From the moment Jaelan Phillips put his signature to a four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles fans felt the pure anxiety of trying to find his replacement.
So far, the Eagles were able to sign Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, but most fans know that's not going to be enough to really move the needle at edge rusher. That has led many to believe a high draft pick could be used on an edge rusher to develop behind Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt.
Eagles reporter James Simone reported that the team held a Zoom meeting with Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas. In the last two years combined, Thomas has racked up 15.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
Eagles met with R Mason Thomas virtually before the NFL Draft
Thomas is projected to land with a team on Day 2 of the draft. That would be the perfect spot for the Eagles to try to find their edge rusher, as many believe the team could go either wide receiver or offensive tackle in the first round.
There are some concerns about the edge rusher for the Eagles, as Smith's injury in 2025 kept him from picking up on the momentum he had built the previous season. Hunt had a breakout season, leading the Eagles in sacks (six) and interceptions (three), becoming the first player in franchise history to do so.
Philly could still trade for an edge rusher before or after the draft, as they have been rumored to make some kind of move. Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has been rumored to be a target for the Eagles in a trade that would require a Day 2 pick to be sent away.
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Thomas may not be able to make the kind of impact Phillips did last year, but give him time to develop, and the motor that Thomas provides could really shine bright in the next couple of years.
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