Free agency opened the door for players to see what their market around the league looks like, and the Philadelphia Eagles have seen several players leave town as a result.
The defensive line, in particular, has lost three players, with Jaelan Phillips, Azeez Ojulari, and Joshua Uche all signing with new teams in March. While the Eagles still have the NFL draft as an outlet to add more pieces there, Jalyx Hunt is the biggest winner thus far. He will certainly have a big role on this defensive line, and the offseason has made that very clear.
Jalyx Hunt Stock Trending Up for Eagles
The biggest loss is Phillips, who was acquired by Philadelphia in November of 2025. In nine games with the Eagles, Phillips had 44 pressures, 35 QB hurries, and two sacks. Meanwhile, Uche and Ojulari weren't starters but combined for 26 total pressures, four QB hits, and one sack.
Nonetheless, Hunt seems poised to have a massive role along the defensive front. And that is a good sign after what he did in 2025. In 17 games (9 starts), Hunt had 52 total tackles, 24 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He also had 55 total pressures, 31 hurries, and three interceptions.
That's without mentioning that Hunt led all Eagles defensive ends in snaps (721). All of these numbers were career-highs, and the fact that Philadelphia didn't make any veteran additions there gives the assumption that they are comfortable with Hunt having a serious role.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hunt had a 68.4 overall grade, 65.8 pass-rush grade, and a 58.8 run-defense grade. He was able to make the most of his opportunities, and it looks like he'll get the chance to build on that campaign. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio clearly likes what Hunt brings to the defense, and that's a major bonus. Fangio showed that he's willing to sit anyone if he feels like they aren't playing to his standard, as fans saw with Bryce Huff.
That isn't the case here, and Hunt should be feeling good. Once Phillips was offered a massive four-year, $120 million deal by the Carolina Panthers, that was too rich for Philly's blood. Instead, they'll roll with the guys on the roster and will likely add someone via trade or the NFL draft.
Regardless of when or if those additions happen, Hunt has the upper hand going into spring workouts. He was able to handle what was thrown his way in 2025, and that gave management trust in him. It's obvious with their lack of moves at the edge, which is a win for Hunt.