The Philadelphia Eagles just finished a 2025 season that saw them lift the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history. It was a ride. But honestly, the "party on Broad Street" vibe usually lasts about forty-eight hours before everyone starts looking at the spreadsheet. In the NFL, winning a Super Bowl is basically just a signal to the rest of the league that your roster is about to get raided.
Howie Roseman is already in the lab. He has to be.
The eagles free agents 2025 list is massive, and it’s not just filled with "guys." We are talking about foundational pieces of the defense and the unsung heroes of the offensive line. If you think the Birds can just "run it back" with the exact same group, you haven’t been paying attention to how the salary cap works. This isn't 2018. Back then, the Eagles tried to keep everyone from the Super Bowl LII squad, and it kinda bit them in the long run. Roseman has already admitted that was a mistake. This time? Expect some cold-blooded decisions.
The Big Names Hitting the Market
The biggest headache for the front office right now involves the defensive line. Milton Williams and Josh Sweat are both unrestricted free agents. Sweat has been a pillar on the edge for seven seasons, piling up 43 career sacks and proving he can win in multiple schemes. But here is the problem: his market value is skyrocketing. We’re looking at an annual average value (AAV) somewhere between $16 million and $20 million. Teams like Arizona or Washington, who have more cap space than they know what to do with, could easily outbid Philly.
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Then there is Milton Williams. He was a monster in Super Bowl LIX. Seriously, his stock might have gone up more than anyone else's in that single game. At 26 years old, he’s hitting his prime. While the Eagles want to keep a young core around Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, Williams might be looking for a deal in the $22-24 million range. That is a lot of coin for a team that already has a massive contract for Jalen Hurts on the books.
The Zack Baun Situation
Can we talk about Zack Baun for a second? The guy was a revelation. Signed on a one-year "prove it" deal, he ended up leading the team in tackles (150!) and forced five fumbles. He basically fixed the linebacker position that fans have been complaining about for a decade. The Eagles already made him a priority, and reports suggest a three-year deal worth around $27 million is the ballpark. It's a huge commitment for a position Howie usually ignores, but Baun has made himself indispensable.
The Offensive Line Puzzle
Jeff Stoutland is a wizard, but even he needs talent to work with. Mekhi Becton’s transition to guard was one of the best stories of the year. He found a home in Philly, but his "void" contract status means he’s technically heading to the market. Becton is only 26. A massive human being who can play tackle or guard is worth a fortune in this league. If someone offers him $15 million a year to be their starting left tackle, the Eagles probably have to let him walk.
Fred Johnson and Jack Driscoll are also up. These are the guys you don't think about until Lane Johnson misses a game. Fred Johnson actually played nearly 60% of the snaps last year. Keeping that depth is what makes the Eagles, well, the Eagles.
Secondary and Special Teams
The secondary is also in flux. Isaiah Rodgers and Avonte Maddox are both UFAs. Rodgers, after missing the 2023 season, proved he belongs opposite Darius Slay. But at 27, he’s going to want a multi-year commitment, likely around $7-10 million a year. With young studs like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean already in the building, Howie might decide to let the veterans walk and let the kids play.
And don't forget the specialists. Rick Lovato, the long snapper who has been here since 2016, is a free agent. It sounds minor, but a bad snap in a playoff game is how seasons end.
Why the Cap Isn't Actually "Fake"
You’ll hear fans say "the cap is a myth." It’s not. The Eagles are projected to have about $20 million in effective cap space for 2025. That sounds like a decent chunk of change, but when you realize Milton Williams alone could eat all of it, things get tight.
Howie Roseman uses "void years" like a credit card. He pushes the "dead money" into the future so he can compete now. But eventually, the bill comes due. In 2026 and 2027, the price tags for guys like Landon Dickerson and Jalen Carter are going to explode. The 2025 off-season is about balancing the need to win another ring with the reality that they can't pay everyone forever.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Off-season
The biggest misconception is that the Eagles will be big spenders in free agency. They won't.
Actually, the goal for the eagles free agents 2025 cycle is likely to let several players walk to collect compensatory picks for 2026. Roseman is obsessed with draft capital. He has 20 picks over the next two years. He wants young, cost-controlled players to replace the expensive veterans. It’s the "Chiefs model"—keep the elite QB and the core O-line, but rotate the defense with cheap, fast rookies.
The One-Year Contract Strategy
Check the 2024 signings. Almost all of them were one-year deals (Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Adoree' Jackson). This gives the team flexibility. If a player balls out, you get a comp pick when they leave. If they suck, you aren't stuck with a bad contract. Expect more of this "churn" in 2025.
Actionable Steps for the 2025 Off-season
If you are tracking the roster moves, here is what to look for in the coming weeks:
- Monitor the Void Dates: Players like Dallas Goedert and Jahan Dotson have void years on their deals. If they aren't extended before those dates, the dead money hits the 2025 cap immediately.
- Watch the "Tender" Levels: For restricted free agents (RFA) like Britain Covey, the level of the "tender" (First round, Second round, or Right of First Refusal) will tell you exactly how much the Eagles value them.
- The Brandon Graham Retirement Watch: BG has said 2024 was his last year. If he actually hangs them up, it clears a roster spot but adds a massive emotional hole to the locker room.
- Early Extensions: Look for Howie to try and extend Jalen Carter a year early. It sounds crazy, but locking him in before the DT market hits $35 million a year is a classic Roseman move.
The parade was great, but the real work starts now. The Eagles have the talent to stay on top, but the eagles free agents 2025 list proves that the roster will look very different by the time training camp rolls around in Bethlehem. Decisions on Sweat, Williams, and Becton will define whether this team is a one-hit wonder or a true dynasty.