses on defense and must replace a starting offensive lineman, they are still one of the best teams in the NFL and have a good chance to reach the Super Bowl again. The question is whether rookies like Campbell, Mukuba and Robinson can step in and provide consistent production. Also, will Patullo continue the run-heavy offensive approach that limited turnovers and made life easier for Hurts? If not, the offense could need time to get comfortable.
More NFL team previews
AFC East:Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West:Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North:Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South:Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West:49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available
Related: Saquon Barkley Leads the NFL’s Running Back Renaissance
Related: Saquon Barkley Leads the NFL’s Running Back Renaissance
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
