The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be just going through some of their veterans, releasing them for various reasons, but this latest move on Fred Johnson makes absolutely no sense.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Eagles were releasing veteran wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown at his request so he could sign elsewhere and play more. Well, the Eagles did it again: NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Eagles have also decided to release offensive tackle Fred Johnson.
This season, Fred Johnson backed up Jordan Mailata at left tackle and Lane Johnson and rookie Markel Bell at right tackle. Fred Johnson started 14 games over three and a half seasons with the Eagles.
Why in the world would the Eagles release Fred Johnson?
Look, letting Brown go made sense since he was not doing much on offense. He had just five catches all season, so he wasn't going to get any more looks in the passing game.
Johnson may not play this season, but he is a valuable depth piece that the Eagles just let go. What is the purpose and benefit of letting him go?
I get that he's not a starting-caliber tackle and maybe he has a chance to play elsewhere (if that is even the reason), but come on. This offensive line is already horrendous, and losing Johnson just makes it 10 times worse.
The Eagles have allowed the third-most sacks this season, with 30, and are 28th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, at 88.6. They have Bell struggling at the right tackle spot and no real veteran to back them up, so again, I ask, why are we doing this?
What's next for Eagles after two veterans released?
Not sure if this should be a sign of things, but releasing two veteran NFL players on a bye week is not usually a good sign. This feels like the Eagles might be letting younger players on the active roster play, while letting veterans go so they can play elsewhere.
Trading Cam Jurgens and Jordan Davis for a first-round pick and two second-round picks is one thing, because those are really good offers. Purposely letting go of players who are better than many others, though, suggests that many others on the Eagles might be bought into tanking.
Some Eagles fans might be okay with it, but what is the next decision? Who else will they release, or will they decide to start shutting down injured star players like Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith?
This feels like the beginning of a lot of changes for the Eagles. Maybe the team will truly embrace the youth movement. Or they could be looking for that top-five draft pick in 2027.
Read more: Saquon Barkley may not escape the Eagles' trade block in 2027 offseason
Eagles fans better brace for anything at this point, as players are starting to leave and coaches could be next. A lot of movement during the Eagles' bye week will make these final eight games very interesting.
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