Following their dominant 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles now face a crucial offseason filled with key decisions. Key defensive players Milton Williams and Josh Sweat are set to hit free agency, and while many believe longtime defensive end Brandon Graham will walk off into the sunset, he is still undecided on whether to retire or return for another season.
How these decisions unfold will have a major impact on the Eagles' defense going forward.
Bringing back inside linebacker Zack Baun on a 3 year deal is a big move for the Eagles defense, but will Baun be able to maintain what we saw during his breakout first year in Philadelphia if the Eagles do not have a dominant pass rush in front of him? There is no question Baun and rookie corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean benefited from the Eagles' pressure from the line. Nobody in the NFL had more forced fumbles than the Eagles in 2024, and they had the #1 overall defense under Vic Fangio, but you are only as good as your players.
The Philosophy: Building Through the Trenches
For Eagles GM Howie Roseman, the philosophy has always been clear: dominate in the trenches. The Eagles’ success is built on their strong offensive and defensive lines, and this approach was on full display in the Super Bowl.
The defensive line wreaked havoc on Mahomes, proving once again that a dominant pass rush can make all the difference in a game. This focus on the trenches has led to consistent success, and Roseman’s commitment to maintaining that strength will be crucial as the Eagles navigate free agency.
Super Bowl LIX: Sweat Makes Mahomes Pay
The Eagles defense was nothing short of spectacular in Super Bowl LIX, overwhelming the Chiefs and their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The defense piled up six sacks and two interceptions, with Josh Sweat leading the way.
Sweat was a constant presence in the backfield, finishing the game with 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits on Mahomes, who was never able to get comfortable.
Sweat’s performance not only showcased his elite pass-rushing ability but likely boosted his free-agent value, and that could be too much for the Eagles to handle. After his dominant showing, it's expected that Sweat could land a deal worth $15-20 million annually—well above the $10 million he earned last season. His ability to disrupt Mahomes on the biggest stage solidified his status as one of the league’s top edge rushers.
The Numbers: 2024 Season Stats & Contracts
Milton Williams: The 25-year-old defensive tackle had a breakout 2024 season, finishing with 7 sacks (including playoffs), 12 solo tackles, and a forced fumble. Playing on a rookie contract worth just $1.28 million per year, Williams is now primed for a hefty raise, with reports suggesting he could command upwards of $21 million annually in free agency.
Josh Sweat: Sweat, who made $10 million last season, proved in Super Bowl LIX that he’s worth even more. His 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits on Mahomes have placed him firmly in the spotlight. Given his continued rise as a premier edge rusher, Sweat is expected to sign a deal worth $15-20 million annually.
Brandon Graham: Graham, a franchise legend, has been the heart of the Eagles’ defense for over a decade. At 36, while many believe he will ride into the sunset after winning his second Super Bowl in Philadelphia, he has not ruled out retiring. But if he returns, it would likely be in a more limited capacity.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
As free agency looms, Roseman has a delicate balancing act. The Eagles have an interest in keeping Williams and Sweat, but at what price?
Sweat’s Super Bowl performance and Williams’ strong season may push their price tags higher than the Eagles can afford.
Of course, if the Myles Garrett situation remains in play, despite the Browns saying they won’t trade their star defender, then that would ease the pain of losing both players.
The Eagles can also address their d-line in the 2025 NFL draft as there is believed to be a lot of Day 2 and 3 value at those positions, according to NFL Network Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
Graham’s decision to retire or return will also have a significant impact on the team’s defensive front. If Graham walks away, the Eagles may need to find a veteran to fill his shoes, but the bigger concern will be keeping their core of younger defensive stars.
Roseman’s commitment to building through the trenches has been key to the Eagles’ success, and this offseason will test his ability to maintain a championship-caliber roster while managing the salary cap. He vows to get creative, so expect the Eagles to re-work big contracts and cap hits to manage the financial situation.
Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Dallas Goedert, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata all carry big cap hits above the $10M range. While Darius Slay's big cap hit has already been addressed with a post-June 1st release designation, the Eagles are expected to get creative and move money around to fit as much talent on their roster as possible to keep their Super Bowl window open for a long time.
Fans will be on edge, hoping the Eagles can retain their Super Bowl-winning defensive line and continue to build on their dominance in the trenches.