Category: Philadelphia eagles

  • Eagles Encouraged to Sign $77 Million Star Pass Rusher

    Eagles Encouraged to Sign $77 Million Star Pass Rusher

     

    Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Preston Smith.

    In an effort to ensure the team isn’t settling for “just good enough” and is instead striving for excellence — something the Philadelphia Eagles have excelled at in recent seasons — there may still be room to strengthen the defense of the reigning Super Bowl champions heading into 2025.

    The area where Philadelphia might have the most room for improvement this late in the offseason is at edge rusher, where Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes veteran pass rusher and current free agent Preston Smith could be an ideal fit. Knox pointed to improving the Eagles’ pass rush as their biggest remaining offseason priority.

    A glance at Smith’s recent productivity may lead reasonable observers to prefer him over a more famous name like Von Miller, in fact.

    “General manager Howie Roseman should continue monitoring the pass-rushing market,” Knox noted in his June 17 piece. “Philadelphia added Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari in free agency, but lost Josh Sweat and dealt Bryce Huff to the 49ers. They also said goodbye to Brandon Graham, who retired. The Eagles’ revamped pass-rush group should be solid, but bringing in a vet like Von Miller or Preston Smith could be a real boost.”

    Smith Has Quietly Put Together a Strong NFL Career
    Smith has quietly been one of the most reliable and effective pass rushers in the league over his 10-year career. His resume suggests he deserves more recognition than he’s received — even if his paychecks, totaling about $77.3 million, reflect his value.

    That’s especially notable since Smith has never made a Pro Bowl or earned All-Pro recognition, though there’s an argument he’s deserved both on multiple occasions.

    Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 270 pounds, Smith dominated during his senior year at Mississippi State in 2014 with 48 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, two picks and two forced fumbles, earning All-SEC status. That campaign launched him into the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, where Washington selected him 38th overall.

    The most remarkable stat about Smith is his availability: he’s played in 163 of 164 regular season games and has averaged 7.4 sacks per year across 10 seasons.

    He’s started 138 games and topped 8.0 sacks six different times, peaking with 12.0 sacks in 2019. He’s never had fewer than 4.0 sacks in any season. His versatility also stands out — with five interceptions and 27 pass deflections.

    Smith spent four years in Washington before signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He later extended his contract in 2022 for four more years at $52.5 million. The Packers traded him to Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, and the Steelers released him on February 14.

    How the Eagles Could Add Smith to the Mix
    Philadelphia can offer Smith something few teams can match — a legitimate shot at another Super Bowl. The reigning champions already boast talent across the board and are built to compete again.

    When it comes to a contract, Philadelphia might begin with a one-year, $3 million offer, potentially increasing it to $5 million depending on interest.

  • Why Jalen Hurts Is a Dark Horse MVP Candidate, According to NFL Expert

    Why Jalen Hurts Is a Dark Horse MVP Candidate, According to NFL Expert

     


    Jalen Hurts heads into the 2025 NFL season as an intriguing dark horse MVP contender, thanks to a blend of achievements and untapped potential that make him worth watching. Though he guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl title and took home MVP honors, questions still linger regarding his place among the NFL’s top-tier quarterbacks.

    Since taking over as Philadelphia’s starter in 2021, Hurts has shown steady improvement. In the past four seasons, he has thrown for close to 15,000 yards and tallied 140 total touchdowns, blending his running and passing skills with sharper efficiency. His leadership and clutch performance have been vital to the Eagles’ rise, capped by a dominant 2024 playoff performance.

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) launches a pass from the pocket in the second half versus the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan–Imagn Images
    Hurts benefits greatly from a loaded offensive unit. With stars like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most explosive attacks. Add in Saquon Barkley’s versatility out of the backfield, and Hurts gains more freedom, balancing air and ground threats. This mix sets him up for another impressive campaign.

    Yet, Hurts must navigate several challenges to strengthen his MVP credentials. The Eagles’ revolving door at offensive coordinator — now with Kevin Patullo as the fifth in six years — could disrupt consistency. Critics also argue Hurts’ balanced offense might limit his stats compared to other pass-heavy quarterbacks in the MVP race.

    NFL Expert Identifies Eagles’ Jalen Hurts as a Dark Horse for MVP

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) signals the play during the third quarter against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer–Imagn Images
    Hurts may surprise the league by entering the MVP race this year. NFL.com’s Judy Battista expanded on this in a recent analysis on the league’s official website.

    The current Super Bowl MVP had an up-and-down season last year, though he did finish as MVP runner-up in 2022. Surrounded by elite talent — A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert — Hurts has options, but with Barkley’s involvement, he might not post eye-popping numbers that MVP voters typically favor, even if his team dominates.

    Nonetheless, Hurts perfectly fits today’s quarterback prototype — agile, adaptable, and mentally tough. His clutch performances and ability to win games could lift him in MVP conversations. If he sharpens his game further and keeps the Eagles among the top teams, his MVP buzz will only increase.

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) fires a second-quarter throw against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer–Imagn Images
    Hurts’ rise from overlooked prospect to Super Bowl hero sets the foundation for a possible MVP campaign. Entering his sixth season, he has the talent, support, and drive to show he belongs in the NFL’s most elite class.

    Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) warms up before Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee–Imagn Images
    This story originally appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was republished with permission.

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