​Everyone knows that it's extremely hard to repeat as Super Bowl champions. That's why we rarely see it happen. There are many reasons, some can seen by studying the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coordinators are always getting plucked by other teams to fill head coaching vacancies. Players move on for bigger paydays during free agency. The offseason is shorter. The champion becomes the hunted and gets every team's best shot the following season.
Do we even need to mention the salary cap? Teams simply can't hang on to everyone.
The Eagles lost a handful of starters, especially on defense, which is where we'll start our discussion. We'll miss all of the guys who have left, but let's think about something for a second. Is it possible that the losses have been overblown?
Despite the roster shuffle, Eagles fans should sleep soundly.
Josh Sweat and Milton Williams will forever be remembered as two of Super Bowl LIX's heroes. Some say they had a legitimate shot at pulling off what Randy White and Harvey Martin did for the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. They could have become co-MVPs as defensive linemen.
Both left via free agency. Sweat reunited with Jonathan Gannon in the desert with the Arizona Cardinals while Williams looked to be Carolina-bound before ultimately winding up with the New England Patriots.
The NFL community at large thought this spelled doom for the Eagles. Most of this team's die-hard fans know that this isn't the case.
Sweat was awesome during Philly's Super Bowl win, but he didn't play that way for the entirety of the season. Some believe he has taken a step back from where he was during the Eagles' last Super Bowl run.
Edge-rushers are of the utmost importance to any great defense. The Eagles still have Nolan Smith on the roster. They'll eventually need to invest into him heavily. Jalyx Hunt is someone they are high on.
Philly also signed Azeez Ojulari by way of a low-risk/high-reward move. That decision could pay dividends as could the Josh Uche acquisition.
In the case of Williams, let's keep it a buck. Eagles fans everywhere will always love him. He was a mid-round pick that got progressively better culminating in a fantastic performance on the biggest stage in football.
Having said that, arguments can be made that he was overvalued in free agency. He has never been a full-time starter given the scheme, and for the price-tag he commanded on he market, the Eagles were wise to save their money. There was no reason to give that payday to their third defensive tackle.
It will be interesting to see what guys like Moro Ojomo and Thomas Booker IV can do now that they have presumably been elevated on the depth chart with Williams heading elsewhere. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are still on the team. They make their other teammates better. The interior of the Eagles D-line shouldn't miss a beat.
Then, there is one of the more surprising moves of the offseason. C.J. Gardner-Johnson being traded was notable. His leadership and attitude will be missed, but Sydney Brown will earn an opportunity in CJGJ's absence.
Darius Slay is also gone, but he's no spring chicken. His departure is one that's been anticipated for almost two years now. It's also no secret that the cornerback room of the Eales is practically leaking with young talent.
Then, there's the offensive side of the ball. Mekhi Becton was one of the feel-good stories of the season thanks to his standout performance as a starting guard. That earned him a well-deserved payday from the Los Angeles Chargers. Here's the thing though.
Tyler Steen has proven capable of stepping in and playing at a high level. Trevor Keegan waits in the wings. Kenyon Green was acquired in the aforementioned CJGJ trade.
Green's situation is almost a carbon copy of Becton's from last season. Jeff Stoutland University will take another reclamation project and do wonders.
The point is this. Though the departures of familiar faces tug at our heartstrings, they aren't as significant as they're being made out to be. The Eagles have more than viable replacement options in the building.
Oh, and by the way, we haven't even mentioned that the Eagles currently own eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. That's right around the corner. Philly has pieced together impressive classes lately.
We have said all of that to state the following. The 2025-26 Philadelphia Eagles are going to be just fine.
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