As the Joker once said to Batman, "And, here we go". How's that for journalistic brilliance as the Philadelphia Eagles begin their title defense?
Can we tell you a secret? Truth be told, we aren't as excited about this free-agent class as some of you are. Sure, there are some cool names, but many of these guys are past their prime and living off reputations that no longer describe the players we're currently seeing.
Come on... Who's still afraid of the big, bad Aaron Rodgers? Can we be honest about Joey Bosa
Then, there are the other guys. Many will upset the market at several positions by being massively overpaid. Think about this for a second. Sam Darnold and Geno Smith are cashing in as the belle of the ball.
No, for real...
Then, there 's the reason we are all here. We knew a mass Eagles exodus was coming, and frankly, all we care about is what former Birds are doing. Here's our attempt to analyze each move.
Also a must-read: Remaining defensive FA options to reinvigorate a now-concerned Eagles fan base
March 12
The new league year began on March 12 at 4 p.m. EST. Here are the midnight-green-tinged highlights. Keep in mind the fact that Howie Roseman asked for patience. We think he's earned that, don't you?
Eagles sign fullback/linebacker hybrid Ben VanSumeren.
This isn't the most exciting announcement, but Philly reportedly re-signed Ben VanSumeren. He'll play the 2025-26 season on a one-year deal.
Ben VanSumeren has re-signed with the Eagles, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2025
VanSumeren has logged snaps at linebacker, special teams and fullback during his two years in Philly, and will stay with the reigning champs. pic.twitter.com/KbkZBtaMxQ
Each of the previously-announced deals becomes official.
The Darius Slay and James Bradberry releases... The trades that sent C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Kenny Pickett out of town. Milton Williams, Kenny Gainwell, Josh Sweat, and Isaiah Rodgers' new deals. As of 4 p.m. EST, all are official.
The NFL's free-agency frenzy just got more frenzied.
Six-time Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay has agreed to terms with the #Steelers on a one-year deal, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2025
The #Eagles have officially released Slay now that the new league year has begun and he doesn’t go far to find a new home. pic.twitter.com/f6dzMCzsAz
Adding a new face to the QB room.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 12, 2025
We've agreed to a trade with the Eagles to acquire Kenny Pickett pic.twitter.com/TM4Dl05gvz
Eagles sign former Packers RB A.J. Dillon
This is actually interesting. The Green Bay Packers went the coward's route and went to the principal's office to complain about the Brotherly Shove.
Former Packers RB A.J. Dillon is signing with the Eagles, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2025
Dillon replaces Kenneth Gainwell behind Saquon Barkley in Philly’s backfield. pic.twitter.com/N8SSWS0Z8m
March 13
Eagles add a pas rusher.
Here's one of those signings we've been waiting to see. Philly has added a pass rusher. This time it's Josh Uche.
If Brandon Graham decides he will indeed retire, how cool would it be to replace one Michigan Wolverine with another?
Pass-rush help for Philadelphia: Eagles reached agreement today on a one-year deal with former Chiefs free-agent LB Joshua Uche, who now will try to help replace Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln. pic.twitter.com/wKGH2MHJGw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025
Six NFL seasons by the former Uche (five in New England and one in Kansas City) have added 76 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles to his professional resume. He has started four of his 64 in-game regular-season appearances and gives Philly reinforcements along the EDGE for a cheaper price tag than they would have given to Josh Sweat.
Philly officially announced his acquisition several hours later.
We've agreed to terms with OLB Joshua Uche on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/YvMfsTHxlQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2025
Eagles reunite in the Steel City.
The Steelers officially announced Slay's acquisition on the first day of the new league year. One day later, they officially announce they have added Kenneth Gainwell.
We have signed RB Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year contract. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 13, 2025
📝: https://t.co/pb8ib4FeXy pic.twitter.com/UT2LmMLQTd
Kenny G was one of the underrated Eagles offensive contributors. He'll make beautiful music for Pittsburgh.
Eagles add tight end Harrison Bryant and cornerback Adoree' Jackson
Philly has added another low-risk signing by way of a one-year deal. This time it's tight end Harrison Bryant. They also announce the signing of cornerback
We've agreed to terms with TE Harrison Bryant on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/65t2l49eJv
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2025
Eagles signing CB Adoree' Jackson. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/UJJBcicfVm
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2025
He earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers' Association's All-Rookie Team in 2020 after collecting 238 yards receiving and three TDs on 24 receptions. He hopes for a reset after a forgettable year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.
March 14
More moves are announced on Friday. It appears Rick Lovato's run with the Eagles is over.
Eagles add a long snapper and place Bryce Huff on the trade block
Per Aaron Wilson, the Eagles are signing former Cleveland Browns LS Charley Hughlett by way of a one-year deal. Jordan Schultz reports Bryce Huff will join Dallas Goedert on the trade block.
#Eagles Charley Hughlett deal: one year, $1.422 million, $467,500 guaranteed, $167,500 signing bonus, salary $1.255 million ($300,000 fully guaranteed).
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2025
Sources: The #Eagles have been open to trade talks involving TE Dallas Goedert and DE Bryce Huff.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2025
Goedert is in the final year of his deal, while Huff — one of last year’s big free-agent signings — has seen limited playing time due to Philly’s deep rotation. pic.twitter.com/HfxyyWweL3
Philly also introduced Adoree' Jackson and A.J. Dillon
We've agreed to terms with CB Adoree’ Jackson on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/w71pLcdqLb
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 14, 2025
Ready to get started pic.twitter.com/bFU9h7v10x
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 14, 2025
Eagles agree to terms on a one-year deal with Patrick Johnson
Patrick Johnson, a former seventh-round selection has come home. He rejoins the nest after a brief stint with the rival Giants.
We've agreed to terms with OLB Patrick Johnson on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/YWNNOLwesn
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 14, 2025
March 15
Philly signs returner Avery Williams by way of a one-year deal.
We've agreed to terms with KR/PR Avery Williams on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/FlrAqo0Tvp
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 15, 2025
March 17
Eagles announce two signings and extend future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Monday is a busy day. Philly officially announces the acqusisitions of tight end Kylen Granson and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. Both are signed to one-year deals.
They also agreed to terms on a one-year extension that keeps Lane Johnson in the nest through 2027.
We've agreed to terms with TE Kylen Granson on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/MahLArwweo
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
We've agreed to terms with OLB Azeez Ojulari on a one-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/xq3ZpEGjdY
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
Paving the Lane for another year 😤
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
We’ve agreed to terms with Lane Johnson on a one-year contract extension through 2027.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/O4kwFgQcle
Hughlett, Uche, and Bryant all speak with the Philly media.
LS Charley Hughlett speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/cpetcQoaHA
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
OLB Joshua Uche speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/mQuI4wCGPZ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
TE Harrison Bryant speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/4uSVRMIrsx
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 17, 2025
March 18, 2025 - Brandon Graham announces his retirement.
The day we all expected came on Tuesday, March 19. Brandon Graham announced he is retiring after 15 seasons.
March 24 - Philly finds perhaps its backup swing tackle.
Philly signs Kendall Lamm to a one-year deal. He's expected to fill the void left by former Bird Fred Johnson who recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
March 27 - Philly brings back a familiar face
Per Jeff McLane, the Eagles are bringing back Matt Pryor on a one-year deal. Philly drafted him in 2018 as a sixth-round draft choice. He has since played for the Colts, 49ers, and Bears, appearing in 92 regular-season games with 39 career starts.
He has also started one postseason game, with Philly in 2019. He rejoins the nest by way of a one-year deal and adds another veteran prsence to the O-line.
Bookmark this one. More updates are to follow. They'll be listed as they occur. It's time to go hunting again.