{"id":39838,"date":"2025-03-05T09:35:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T09:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=39838"},"modified":"2025-03-05T09:40:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T09:40:10","slug":"nfl-rumors-draft-analyst-predicts-philadelphia-eagles-will-select-top-defensive-prospect-to-replace-pro-bowl-free-agent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=39838","title":{"rendered":"NFL rumors: Draft analyst predicts Philadelphia Eagles will select top defensive prospect to replace Pro Bowl free agent"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Philadelphia Eagles are already remaking their roster for 2025 after coming off their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Eagles are releasing six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay and defensive back James Bradberry \u2014 who spent the entire 2024 season on injured reserve with a lower leg injury. Both will be designated as post-June 1 cuts.<\/p>\n

These moves will save the Eagles $6.4 million on their salary cap for 2025 as they face decisions on which top free agents to bring back, including All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, former Pro Bowl defensive end Josh Sweat, young defensive tackle Milton Williams, and right guard Mekhi Becton.<\/p>\n

The Birds did make a major move, signing running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million extension just one year into his initial contract. He will now become the first running back to make $20 million in a season in NFL history.<\/p>\n

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, a prominent draft analyst predicts the Eagles will use their first-round pick to replace one of the free agents they might lose.<\/p>\n

Related: Philadelphia Eagles surprisingly give Saquon Barkley record-breaking extension following historic season<\/strong><\/p>\n

NFL draft analyst: Philadelphia Eagles will select top defensive prospect in first round<\/h2>\n
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Credit: Brianna Paciorka\/News Sentinel \/USA TODAY NETWORK \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

With the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, they hold the 32nd overall pick in the draft. Despite the late selection, the draft is loaded with defensive line prospects, and that\u2019s where ESPN\u2019s Jordan Reid believes the Eagles will go.<\/p>\n

Reid has the Eagles selecting edge rusher James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee, who would essentially replace Sweat if he departs in free agency.<\/p>\n

\u201cPending free agents Josh Sweat and Milton Williams are due to cash in, via extensions or on the open market. If the Eagles can\u2019t bring back Sweat, Pearce would be a great replacement and addition to an already deep and tenacious defensive front. His 19.0% pressure rate was the second best in the FBS, resulting in 7.5 sacks. The Eagles can let the board fall to them and take the best player available, which ends up being Pearce here,\u201d Reid wrote.<\/p>\n

Sweat had eight sacks last year, while Williams had five of his own. If both leave, the Eagles will count more on guys like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Nolan Smith, and Jalyx Hunt to fill the void.<\/p>\n

The Eagles are also waiting on Brandon Graham to decide if he will come back for a 16th season. Graham initially said last year would be his last season, but he tore his triceps and missed nine total games before returning for the Super Bowl run.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0Philadelphia Eagles rumors shed light on potential target in first round of 2025 NFL Draft<\/strong><\/p>\n

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