ESPN’s annual position rankings stirred discussion, showing the Eagles were not represented in the Top 10 of the edge rusher list as of July 8. They also did not appear in the “others receiving votes” category, suggesting a perception gap about the group. Among the players receiving votes elsewhere was Jaelan Phillips, who had signed a four-year, $120 million free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers in March. Sweat, who posted a career-high 12.0 sacks for the team in 2025, did not receive any votes in the ESPN tally.
The top spot in ESPN’s edge rusher rankings went to Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams, who was the consensus No. 1 pick on every ballot. The rankings are determined by votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts and compiled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Big offseason moves at edge rusher
The Eagles were eager to bring back Jaelan Phillips but chose not to match the Panthers’ record-setting contract, instead pursuing other options. They traded two third-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings for Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and quickly signed him to a four-year, $98 million contract extension. The motivation, as argued by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, was that Greenard’s trade made sense given salary cap realities and the Eagles saw an opportunity to upgrade at the position. While other recent deals in the league included first-round picks for certain defensive tackles or edge rushers, Philadelphia opted for a more incremental path to upgrade, acquiring Greenard for a price that aligned with their strategy.
Projected star power and depth
heading into the season, the Eagles appear to feature a strong starting duo in Greenard and Nolan Smith Jr. Both players are expected to contribute as primary edge rushers. Beyond the starters, the lineup includes Jalyx Hunt, a 6-foot-3, 252-pound edge rusher who emerged as a standout in 2025. Hunt has drawn attention for his production, including leading the team in sacks (6.5) and interceptions (3) in 2025. Drafted in the third round (No. 94 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft from Houston Christian, Hunt is viewed as a development piece with the potential to become a reliable rotational option and continued source of pressure off the edge.
Context and potential improvements
Philadelphia’s defensive front, featuring players such as Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Jaelan Phillips, Nolan Smith, Josh Uche, and Brandon Graham, has long been about depth and rotation rather than relying on a single superstar. The emergence of Hunt as a disruptive force off the bench adds a dimension to the pass rush that can keep opponents guessing. With Greenard’s presence, the Eagles have a versatile group capable of applying sustained pressure from multiple angles.
In summary, the Eagles have taken meaningful steps at the edge rusher position through strategic trades and signed extensions, building a rotation designed to keep pressure on the quarterback throughout games. While expectations are high for Sweat to rebound and for Hunt to continue his upward trajectory, the team appears balanced with a mix of proven contributors and promising depth. If the group maintains health and continues to develop, Philadelphia could further enhance its defense and overall dominant play on the trenches in 2026.
