The Philadelphia Eagles have kicked off their training camp, marking the beginning of an exciting 2024 season filled with promise and lofty goals. With notable changes in both their roster and coaching staff, the Eagles are aiming for a Super Bowl run with new leadership steering the ship.
Nick Sirianni steps into the role of head coach, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the team. Beside him, Kellen Moore takes over as the new offensive coordinator, tasked with revamping an offense that has shown potential but needs consistency. On the defensive side, veteran coach Vic Fangio assumes the position of defensive coordinator, bringing his extensive experience and strategic acumen to lead the Eagles' defense.
However, the team faces significant changes on the field as well. Longtime stalwarts Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox have hung up their cleats, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a gap that the younger players will need to fill. The team has not stood still in addressing these changes. They have made strategic signings, including star running back Saquon Barkley, who joins the team with a lucrative $12.5 million-per-year deal. Barkley's addition is poised to give the Eagles' ground game a significant boost. This is especially crucial considering their run game ranked 19th in yards per carry and a dismal 32nd in yards after contact per rush since Week 4 last season.
Barkley is joined by other new faces like Bryce Huff and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who will bring fresh talent and depth to the squad. Jalen Hurts returns as the quarterback, eager to build on the previous season and lead his team to greater heights. The departure of Haason Reddick and the restructuring of Josh Sweat's contract are other notable developments that the Eagles have negotiated as they prepare for the season ahead.
The competition at the right guard position is fierce, with Mekhi Becton and Tyler Steen vying for the starting spot. Currently, Steen holds the first-team reps, showcasing his potential to secure the position. The offensive lineup also sees changes in the wide receiver ranks, with Parris Campbell stepping into the WR3 role and John Ross attempting a comeback after a three-year absence from regular-season play.
The team's secondary looks solid with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both promising talents. Veteran cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, though in their 30s, still offer experience and skill. Discussions are ongoing about possibly shifting Bradberry to safety, a role for which Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean are also strong candidates. Adding to the depth, Kelee Ringo, picked in the fourth round last year, and Quinyon Mitchell, the No. 22 pick in the most recent draft, are expected to contribute significantly.
At 35, Brandon Graham returns for what many anticipate will be his final season. His leadership and experience will be invaluable, particularly after a strong showing by Nolan Smith, who recorded four tackles and a quarterback hit in just 16 snaps during last season's wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles have also taken steps to enhance their linebacker corps by parting ways with Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow while bringing in Devin White and Oren Burks. This roster shake-up aims to address past vulnerabilities and strengthen the team's defensive capabilities. However, they will need to manage Nakobe Dean, who has faced challenges staying healthy, to ensure the team remains robust throughout the season.
Significant investments in securing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith indicate the franchise's commitment to building one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. With these strategic additions and changes, the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, driven by a blend of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers determined to achieve greatness. As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on how these pieces come together to form a cohesive, competitive unit.