The Philadelphia Eagles will officially begin their defense of their Super Bowl title on July 22, when players are expected to report to the NovaCare Complex for training camp, with the first practice scheduled for the following day.
With as many pieces of the puzzle from this past year set to return to the Eagles for the 2025 campaign, there are only so many spots up for grabs during training camp. That leaves several players in precarious positions as their future could be wholly dependent on how they perform under pressure over the coming weeks.
For one recent draft pick in particular, his time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end sooner rather than later as he faces plenty of competition for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Eagles OLB Patrick Johnson Most Likely to Be Cut for a Camp Standout
The Eagles selected outside linebacker Patrick Johnson out of Tulane University with the No. 234 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he stuck with the franchise through the start of the 2024 campaign before being released.
While he was never a true difference-maker in Philadelphia, Johnson appeared in 49 games, making 35 total tackles, for the franchise during his tenure in the City of Brotherly Love. After being released, Johnson was quickly claimed by the New York Giants, and he went on to play in 12 games for the Eagles' NFC East rival during the 2024 season.
Now, Johnson is back with Philadelphia after signing a one-year contract during the offseason. He will face plenty of competition in making this roster, though. With Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and even the rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland competing for time at the same spot, the likelihood that Johnson could wind up just being a "camp body" is a very real possibility.
Add in the fact that the contract Johnson signed with the franchise included no guaranteed money, and the writing could already be on the wall. Don't be surprised to see Johnson released at some point during training camp as it becomes clear that he is behind the other options on the 90-man roster.