Eagles Secure Key Safety Extension Amid Defensive Edge Roster Shakeup

The Philadelphia Eagles are entering the 2025 NFL offseason with strategic roster management focusing on young talent and salary cap flexibility. Safety Reed Blankenship, a former undrafted free agent who has developed into a reliable starter, is expected to be considered for a contract extension, though likely below premier safety salaries like Tre’von Moehrig’s $17 million annual deal. The wide receiver position is viewed as a strength with stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith leading a deep group that includes Jahan Dotson and new additions like Terrace Marshall; Dotson is entering a contract year with expectations to build on modest production and has earned trust in the offense. Despite media speculation linking the Eagles to a potential high-profile trade for Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt, the Eagles’ front office is maintaining a low-key approach focused on developing younger edge rushers Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, supplemented by free-agent signings Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari, rather than pursuing costly veterans. This development strategy aims to sustain the team’s defensive strength even after losing veterans like Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Bryce Huff. Overall, the Eagles appear poised to remain competitive by balancing cost-effective player extensions, nurturing emerging talent, and avoiding expensive trades or signings.