And, we're off! Nothing is official. Nothing can be announced until March 12. The Philadelphia Eagles can't 'tamper' legally until March 10, two days before the 2025 NFL year begins.
We're already hearing about some expected player movement. Deebo Samuel will join the rival Washington Commanders. The Philadelphia Eagles will reportedly say farewell to the two most experienced defensive backs on their roster.
Darius Slay's expected release was reported this past Monday. One day later, news broke that Philly intends to part ways with James Bradberry. Two years ago, following Super Bowl 57, they were seen as one of the best cornerback tandems in all of pro football. What can we say? Things change rapidly at football's highest level.
Several Eagles with the most to gain following the reported impending releases of Darius Slay and James Bradberry
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported shortly after the Slay discussion began that Philly isn't ruling out a possible return. They shouldn't.
RE: Darius Slay returning to the #Eagles.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 4, 2025
As I mentioned yesterday, the team isn’t ruling out a possible return. And I wouldn’t imagine he is either, although it didn’t get to this point two years ago when the Eagles were prepared to release him if he didn’t restructure his…
Slay played well during his fifth Eagles campaign, but based on how things transpired during the previous offseason, we'd assume his exit this time is more likely.
James spent last season on Philly's injured reserve, this after contemplating a position switch that some thought would be his only route to earning a job on the roster.
They'll both leave as Super Bowl champions , but Philly saves $6.4 million against the cap by designating them as post-June 1st releases, That opens the door for some of the younger guys.
Isaiah Rodgers
Slay battled injuries this season. He was forced out of action a few times, but more often than not, he battled his way back onto the field. He did, however, sit out of action vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 8) and the Baltimore Ravens (Week 12). Isaiah Rodgers was the next man up during those scenarios.
Rodgers is one of Philly's impending free agents. So is Avonte Maddox. Philly could move on from both or determine they'd like to keep one of them around.
Keep an eye on Rodgers as we enter free agency. He's an option for a team-friendly extension.
Kelee Ringo
Unlike Rodgers, Kelee Ringo is under contract through next season (and the next). His issue isn't a matter of employment but opportunity.
One of Philly's Dawgs, Ringo has evolved into one of the better special-teamers, but we know he'd like to start. Last season, he sat behind Slay and Rodgers on the depth chart.
Slay's exit potentially elevates Ringo's status and increases his chances of seeing more defensive snaps. He'll have to earn them, but the opportunity is there.
Eli Ricks
Remember this guy? After being added as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2023, Eli Ricks appeared in 16 regular season games en route to 19 tackles and three pass breakups. He saw 301 defensive snaps and another 212 on special teams.
Philly drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in April. Rodgers was activated, and as expected, Ricks' playing time decreased dramatically.
Eli isn't promised anything this offseason. He is signed through the 2025 season, but he only played 14 defensive snaps and 51 special teams snaps during seven in-game appearances last season.
Roster-building can sometimes be a numbers game however. Moving on from Slay opens another door for Ricks and allows him an opportunity even if that door is only slightly cracked.
Zack Baun
The biggest winner in Philly's decision to move on from Darius Slay and James Bradberry might be a linebacker. Zack Baun earned a Pro Bowl mention and All-Pro honors in his first Eagles season and now looks to cash in during free agency.
Baun will be Philly's top priority this offseason. A rising salary cap helps. So does clearing some space by moving on from two veterans.
We'll see what happens. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero have reported the Eagles are signing Saquon Barkley to a two-year extension worth $41.2M with $36M guaranteed.
We'll see what happens with Zack Baun as a new league year begins. Fingers are crossed that Howie Roseman works his magic and keeps Baun home with some ingenuity.
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