ESPN’s Solak Ranks Eagles’ Free Agent Class Among NFL’s Best

On paper, it would appear the Philadelphia Eagles have regressed on the field, losing pass-rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Oren Burks, cornerback Darius Slay, and trading away safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason on the defensive side of the ball.

The team also parted ways with right guard Mekhi Becton, swing tackle Fred Johnson, and reserve running back Kenny Gainwell on offense.

But how well did the Eagles replace some of the talent they lost during the free agent period?

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According to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, Philadelphia's additions, coupled with their re-signings, were more impressive than many Eagles fans give them credit for.

Solak ranked the Eagles' free agent class No. 10 overall this offseason:

To account for the departure of pass rusher Josh Sweat, both Uche and Ojulari were signed. Each has had splashy seasons recently and could shine in a star-studded rotation. Tight end Dallas Goedert might be traded, so the Eagles signed Harrison Bryant and Kylen Granson. Return man Britain Covey and cornerback Darius Slay are gone, but Adoree' Jackson (a veteran corner and return man) represents a two-for-one swing. This is how a team without much cash wins in free agency -- by investing in the margins and filling needs before draft time.

The Eagles lost some talent, but brought in competition for younger guys that were already on their roster to compete for playing time in training camp this summer.

Uche and Ojulari are both low-risk, high-reward types of players that could ease the loss of Sweat.  Keep in mind the team still has 2024 third-round pick Jalyx Hunt and big free-agent ticket Bryce Huff on the roster. In every spot they lost a player, they brought in competition for that opening.

What didn’t ESPN’s Benjamin Solak like about the Eagles’ offseason?

While Solak liked adding the completion to the roster in free agency, he wasn’t a fan of Philadelphia's decision to move Gardner-Johnson

Sending Gardner-Johnson as part of the trade makes it doubly worrisome, especially because the Eagles added no free agent safeties to account for his departure. Gardner-Johnson didn't always see eye to eye with his teammates or Philadelphia's fans, but the quality of his play cannot be denied.

Philadelphia underwent plenty of changes on defense this offseason, but the decision to move on from Gardner-Johnson is one they have yet to address outside the organization, with Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum, and Lewis Cine currently on the roster in the safety room.