Latest news with #SuperBowl59
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
6 Eagles with the most to prove during training camp
With rookies and veterans now at the NovaCare Complex for training camp, we're looking at the six Eagles with the most to prove. The Eagles held a marvelous Super Bowl 59 ring ceremony on Friday. After the final celebration of February's win over Kansas City, Philadelphia will now officially turn the page and quickly refocus on the task at hand. The hunters are now the hunted, and the Birds will report on Tuesday with the mindset of defending their title and staying hungry in the process. Lost in the celebration is the urgency that several key players and one high-profile assistant coach will face over the next few weeks, as each individual plays a crucial role in a potential return to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. With rookies and veterans now at the NovaCare Complex for training camp, we're looking at the six Eagles with the most to prove. OC Kevin Patullo Nick Sirianni's longtime confidant, who had previously served as the passing game coordinator, was promoted to offensive coordinator after Kellen Moore accepted the head coaching position in New Orleans. Following the issues that arose with Brian Johnson two years ago, Patullo will be under the microscope. The last time Philadelphia hired from within, Brian Johnson had a one-year run with the Eagles' offense, and things imploded so severely that the Eagles lost six of their final seven games. Patullo has a machine, and he'll need to mold that juggernaut into his personality. DB Kelee Ringo The Eagles lost Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (free agent), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) in free agency and signed Adoree' Jackson. Even with those moves, Philadelphia didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth round when they selected Mac McWilliams out of UCF. Ringo is the biggest winner of the offseason and'll have the inside track to be a starter. DT Jordan Davis The Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Jordan Davis this offseason, and the 2022 first-round pick will look to capitalize on the six tackles and two sacks during the Super Bowl run. Davis (6-6, 336 pounds) has started all 40 regular-season and postseason contests over the past two seasons, but needs a strong season to warrant a long-term extension. TE Dallas Goedert Goedert (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. After reworking his deal, the talented tight end could earn his first out-right Pro Bowl nod. OL Tyler Steen Tyler Steen went from likely starter to a reserve in 2024, starting three games, including the NFC Championship, and playing more than 400 snaps on offense (including postseason games). Entering his third season, Steen (6-6, 321 pounds) will look to win the right guard job that opened up when Mekhi Becton signed with the Chargers in free agency. DB Sydney Brown The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston for Kenyon Green, opening up a starting role for Sydney Brown or Tristin McCollum. Brown is a physical safety who is stout on special teams but doesn't operate efficiently in space or match up against elite pass catchers. Enter Andrew Mukuba, a Swiss army knife from Texas who could keep Brown relegated to special team duties. Mukuba can play the slot, operate in space, and play with range, drawing comparisons to Gardner-Johnson.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Philadelphia Eagles' updated 90-man roster with uniform numbers for training camp
Here's an overview of the Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster ahead of Wednesday's first training camp practice Philadelphia has moved past Super Bowl 59 and is locked in on having a singular focus on the 2025 NFL regular season. Howie Roseman orchestrated another roster makeover in free agency, the 10-player NFL Draft, and several talented undrafted free agents. The Organized Team Activities and the Mandatory Minicamp have now concluded, and the Philadelphia Eagles have returned to the NovaCare Complex. Veterans are reporting this morning, July 22, with a July 23 practice to follow – and a surprise move or two could still be on the way, but the majority of the work has been completed. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia. With the first practice scheduled for Wednesday, here's an overview of the Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster by jersey number, with training camp kicking off. QB --4 Jalen Hurts #1 Tanner McKee #16 Dorian Thompson-Robinson #14 Kyle McCord- Drafted Rookie #19 Hurts is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and he'll enter 2025 with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years with the Eagles. After Kenny Pickett was traded to Cleveland, Tanner McKee became the unquestioned backup quarterback. At the same time, Dorian Thompson-Robinson offered an athletic option at No. 3. Things got even more interesting after Howie Roseman drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord with pick No. 181 in the sixth round. The St. Joe's Prep star attended Ohio State before transferring and heading to Syracuse, and he clearly created separation between himself and Thompson-Robinson. RB --7 Saquon Barkley #26 A.J. Dillon #29 Will Shipley #28 Lew Nichols #37 Keilan Robinson #35 ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie) #39 Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie) #34 Barkley earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and finished as a finalist for Most Valuable Player in his debut with the Eagles. Philadelphia signed former Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal. Dillon sat out 2024 but offers a physical contrast to Barkley's elite athleticism. Will Shipley continues to improve, and he'll be the third running back. Keilan Robinson appeared in six games in his rookie season, seeing most of his action on special teams. Philadelphia added two undrafted rookies in Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida) and ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas). Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, wrapped up an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. FB -1 Ben VanSumeren #43 The former Michigan State linebacker is a special-teams standout who will transition full-time to the fullback position. WR --12 A.J. Brown #11 Elijah Cooks #86 Jahan Dotson #2 Danny Gray #80 Terrace Marshall Jr. #46 Ainias Smith #82 DeVonta Smith #6 Johnny Wilson #89 Avery Williams #18 Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie) #42 Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie) #45 Giles Jackson (Tryout) #41 A.J. Brown led the team with 1,079 receiving yards in 2024. He also ranked 1st in receiving average (16.1) (min. 60 catches) and 3rd in receiving yards per game (83.0) (min. 13 games), behind Ja'Marr Chase (100.5) and Justin Jefferson (90.2). DeVonta Smith posted a career-high 8 TDs in the regular season and hauled in a 46-yard TD in Super Bowl LIX. During the run to the Super Bowl, he became the franchise's all-time leader in postseason receiving yards (595). Dotson had his fifth-year option declined after catching 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024, following his acquisition in a trade from Washington. He also rushed once for 13 yards. Despite his struggles, Dotson played 649 offensive snaps during the regular season for Philadelphia, working as a No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Terrace Marshall was signed to a one-year deal, offering elite athleticism from the slot. TE --7 Dallas Goedert #88 Grant Calcaterra #81 Kylen Granson #83 Harrison Bryant #85 EJ Jenkins #84 Nick Muse #87 Cameron Latu #49 Dallas Goedert is back on a restructured deal, and it wasn't a rough decision after the veteran (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. Philadelphia has Grant Calcaterra as the backup after signing Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant. OL --17 Jordan Mailata #68 Landon Dickerson #69 Cam Jurgens #51 Kenyon Green #76 Lane Johnson #65 Tyler Steen #56 Brett Toth #64 Darian Kinnard #72 Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt #67 Kendall Lamm #74 Trevor Keegan #77 Matt Pryor #79 Drew Kendall- Drafted Rookie #66 Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie #78 Cameron Williams- Drafted Rookie #73 Hollin Pierce- (Undrafted rookie) #63 Marcus Tate-Undrafted rookie) #75 According to PFF, Jordan Mailata (96.9) led the entire NFL in offensive and run-blocking grades (94.9). In addition, Mailata ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 91.7 pass-blocking grade, behind Tristan Wirfs (93.7). The Eagles acquired Kenyon Green from the Texans for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and while he's a former first-round pick, the former Texas A&M star was the 76th highest-graded guard in the NFL out of 77 candidates, according to PFF. Former Alabama offensive tackle and third-round pick Tyler Steen was slightly better, landing at 75th with a 40.7 grade from PFF. There will be competition for this spot, and it's a noticeable downgrade after Mekhi Becton's exit. Lane Johnson ranked 1st among NFL RTs in PFF pass-blocking grade (88.1), pressure percentage (2.2%), and knockdown percentage (0.2%). He allowed zero sacks and 1 QB hit in 451 pass-blocking snaps. The Eagles added more depth in the draft by selecting Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, and Cameron Williams. DT -- 7 Byron Young #94 Moro Ojomo #97 Gabe Hall #96 Jordan Davis #90 Jalen Carter #98 Thomas Booker #59 Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie #95 During the regular season, Jalen Carter was 4th among interior DL with an 81.5 PFF pass-rush grade, behind Chris Jones (91.0), Cameron Heyward (87.2), and Jeffery Simmons (81.6) in that category. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 special teams snaps while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo will be a starter, following Milton Williams' departure. Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality. Edge Rusher -8 KJ Henry #50 Jalyx Hunt #58 Patrick Johnson #48 Azeez Ojulari #13 Nolan Smith Jr. #3 Josh Uche #0 Ochaun Mathis #45 Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie #52 Philadelphia created salary cap space and competition with the trade of Bryce Huff to the 49ers for a mid-round pick in 2026. We're predicting that Hunt will get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat, despite Josh Uche being signed. Hunt finished the 2024 season with 21 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while adding one pass defended and two forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games. Former Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is another explosive player to watch. Philadelphia drafted All-American pass rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland in the sixth round. LB -- 7 Zack Baun #53 Nakobe Dean #17 Dallas Gant #57 Jeremiah Trotter Jr. #54 Jihaad Campbell-Drafted Rookie #30 Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie #42 Lance Dixon - (undrafted rookie) #41 Baun is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and All-Pro, while Trotter Jr. should get the first shot at replacing the injured Nakobe Dean. Campbell is the first-round pick, but won't be available until August. Philadelphia selected Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round, and he saw first-team snaps during OTAs. CB -- 11 A.J. Woods #39 Quinyon Mitchell #27 Cooper DeJean #33 Tariq Castro-Fields #46 Kelee Ringo #7 Eli Ricks #23 Parry Nickerson #34 Adoree' Jackson #8 Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie #22 Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie) #35 B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie) #49 Kelee Ringo should get the first opportunity to replace the departed Darius Slay, while Adoree Jackson has history as a starting cornerback in the NFC East. Mitchell and DeJean are stars and should be even more productive in 2025. Philadelphia drafted Mac McWilliams and signed two undrafted rookies. S -- 7 Lewis Cine #38 Reed Blankenship #32 Andre Sam #31 Tristin McCollum #36 Sydney Brown #21 Andrew Mukuba- (Unsigned Rookie) #24 Maxen Hook -(Undrafted rookie) #37 Specialist --3 Jake Elliott #4 Braden Mann #10 Charley Hughlett #47
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
10 biggest questions facing the Eagles ahead of training camp
Who'll replace Brandon Graham's leadership is among the ten biggest questions for the Philadelphia Eagles as the team gets set to report for training camp The Eagles are one week away from returning to the NovaCare Complex for an intense training camp, and the vibe is entirely different after winning Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia returns just about every key contributor on offense, but will look to replace Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) and Mekhi Becton (Chargers). On defense, Vic Fangio's unit will look to replace seven key starters or contributors, including the legendary Brandon Graham, as well as critical veterans like Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Milton Williams, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. With the first practice scheduled for July 23, we're looking at the ten biggest questions for the Eagles ahead of training camp. Can Kevin Patullo keep the machine running In his one season with the Eagles, Moore led an explosive Philadelphia offense, which included Saquon Barkley becoming the ninth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history. Last season, Philadelphia finished eighth in total yards, seventh in points, and second in rushing yards, but it had a league-low in passing attempts. Patullo enters as Jalen Hurts' fourth offensive coordinator under Nick Sirianni and fifth if you include his rookie season spent with Doug Pederson and Press Taylor. Patullo has served as the team's passing game coordinator since 2021 and was appointed associate head coach in 2023. Patullo's inheriting an offense with a 2000-yard rusher, an All-Pro wide receiver, a No. 2 wide receiver with All-Pro talent, and a dynamic tight end. The run-pass ratio can be adjusted somewhat, but this Ferrari needs to be treated with precision and maintained accordingly. Who will assume the leadership role without Brandon Graham One year after Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce retired, Brandon Graham walked away as the longest-tenured and most successful Eagles in franchise history. With three legends now departed, who assumes the leadership role? Nolan Smith enters year three with traits and work ethic similar to Graham's and could take the role, along with All-Pro Jalen Carter and Zack Baun. Will Dallas Goedert finally have a 1,000-yard season? Goedert reworked his deal and will return to the Eagles looking to post his first 1,000-yard season. Last season, Goedert played in 10 games, logging 42 receptions for 496 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, and two scores. Goedert has missed 15 games since the start of the 2022 season and has only played a full slate of games once. Can Jordan Davis break out? The Eagles have yet to decide on Davis's fifth-year option, which would cost the franchise $12.9 million. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Philadelphia targeting Walter Nolen or Darius Alexander could spell doom for Davis. Will Kelee Ringo be a starter? Ringo has worked to become a starter or key contributor and should have the first opportunity to replace Darius Slay in the lineup. He possesses length, physicality, and speed, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 207 pounds. Who will replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson? Pressure bust pipes, and one year after returning to the field following ACL surgery, Sydney Brown could be tasked with replacing Gardner-Johnson's physicality and big-play attributes. Andrew Mukuba was selected in the second round, but he's yet to sign his four-year rookie deal. Tristin McCollum and Andre Sam offer added depth. Will Saquon Barkley be on a pitch count? Barkley led the league with a franchise record of 2,005 rushing yards, making him the ninth player in NFL history to post 2,000+ rushing yards in a season. Overall, Barkley logged the 8th-most rushing yards in league history. After 345 carries in 2024, Barkley is expected to be light work up until Week 1. Still, AJ Dillon or Will Shipley could see an increase in snaps early on. Who'll replace the departed free agents? During the first wave of free agency, Philadelphia saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Fred Johnson (Jaguars), Parris Campbell (Cowboys), Darius Slay (Steelers) and Oren Burks (Bengals) all depart. Still, they rebounded to make several key signings, including A.J. Dillon (RB), Joshua Uche (LB), Adoree' Jackson (CB), Charley Hughlett (LS), Patrick Johnson (LB), Avery Williams (KR/PR), Matt Pryor (OL) Kylen Granson (TE), and Azeez Ojulari (OLB) to name a few. Kelee Ringo, Jalyx Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Will Shipley, AJ Dillon, and Terrace Marshall could all have key roles. At the same time, rookies Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba are expected to hit the ground running. Will Nakobe Dean be available? Dean is recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the playoffs last season. While some wonder if he'll be available in 2025, the former Georgia All-American could be ahead of schedule. Depending on the extent of the injury, reports suggested it could take nine months to start running and 12 months for sports," Dr. Dinesh Dhanaraj, the chief of orthopedic surgery at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, told the Philly Voice in January. A former third-round pick, Dean was elite in his first full season as a starter, finishing second on the team in tackles (128) while also producing three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Will Jahan Dotson have a breakout season? The Eagles acquired Jahan Dotson from the Commanders nearly a year ago, and he'll need to produce if he wants a long-term contract. Dotson took time developing a rapport with quarterback Jalen Hurts and only accounted for 19 catches for 216 yards -- despite playing 674 snaps in the regular season. Dotson was reliable in the postseason, logging three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Dotson and Hurts spent most of the off-season working out together, and he'll look for a big breakout season. Bonus: Can Tyler Steen lockdown the right guard spot? Steen, 24, was a third-round choice (65th overall) out of Alabama back in 2023 and has played in 28 games with three starts. Steen was better when called upon in his second season. He started two games in the regular season and started at left guard in the NFC Championship Game win over the Commanders. Steen (6-6, 321) performed well at times in 2024, but he was one of the worst graded guards according to Pro Football Focus. Among the 77 qualified guards in the NFL last season, Steen ranked 75th. For some point of reference, only his new teammate and competition at right guard, Kenyon Green, was worse. Green was 76th, Matt Pryor was 21st in Chicago, and Becton was 20th. The Eagles saw four free agents depart on offense, including right guard Mekhi Becton, who signed a two-year deal worth as much as $20 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. That opened the door for Steen to win the starting job for the first time since the Eagles drafted him in the third round in 2023.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs agree to 4-year extension per reports
Add another big-money extension to the list for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. The reigning AFC champions made Super Bowl 59 last season in no small part thanks to their defense. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo led a unit that finished the year fourth in points allowed and gave up more than 25 points just five times. Less than a week after rewarding one of their top young talents on the offensive line - guard Trey Smith - the team handed out a long-term extension to one of its best young players on defense: edge rusher George Karlaftis. T.J. Watt contract winners and losers: Teammate hurt, peer helped by $123M extension? Kansas City and Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93 million extension with $62 million guaranteed, per multiple reports. BREAKING: The #Chiefs and standout DE George Karlaftis are finalizing a 4-year extension, per multiple securing Pro Bowl G Trey Smith to a 4-year extension, the Chiefs do the same with Karlaftis — who recorded 24.5 sacks during his first three NFL seasons. Kansas City drafted Karlaftis in the first round, No. 30 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started all 17 games at edge rusher as a rookie in 2022 and hasn't missed a game since. Through his first three seasons, Karlaftis has 24.5 sacks, including a career-high 10.5 in 2023. He led the Chiefs in sacks with 8.0 last season and finished tied for third league-wide in quarterback hits with 28. Only Denver's Zach Allen (40) and Cincinnati's Trey Hendrickson (36) had more. OPINION: Former NFLPA head Lloyd Howell was sunk by his own secrets George Karlaftis contract details Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year extension worth $92 million, giving him an average annual value (AAV) of $22 million. He could get up to $23.25 million per season if he hits specific incentives. That standard AAV puts him 11th league-wide among edge rushers behind Minnesota's Andrew Van Ginkel ($23 million) and ahead of Hendrickson ($21 million). If he meets all those incentives, he'll go up to 10th in AAV. This makes him the second-highest paid defender on the Chiefs defense by AAV behind defensive tackle Chris Jones. That could change if the team decides to sign fellow 2022 NFL Draft first-round pick Trent McDuffie to a long-term extension. Like Karlaftis, he's entering the second-to-last year of his rookie contract. Kansas City has picked up McDuffie's fifth-year option so he will be with the team through 2026 at the least.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
The Cincinnati Bengals could have an historic offense. But what about the defense?
Joe Burrow got his wish. Burrow publicly advocated for the Cincinnati Bengals to retain Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason. 'We all want to stay together, so we want to make it work," Burrow told NFL Network in February. The very next month the Bengals re-signed Chase to a four-year, $161 million deal, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, and Higgins to a four-year, $115 million pact. The two now represent the highest-paid receiver duo in the NFL. Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins are the only three teams in the NFL who have receiver duos earning an annual average of $25 million or over. Are two receivers absorbing a large percentage of a team's salary cap a winning formula? It's not an exact science. The Eagles won Super Bowl 59 with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith earning at least $25 million a season ago, but the Dolphins missed the playoffs while paying Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the same neighborhood. The Bengals were on vacation during the 2024 postseason before they inked Chase and Higgins to mega deals. Combine Burrow's five-year, $275 million deal that he signed in 2023, the Bengals are allocating approximately $124 million a year for three players. The three large contracts have compromised Cincinnati's defense to some degree. The Bengals and standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024, are in a contract dispute. Meanwhile, 2025 first-round pick defensive end Shemar Stewart and the Bengals are in a contract standoff because of contract language. Stewart is the NFL's only unsigned 2025 first-round pick. Defense was the Bengals' big problem last season. The Bengals lost six games in which they scored 25 points or more and lost four contests where they scored at least 33 points. Cincinnati ranked 25th in both points allowed and total defense last year. One throw helped change QB Justin Fields' career. Now he can change the Jets' fortunes Hendrickson's indicated that he won't play under his current contract. It's hard to imagine any improvement from the Bengals defense sans their top defensive player from a year ago. The Bengals had a prolific offense last season. Burrow recorded a career-year leading the league in passing yards and touchdown passes. Chase achieved the receiving triple crown. But the Bengals were still on the outside looking in come playoff time in large part because of an inept defense. The Bengals did fire defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replaced him with Al Golden. However, the coordinator swap feels like a band aid. The Bengals simply lack talent on defense because they've invested heavily on offense -- mainly on three players. Burrow got his wish. The Bengals should once again have a high-powered offense, but they simultaneously handicapped their defense. Is it a winning formula? We'll see, though, the adage is defense wins championships. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
