NFL stars the Eagles should consider pursuing to fix their ailing pass rush
Can we confess something? Aging might be making us more emotional. As we get a little older, we don't bounce back from the tough Philadelphia Eagles losses as swiftly as we used to, and recently we've been looking for co-signers to that theory.
It's Thursday as we are typing these words. Another Eagles game comes in three days, yet here we are. We still haven't gotten over the shock of what we saw on Monday.
There's a life lesson in all of this. The most minute details can lead to wins and losses.
Certain things will always be true about pro football. Every defense, if it's to be consistently successful needs a good group of pass rushers.
We haven't seen that from our Birds. Three sacks in two games... We'd like to see this ill cured sooner rather than later.
Let's go shopping.
Yannick Ngakoue, Free Agent
We've lost count of how many times we have heard a rumor that connects Yannick Ngakoue to the Philadelphia Eagles. Come to think about it, if memory serves, we may have seen him post something himself once.
He's currently unsigned and a free agent. Some might argue that's a bad sign. We argue he's just as good, if not better, than every pass rusher the Eagles currently employ.
Michael Hoecht, Rams
Michael Hoecht is smart. He went to Brown for Heavan's sake. He's also skilled at this great game we love. The 2022 and 2023 seasons produced 10.5 sacks for his resume.
He has played 72 snaps but has nary a sack this season. That may turn some of you off, but it's important to keep in mind that the Los Angeles Rams added Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson. Hoecht may be soon deemed expandable.
He's inexpensive, which is always a good thing, but his current deal ends at season's end. Is he worth an addition?
Tyus Bowser, Seahawks
Tyus Bowser is currently on the Seahawks' practice squad. He hasn't played a snap in a meaningful game since 2022, but he's shown playmaking ability and some burst. He's 29 years old. This unit may need another veteran leader though, and this is someone who can provide that and production.
Haason Reddick, Jets?
There's a rumor we've been hearing that suggests Haason Reddick plays for the NY Jets. We've never seen him in a Jets uniform, but every time we look at their roster, he's still on it but with a Reserve/Did Not Report designation.
Without going too deep into the specifics, we can see why Philly moved on from Haason. He did give his defensive coordinator, Sean Desai, the silent treatment, so there's no telling how his personality would mesh with Vic Fangio's.
Maybe we're being emotional, which is a good reason why we don't get paid to make these decisions, but right now, we'd be willing to take a selfish pass rusher as long as he's good as this one.
Azeez Ojulari, Giants
We've seen plenty of Azeez Ojulari and his 16 career sacks while peeking in on Giants games over the past four seasons. We have also seen Big Blue add Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns which could make him trade bait.
There's just one thing. This would give Philly another Georgia star while the approval ratings of the ones they already have are dropping.
Baron Browning, Broncos
Two games... 58 defensive snaps... Five tackles... Those are the results of Baron Browning's 2024-25 season so far.
Here are the results of his 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons: 24 games, 17 starts, 1,017 defensive snaps, 49 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and an interception...
We're interested. Philly should be too.
A longshot worth mentioning: Matt Judon
Judon has already registered 1.5 sacks this season. His deal doesn't extend past the current campaign, but this is a longshot because, to acquire him, Philly would need to convince the Atlanta Falcons to part ways with.
One random thought: Oh, and by the way... Have you heard? Patrick Johnson plays for the New York Giants now, and Tarron Jackson was recently promoted to the Carolina Panthers active roster from their practice squad.