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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
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Six Eagles Who Must Step Up for Another Super Bowl Run
For the second time in franchise history, the Philadelphia Eagles are entering training camp as the reigning Super Bowl champions. However, the 2025 team will look vastly different than last year's squad, particularly on defense. Here are six players who will need to step up this season if the Eagles want to make another Super Bowl run. DT Jordan Davis The loss of defensive tackle Milton Williams in free agency means the Eagles will be expecting more from Jordan Davis. The former first-round pick saw his playing time decrease in 2024, dropping from 45% to 37% of defensive snaps. Davis recorded just one sack and 27 total tackles last season, but he does draw double-teams consistently, opening up linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean to make plays. Still, he needs to improve his rush defense after ranking 79th out of 219 defensive tackles by Pro Football Focus. S Sydney Brown It's a make-or-break season for third-year safety Sydney Brown, particularly after the Eagles surprisingly traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. Brown returned to the field in October after suffering a torn ACL in the final game of his rookie season in 2023. He played in 11 games, mostly on special teams, while appearing in just 12% of defensive snaps. Brown will have to battle for playing time alongside Reed Blankenship. The Eagles selected Texas safety Andrew Mukaba in the second round of the 2025 draft and also have Tristin McCollum in the fold. DE Moro Ojomo The Eagles are without two defensive end stalwarts for the 2025 season — Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and Brandon Graham retired. That opens the door for Moro Ojomo to slide into their spots after appearing in 37% of defensive snaps in 2024. The 2023 seventh-round pick hasn't recorded a regular season sack yet but he did take down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He posted a solid 82.4 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus last year, and if he can maintain that level in 2025, he can become a force on the defensive line. TE Dallas Goedert It was touch-and-go during the offseason whether tight end Dallas Goedert would return to the Eagles in 2025. But after the Birds didn't take a tight end in the draft, they re-worked Goedert's deal to keep him in Philadelphia. Goedert is one of the top players at his position, but injuries have consistently knocked him out for several games each year. He missed seven games in 2024 due to hamstring and knee injuries, but he was a key contributor during their Super Bowl championship run, recording 215 yards on 17 receptions, including a touchdown. The Eagles are hoping the 30-year-old Goedert can stay healthy as they look to repeat as champions. RB Will Shipley Second-year running back Will Shipley will see a bigger workload in 2025 to preserve Saquon Barkley following his historic 2,000-yard rushing season. Barkley had an NFL-leading 378 touches in 2024 and the Eagles can't afford to run him into the ground. Shipley was primarily used on special teams in 2024, but with Kenneth Gainwell signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former Clemson running back is penciled in as Barkley's backup. Shipley started the final regular season game, rushing for 32 yards on 10 carries. Overall, he ran the ball 30 times for 82 yards. WR Jahan Dotson The Eagles expected more from former first-round pick Jahan Dotson after acquiring him from the Washington Commanders. He had the worst year of his career: 19 receptions for 216 yards and no touchdowns. Philadelphia was expecting a solid No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but Dotson was unable to live up to expectations. The Eagles declined Dotson's fifth-year option on his rookie contract, meaning he will be a free agent after this upcoming season. If he's unable to make an impact again, not only will his time with the Eagles come to an end, but it will also cost him millions on the free-agent market. Related Headlines Did Kyle Schwarber's All-Star Game Heroics Drive Up His Price With Free Agency Looming? MLB Reporter Predicts Phillies 'Geared Up to Do Something Huge' At Trade Deadline Disgraced former NFLPA boss reportedly used union funds for jaunts at strip clubs Three Key Battles to Watch at New York Giants Training Camp
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles 12 most intriguing players in 2025: The countdown from No. 12 to 1 for training camp
The Eagles are getting ready to begin their second-ever training camp as defending Super Bowl champions. Unlike the last time, this Eagles team is built to sustain their status as perennial contenders, much like the Kansas City Chiefs have done over the past several seasons. The Eagles have much of their core intact from the 2022 season, when they last reached the Super Bowl. Advertisement But for that to happen, several things have to break the Eagles' way. At the same time, it's extremely difficult to keep the same team together two seasons in a row. And the Eagles certainly experienced that, having to let some key players leave, especially on defense. The Philadelphia Eagles hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. So how the Eagles retool could determine whether they become a Chiefs-like dynasty, or like the previous Eagles Super Bowl winner in 2017, a team struggling just to reach the playoffs. Here, then, are the 12 most intriguing players to a Super Bowl repeat as training camp opens July 22. We've been counting them down from No. 12 beginning on July 7, to No. 1 on July 22nd. Advertisement Keep in mind, these aren't necessarily the best players, or the most important. Rather, the most intriguing. Here is the list, with links to each story: No. 12: LB Jihaad Campbell No. 11: S Sydney Brown No. 10: DT Moro Ojomo Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@ Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles' championship season in 'Flying High,' a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles most intriguing players of 2025: Counting down from No. 12 to 1
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles' 12 most intriguing players in 2025: Is No. 11 already losing his position battle?
PHILADELPHIA − If the Eagles were convinced Sydney Brown could take over at safety after they traded away C.J. Gardner-Johnson, would they have drafted Drew Mukuba in the second round? Then again, would the Eagles have traded Gardner-Johnson if they didn't think Brown could take over? After all, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made it a point to say that Brown was an early-round draft pick (third round, 2023), and that it was time for him to get an opportunity. Advertisement And then the Eagles drafted Mukuba on April 25. Technically, Mukuba was taken with the last pick of the second round, No. 64 overall, while Brown was taken with the first pick of the third round, No. 65 overall. So the draft position is basically the same. But if Brown was looking for a ringing endorsement that he is the front-runner for the starting safety job next to Reed Blankenship, he didn't exactly get one from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. And yet, the Eagles need him to fill the void left by Gardner-Johnson, who had 6 interceptions last season. That's why Brown is No. 11 in our list of 12 most intriguing Eagles heading into the start of training camp on July 22. We're counting them down each weekday from No. 12 to No. 1. The series began July 7 and will culminate with the start of camp. Advertisement "It's a competition that is going to take a training camp and a few preseason games to sort out," Fangio said. "And Tristin (McCollum) is in that, too. Sure, but Brown has two full seasons of experience, while McCollum was undrafted and spent time on the Eagles' practice squad until last season. Mukuba, meanwhile, is not only a rookie, but considered undersized for a safety at 5-foot-10, 186 pounds. Yet Fangio quickly discounted Brown's experience, especially because Brown suffered a torn ACL in the season finale of the 2023 season. He wasn't cleared to return until Week 6 of last season. Then he was used primarily on special teams, while McCollum served as the third safety. Sydney Brown #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after forcing a fumble in the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 3, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Well, his experience came in '23, not '24," Fangio said about Brown. "Last year at this time, he wasn't doing anything, and didn't do anything really until the middle of October. So he lost all this time last year − training camp, early part of the season, and really never got many reps with us defensively. Advertisement "Yes, he was sitting in meetings, but that only goes so far. You've got to get out there and experience it, and build on it, and he lost that last year. So he's going through that process now, and he's doing fine." And the Eagles do have options. Mukuba played nickel at Clemson before transferring to Texas, where the Longhorns used him at safety. In addition, Fangio had said that Cooper DeJean could play safety when the Eagles are in base defense, then move to nickel. But the Eagles were in base defense for only 12% of the time last season, so somebody would still have to play the bulk of the snaps. Advertisement Celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win with our new book The Eagles will certainly give Mukuba the chance to play nickel in training camp. If Brown proves himself, perhaps DeJean would play outside at cornerback, another position he played in college at Iowa. "For me, I'm an unselfish guy," Mukuba said about playing nickel. "I'm versatile, so whatever is needed at the time. Whether it's nickelback or safety, I'm just looking forward to it. Whatever the coaches feel is the best fit for the team, I'm willing to do that at a high level." Where does that leave Brown? We'll find out in training camp. Advertisement Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@ Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles' championship season in 'Flying High,' a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sydney Brown: Philadelphia Eagles safety in a position battle for 2025
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CFL Champions Want Eagles Defender if NFL Door Closes
CFL Champions Want Eagles Defender if NFL Door Closes originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles' safety room is buzzing with competition this summer, but there's an intriguing subplot developing around third-year defensive back Sydney Brown that stretches far beyond the NovaCare Complex. Advertisement While the London, Ontario, native fights for a roster spot on the defending Super Bowl champions, the Toronto Argonauts have quietly positioned themselves as a potential landing spot should things not work out in Philadelphia. Brown enters training camp in a precarious position. The Eagles revamped their secondary this offseason, trading veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston and drafting Texas safety Andrew Mukuba in the second round. That leaves Brown battling with Mukuba, returning starter Reed Blankenship, and Tristin McCollum for limited opportunities in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system. The 25-year-old's NFL journey has been a rollercoaster since the Eagles selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie year flashed serious potential, punctuated by a spectacular 99-yard pick-six against Arizona that had Eagles fans buzzing. But that momentum came to a halt when Brown tore his ACL in the season finale against the Giants, limiting him to just 79 defensive snaps in 2024. Now fully recovered, Brown has returned to practice with determination and has taken first-team reps alongside Blankenship. Still, with the Eagles rotating heavily at the position and Mukuba's presence adding pressure, Brown's hold on a roster spot is anything but secure. Advertisement What makes his situation even more compelling is the 'Plan B' quietly taking shape in Canada. The CFL's recently released negotiation lists revealed that the Toronto Argonauts have claimed Brown's exclusive rights. Unlike his twin brother Chase, who was selected in the CFL Draft, Sydney went undrafted, leaving him available for teams to claim. 'The London, Ontario native would be a massive fan favorite if he ever decided to come home, but this Super Bowl champion has much more to accomplish in the NFL before ever contemplating that,' analyst Marshall Ferguson noted after the Argos added Brown to their list. The move comes amid rising speculation that Brown could be a trade candidate. With Cooper DeJean's ability to flex to safety, and Fangio's scheme favoring veterans with specific system fits, Brown may find himself on the outside looking in despite his upside. Toronto's move is a savvy long-term play. Brown's Canadian roots and NFL résumé would make him an instant star north of the border. As the defending Grey Cup champions, the Argonauts continue to build their negotiation list with future upside in mind, recently adding names like Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Advertisement The CFL's negotiation list gives each team exclusive rights to up to 45 players, many of whom are currently in the NFL or still in college. It's a strategic way for Canadian franchises to claim a first shot at potential future signings. With Philadelphia attempting to repeat as Super Bowl champions and a revamped secondary in place, Brown's performance over the next few weeks will determine whether he cements his spot in midnight green — or becomes a prime candidate for a change of scenery. Toronto may be holding his rights, but for Brown, the CFL remains a distant backup plan. He's determined to prove he belongs on one of the NFL's best defenses, and training camp will be his proving ground. Related: Eagles Fans Tempted by T.J. Watt Trade Rumors but Reality Says Otherwise Related: Rams Quietly Build Roster Designed to Beat Defending Champion Eagles This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Rookie Making Push for Starting Safety Role as Veteran Feels the Heat
Eagles Rookie Making Push for Starting Safety Role as Veteran Feels the Heat originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Sydney Brown's grip on a starting safety position appears to be slipping as rookie Andrew Mukuba continues to impress Eagles coaching staff during spring practices. The third-year safety is facing a make-or-break season after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign that limited his development. Advertisement Brown suffered a torn ACL against the New York Giants in Week 18 of the 2023 season, which derailed much of his 2024 campaign. He saw action in just 11 games this season, making seven total tackles, two pass knockdowns, one interception and one forced fumble after being activated from the reserve/PUP list in October. While Brown has traits — he is fast, strong, explosive and can hit — he seems to lack recognition skills and plays somewhat out of control according to recent analysis. Enter Andrew Mukuba, the Eagles' second-round pick (64th overall) from Texas. The 5-11, 186-pound safety earned third-team All-SEC honors and was tied for fourth in the FBS with five interceptions last season. He graded second among all Power 4 safeties according to Pro Football Focus and ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. The competition is already underway during spring practices, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio calling it 'a three-man race between Mukuba, Sydney Brown and Tristin McCollum' for the starting spot opposite Reed Blankenship. 'It's a competition that is going to take a training camp and a few preseason games to sort out,' Fangio said during OTAs. Advertisement Significantly, the Eagles have already given Mukuba extensive first-team reps this spring — something they were more cautious about with rookies last year. While Brown has received the most first-team snaps, Mukuba's early involvement suggests the coaching staff views him as a legitimate Day 1 starter candidate. This competition stems from the Eagles' decision to trade away starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in March. Gardner-Johnson had been a key playmaker, leading the team in interceptions in both of his seasons with Philadelphia. His departure created an immediate need for production in the secondary. The two players bring contrasting skill sets. Brown and Mukuba are different in many ways, from their football experiences to their styles of play and instincts. Brown mostly played box safety in college, while Mukuba transitioned from slot corner to post safety. Despite questions about Mukuba's size — he's in the lowest percentiles among safeties in his draft class for height and weight — his tape shows he plays much bigger than his measurements suggest. While Brown still has the experience edge, Mukuba's superior instincts, ball skills and scheme fit appear to give him the advantage heading into training camp. Unless Brown can show significant improvement in his recognition and decision-making, the rookie could very well win the starting job from Day 1. Advertisement Related: Eagles Given Top Grade For All-Pro Tackle Duo Related: Jayden Daniels Goes Down Memory Lane Against Rival Eagles This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
