The Philadelphia Eagles went from having one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushes to scrambling for answers in less than a year. Their front four overwhelmed opponents, piling up sacks in bunches and forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws that fueled Vic Fangio’s defense. Fast forward to this fall, and the pass rush that once terrified opposing offenses has become one of the team’s biggest concerns.
Last season, the Eagles relied on a promising trio of Josh Sweat (8 sacks), Nolan Smith (6.5 sacks), and Milton Williams (5 sacks) to lead the charge. But the offseason saw sweeping change. Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Milton Williams signed with the New England Patriots. In addition, Nolan Smith, earlier this week, was placed on injured reserve after reportedly reaggravating his left tricep, which he had surgery on during the offseason.
To address the exodus, general manager Howie Roseman moved quickly in the offseason, signing veterans Azeez Ojulari, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Patrick Johnson. The hope was that the trio could stabilize the rotation, while star defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter continued to dominate the interior. Instead, the results have been underwhelming.
Azeez Ojulari, Ogbo Okoronkwo Need to Impress to Keep Roster Spot
Of these three additions, only Patrick Johnson has taken the field so far. Johnson, 27, received 18 snaps combined between the Dallas Cowboys game in Week 1 and the Kansas City Chiefs game in Week 2. His production has been minimal: mustering 1 hurry and 1 pressure according to Pro Football Focus. That limited impact has not been enough to carve out a meaningful role in Fangio’s defense.
It may come as a surprise that Ojulari has yet to suit up for the Birds this season. The former New York Giant was viewed as the most high-upside signing of the group, with 22 career sacks — eight of them coming last season. There were hopes that he could reach double-digit sacks as an Eagle, with the Georgia Bulldog tandem of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter dominating the interior. Instead, Ojulari has yet to suit up, raising questions about whether health, conditioning, or scheme fit is keeping him off the field.
Okoronkwo, on the other hand, was signed as a steady depth option. Across seven NFL seasons, he has recorded 17 sacks, with his career-best season being in 2022, when he had five sacks for the Houston Texans. For a rotation player, that production was serviceable — but with the Eagles currently starved for pass rush, his absence only highlights the team’s lack of answers.
Recently acquired veteran Za’Darius Smith has only registered a half-sack. At his peak, Smith was a game-wrecker, recording double-digit sacks in both 2019 and 2020, but he’s struggled to find rhythm in his new role. Unless things turn quickly, the Eagles could find themselves dangerously reliant on Carter and Davis to carry the load up front.
Philadelphia may need to dip back into the trade market for pass-rush help. It wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory — Roseman has long been one of the league’s most aggressive general managers when it comes to addressing midseason weaknesses.
The challenge, of course, is cost. Roseman will need to weigh whether parting with draft capital or other players is worth stabilizing a defensive line that was supposed to be the backbone of this roster. Still, given the team’s championship aspirations, standing pat may not be an option if the pass rush doesn’t improve soon.
For Philadelphia, the early warning signs are clear. Johnson, Ojulari, and Okoronkwo were supposed to soften the blow of losing Sweat, Williams, and now Smith. Instead, all three could already be on the chopping block, with their roles in jeopardy before October even arrives.
If Roseman believes this roster is still capable of making another Super Bowl run, he may have no choice but to act quickly. Because if the Eagles don’t fix their pass-rushing woes soon, the dream of back-to-back championships could vanish just as quickly as their once-formidable defensive front.