Philadelphia Eagles are facing a significant defensive overhaul as they pursue back-to-back Super Bowl titles. With several veteran defenders leaving for new opportunities, second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt finds himself thrust into a prominent role for the defending champions.
"Hurting my heart," Hunt told Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer about losing teammates. "This is the business part that everybody talks about. So, this is my first time experiencing it. I'm going through the throes of it right now."
Philadelphia's defensive exodus has been substantial. Milton Williams signed a lucrative contract with New England, Josh Sweat landed a payday in Arizona, Oren Burks departed for Cincinnati, Isaiah Rodgers joined Minnesota, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was traded to Houston, and veteran cornerback Darius Slay will cross the state to play for Pittsburgh.
Hunt, a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, is particularly focused on filling the void left by Sweat, who joined former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Arizona.
"That's the OG, man," Hunt said of Sweat. "Josh Sweat, he's out of here. I told him, ‘It's up,' though, because now we're in direct competition. Because before, I'm learning from you, everything. But now I've got to outrush him and everything like that."
Hunt's trajectory during his rookie campaign suggests he's ready for increased responsibilities. After playing just five defensive snaps in the first five weeks of last season, he earned the coaching staff's trust as the year progressed. By the final seven weeks of the regular season, Hunt was consistently playing at least 30 percent of defensive snaps.
His impact was most noticeable in the playoffs, where he recorded 1.5 sacks-matching his regular-season total-as Philadelphia secured its championship.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has publicly expressed confidence in Hunt and fellow young defender Moro Ojomo, expecting both to make significant strides in 2025.
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Despite the higher expectations, Hunt insists his approach won't change.
"I'm going to do what I did last year," Hunt explained. "Just put my head down, work, study some more film, ask more questions. I feel as if I can ask better questions now that I know a little bit more about the position and I've played and I've got some experience at it. Just ask my butt off. Work my butt off."
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This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 10:30 PM.