The Philadelphia Eagles have had a busy beginning to the offseason after coming off their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
They rewarded Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley with a record-breaking contract extension just one year into his deal, making him the first $20 million-a-year running back following his historic 2024 campaign. The Birds also retained All-Pro Zack Baun on a three-year, $51 million deal after his breakthrough season as one of the league’s premier off-ball linebackers in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.
However, significant defensive holes still need addressing. Both edge rusher Josh Sweat and young defensive tackle Milton Williams are testing free agency and could price themselves out of Philadelphia’s budget. With just $21.9 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.com, tough decisions loom for Howie Roseman.
If Sweat bolts as expected, they’ll need to find his replacement on the edge. That’s why one NFL insider sees the Eagles targeting a young pass rusher with connections to their defensive coordinator.
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NFL insider believes Philadelphia Eagles will sign 26-year-old edge rusher
Baron Browning, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Athletic’s Mike Jones predicts the Birds will land 26-year-old edge rusher Baron Browning, who played under Fangio when he was the Denver Broncos head coach.
“The Eagles have some of the best interior linemen in the game, but with Josh Sweat expected to depart via free agency, they need to add more help off the edge. Howie Roseman could look to both the draft and free agency to meet needs here. Browning is a young player (26) who has a history with Vic Fangio, having played under the Eagles’ defensive coordinator when Fangio was head coach in Denver,” Jones noted.
Browning, a 2021 third-round draft pick of the Broncos, was traded to the Arizona Cardinals at last season’s deadline. In 13 games split between Denver and Arizona, he accumulated just two sacks, 21 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits.
Those numbers might not jump off the page, but neither did Baun’s when he signed his one-year deal after coming over from the New Orleans Saints.
Over four NFL seasons, Browning has registered 11.5 sacks, 128 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits, one interception and two forced fumbles. While not elite production, his familiarity with Fangio could make him the latest reclamation project to thrive in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme.
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