Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Stock up or Stock Down: How the Eagles’ defense changed this offseason

The Eagles have retooled after a disappointing 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, and they’ll enter OTAs with a new look defensively.

Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph, Ndamukong Suh, T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Marcus Epps are gone.

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon landed the Cardinals’ head coaching job, but Sean Desai will replace him.

Darius Slay and James Bradberry return to form one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos.

At the same time, Haason Reddick will look to dominate again after finishing fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

With OTAs scheduled to start next week, here’s an updated stock report on how the defense has changed.

DE -- Even

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Robert Quinn is a free agent, but Philadelphia re-signed Brandon Graham, and Derek Barnett is returning from a torn ACL.

Kentavius Street is versatile and play on the edge, while first round pick Nolan Smith will be moved all around the field.

Josh Sweat will return after logging double digit sacks, and Janarius Robinson will look to make an impact as well.

DT-- Stock up

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia lost Javon Hargrave to San Francisco, but regrouped by selecting Georgia All-American Jalen Carter at No. 9 overall.

The Eagles also drafted Moro Ojomo in the seventh round, while also re-signing Fletcher Cox. Jordan Davis returns for year two, while Milton Williams will look to take the next step in his career arc as well.

SAM LB/Edge rusher -- Stock up

(AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

Haason Reddick returns after logging 16.5 sacks in 2022, and he’ll look to duplicate or better those numbers. With opposing offenses set to pay more attention to Reddick, Philadelphia drafted Nolan Smith with their second first round pick.

Kyron Johnson, Tarron Jackson and Patrick Johnson also return at the position.

LB -- Even

(AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Gone are T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, replaced by Nakobe Dean and Nicholas Morrow. Philadelphia also returns Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley and Christian Elliss at the position. A player to watch is former Michigan State linebacker, Ben VanSumeren.

CB -- Stock Up

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Philadelphia retained Darius Slay and James Bradberry, while signing Greedy Williams in free agency.

The Eagles then drafted Kelee Ringo, along with signing undrafted free agents Mekhi Garner and Eli Ricks.

S - Stock up

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, stock should be down, but Philadelphia rebounded by signing Terrell Edmunds and Justin Evans. Reed Blankenship returns for year two and the team drafted former Illinois star, Sydney Brown.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.