The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2022 offseason with quite a few roster concerns and questions, one of which being what should be done at the defensive end position. They’re one man down there now as the NFL Draft approaches and one of their young prospects has announced his retirement from professional football.
“It’s time… Next chapter… That was the headline at 2:32 p.m. as a photo dropped on social media by Cameron Malveaux was accompanied by a farewell letter.
Take a look.
https://twitter.com/cammalveaux/status/1517209589414047746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1517209589414047746%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheeagleswire.usatoday.com%2F2022%2F04%2F21%2Fphiladelphia-eagles-cameron-malveaux-retire-nfl%2F
First thing’s first. Malveaux, an undrafted free agent in 2017, saw seven locker rooms during his run at football’s highest level. If he’s one-hundred percent certain that it’s time for the next chapter of his life, his hard work while a member of the Birds is appreciated, and we wish him the best in the next phase.
He ends his NFL career with 22 tackles, two sacks, for additional quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. Another question has to be asked though. What do the Eagles do now?
Following the departure of one of their young guns, the Eagles must press on.
As it currently stands, here’s a look at what Philly has at the defensive end position: Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Tarron Jackson, Matt Leo, and Josh Sweat. Haason Reddick is listed as a linebacker, but we’re expecting him to play with his hand in the dirt on occasion too right?
It stands to reason that Malveaux’s path to making the roster would have been a tough one, especially if the Eagles draft another edge rusher, a very real possibility. This unit looks a little better than it did a year ago (gosh, Ryan Kerrigan was an awful pickup), and you can believe they’ll be leaned upon defensively.
B.G.’s return helps. So does the addition of what we’ll call the defensive end/linebacker hybrid, Reddick. We’ll see if Philly makes the expected addition of an edge rusher as we enter the 2022 NFL Draft.