The Philadelphia Eagles are in the midst of a defensive reshuffle as they aim to remain Super Bowl contenders following significant departures from last season's squad. Their latest additions, edge rushers Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari, both signed on March 18, 2025, signal the team's strategic pivot towards bolstering their pass rush for the upcoming season.
Josh Uche, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs and had a breakout 2022 season with the New England Patriots, brings a mix of potential and a need for revival. Having recorded 11.5 sacks that year, Uche has struggled to replicate that success, tallying only two sacks in his five games with the Chiefs last fall after being traded mid-season. At 26 years old, the former second-round pick from Michigan believes he still has plenty to offer. "Being 26 years old, I've got a lot left in the tank," Uche declared during a press conference. "It just comes down to opportunity and getting on the field doing my job. Whenever I'm on the field, I've been effective, I've been efficient, so it's just all about getting on the field and doing my job."
Uche’s confidence is crucial for the Eagles, especially after losing star edge rusher Josh Sweat to free agency on March 12, 2025. The Eagles are betting on Uche to rediscover his form while also providing depth and competition for current players like Bryce Huff, who underperformed with just 2.5 sacks last season on a hefty $51 million contract. The Eagles' clear intention is to maximize their talent through reclamation projects as they prepare for a potentially grueling campaign.
Azeez Ojulari, another recent signing, adds additional muscle to the roster. He comes off a performance of 6.0 sacks in the previous season and secured a one-year deal worth $4 million with the Eagles. With both players competing in a newly designed depth chart, the pressure mounts on Huff to regain a starting position against the formidable competition. Huff's contract also poses a significant financial risk to the Eagles if they choose to cut him, with a dead cap hit nearing $30 million.
As they build their roster, the Eagles are balancing immediate performance needs with financial viability. While Uche and Ojulari's signings shift the focus away from relying on Huff, it presents a challenge for the franchise’s salary cap maneuvers moving forward. The clock is ticking as the Eagles seek further impacts through the upcoming NFL Draft, likely eyeing additional edge rushers to solidify their defensive line.
In his time with the Chiefs, Uche struggled to find footing, labeled a healthy scratch for their postseason run. He emphasizes the importance of a full offseason with the Eagles to regain his rhythm. “It will be beneficial to be able to get the playbook under your belt, build that muscle memory, build that camaraderie with your teammates,” he elaborated, optimistic about his impact within a new defensive system led by head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
While analysts consider Uche a potential solution to the Eagles' edge rushing needs, doubts still linger over his consistency. Writers have expressed skepticism regarding whether Uche can replace his predecessor, Brandon Graham, the Eagles' long-serving defensive stalwart who recently announced his retirement. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted that with Sweat gone and Graham retiring, this position has become critical to the Eagles' roster. Moreover, comments from the Eagles' coaching staff suggest they are hopeful that Fangio can revitalize Uche's career, drawing parallels to past player transformations, such as linebacker Zack Baun who flourished under Fangio.
Meanwhile, Uche remains keenly aware of the pressures. “To play for a coach like Vic Fangio is an honor. Just getting an opportunity to continue playing this game and fulfill my potential,” he shared, underscoring the importance of mentorship and development in his journey.
As the Eagles navigate this new chapter, they remain determined to find the right mix to sustain their championship ambitions. With Uche and Ojulari integrated into their plans, the front office's sharp focus on building depth and tackling vulnerability at the edge rusher position illustrates their commitment to success in the NFL landscape. Their signings embody a low-risk, potentially high-reward approach, pivotal to the team's strategy moving forward. The upcoming draft will test the team's foresight as they look to address any lingering concerns within their defensive lineup.
