Latest news with #HowieRoseman
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eagles star Nolan Smith makes the expected claim in naming the top state for HS Football
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Howie Roseman's evolution has been watching him learn from the mistakes he made in the past. No one has ever accused the Philadelphia Eagles' general manager of being perfect, but have we seen another GM navigate the NFL's constant changes and do so any better? It's hard to think of one. Maybe you've never thought about the following statement this way. Then again, perhaps you have, but it feels like once Howie discovered the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, things took off. It had been a while since the team plucked talent from two of the SEC's top programs. Advertisement Before drafting Jalen Hurts in 2020 (and both DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson in 2021), the Eagles hadn't drafted a former member of The Tide since taking Freddie Milons in 2002. Before this recent and well-publicized run on UGA stars, the franchise hadn't raided the Dawgs since acquiring Brandon Boykin with a fourth-round pick in 2012. Sure, it may have taken a while, but once Howie caught on, the tidal wave began. Everyone is excited about seeing whether or not Nolan Smith can take another step in 2025, but for now, they'll have to settle for watching him on Exciting Mics. Nolan Smith unsurprisingly names Georgia as the best state for football It feels like this is restated every week now, but the 'exciting whites', Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean, may have struck gold with their Exciting Mics podcast. At the time of this story's release, they aren't even 20 episodes in, but something is already evident to everyone viewing. The guys have something special here. Advertisement A recent episode features Nolan Smith. Everything was on the table, from the recruiting process and Super Bowl memories to his first impressions and the best football state. No one has to guess what his opinions are on the latter topic, do they? It's an interesting theory. Nolan is one of eight Philly Dawgs on the roster. Jalen Carter, Smael Mondon, Lewis Cine, Kelee Ringo, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Azeez Ojulari are the other seven. The Birds are also pretty heavy with talent from South Carolina. K.J. Henry, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Will Shipley, and Marcus Tate all played for the Clemson Tigers. Advertisement However, it will be interesting to see how The Crimson Tide feels about his Georgia theory, considering Jihaad Campbell, Landon Dickerson, Cameron Latu, Byron Young, Tyler Steen, Eli Ricks, Jalen Hurts, and DeVonta Smith all had their start at Alabama at some point. Don't sleep on Pennsylvania, though, Nolan! That state has some ballers too, but again, we can all see why he'd be partial to Georgia. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Nolan Smith says Georgia produces the best football players
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Pass Rush Remains 'Dilemma' In 2025
Eagles Pass Rush Remains 'Dilemma' In 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles are in a dilemma this offseason. Their roster appears to be good enough to compete for another Super Bowl run, but there's one lingering weakness they have to deal with. Advertisement And it's the one weakness that may not be solved this season. FanSided's Ryan Heckman made it clear that the Eagles have a "dilemma" with the pass rush heading into training camp, especially after all their losses during the offseason. "With training camp around the corner, the Philadelphia Eagles are still looking thin at one specific position, and to this point, Howie Roseman has not done much to remedy the concern," Heckman said. "Spoiler alert: it's the pass rush. The Eagles watched their group's best player, Josh Sweat, sign with the Arizona Cardinals and did not do a lot this offseason to remedy that loss. "Howie Roseman will watch the Eagles enter training camp with massive question marks at edge rusher." Advertisement Sweat wasn't the only pass rusher on the team who left this offseason. Brandon Graham retired, and Milton Williams, a defensive tackle, also left on the open market. Philadelphia needs to determine whether it can rely on young players like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt without having to spend important draft capital on a trade. If both Smith and Hunt can step up immediately, the Eagles' defense should remain a top unit in the league. Philadelphia also added free agents Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari to bolster the group's depth. Will it be enough? Only time will tell in that regard. Related: ESPN Links Eagles To Possible Signing of Asante Samuel Jr. Related: Eagles Young Cornerback Remains Big Winner of Offseason This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN Links Eagles To Possible Signing of Asante Samuel Jr.
ESPN Links Eagles To Possible Signing of Asante Samuel Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles didn't seem to bother much with the idea of signing Jaire Alexander to help out at cornerback, as the oft-injured standout just joined the Baltimore Ravens. And Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins? There hasn't been much trade-dump movement there. Advertisement So, how about former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.? Appearing on 97.5 The Fanatic, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently made that push. "Asante Samuel Jr., who is coming back from a neck injury, was one of the top free-agent corners,'' Fowler said. "He probably won't sign until late July. I do know the Eagles have thought about that one, and that's on their radar as well." We know about the injury. We also know about the pedigree, as Asante Samuel Sr. spent four standout seasons with the Eagles from 2008 to 2011, earning three Pro Bowl nods and becoming one of the league's most feared ballhawks. Advertisement His son has big-time talent, too. In 2021, the Chargers selected him with the No. 47 pick of the NFL Draft. Still just 25 years old, Samuel Jr. could, in theory, step right in and help as a rotational contributor. But the injury gets in the way of general manager Howie Roseman making that move now. And despite ESPN's brand, Fowler has a reputation for throwing ideas against the wall to see if they'll stick (in this same radio conversation, he connected the Eagles to Alexander, a bad guess). But ultimately? Samuel Jr. can fit the blueprint here with patience. Related: Eagles Defense Called 'Miles Ahead' of Last Year's Top Unit This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Philadelphia Eagles' updated 90-man roster following 2025 offseason workouts and minicamp
Philadelphia Eagles' updated 90-man roster following 2025 offseason workouts and minicamp Here's an overview of the Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster after six OTA sessions and one mandatory minicamp in preparation for July's training camp. 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 now the Mandatory Minicamp have concluded, and Philadelphia will get a five-week break before returning to the NovaCare Complex. Training Camp begins in late July – July 22 is report day, 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. As we await the arrival of training camp, here is an updated look at the Eagles' 90-man roster for July. QB --4 Jalen Hurts Tanner McKee Dorian Thompson-Robinson Kyle McCord- Drafted Rookie 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 A.J. Dillon Will Shipley Lew Nichols Keilan Robinson ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie) Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie) 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 The former Michigan State linebacker is a special-teams standout who will transition full-time to the fullback position. WR --12 A.J. Brown Elijah Cooks Jahan Dotson Danny Gray Terrace Marshall Jr. Ainias Smith DeVonta Smith Johnny Wilson Avery Williams Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie) Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie) Giles Jackson (Tryout) 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 after being acquired 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 and offers elite athleticism from the slot. TE --7 Dallas Goedert Grant Calcaterra Kylen Granson Harrison Bryant EJ Jenkins Nick Muse Cameron Latu 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 Landon Dickerson Cam Jurgens Kenyon Green Lane Johnson Tyler Steen Brett Toth Darian Kinnard Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt Kendall Lamm Trevor Keegan Matt Pryor Drew Kendall- Drafted Rookie Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie Cameron Williams- Drafted Rookie Hollin Pierce- (Undrafted rookie) Marcus Tate-Undrafted rookie) 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 Moro Ojomo Gabe Hall Jordan Davis Jalen Carter Thomas Booker Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie 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 snaps on special teams while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo will be a starter, with Milton Williams departing. Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality. Edge Rusher -8 KJ Henry Jalyx Hunt Patrick Johnson Azeez Ojulari Nolan Smith Jr. Josh Uche Ochaun Mathis Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie 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 Hunt would get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat despite Josh Uche getting 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 Nakobe Dean Dallas Gant Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Jihaad Campbell-Drafted Rookie Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie Lance Dixon - (undrafted rookie) 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 Quinyon Mitchell Cooper DeJean Tariq Castro-Fields Kelee Ringo Eli Ricks Parry Nickerson Adoree' Jackson Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie) B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie) 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 Reed Blankenship Andre Sam Tristin McCollum Sydney Brown Andrew Mukuba- (Unsigned Rookie) Maxen Hook -(Undrafted rookie) Specialist --3 Jake Elliott Braden Mann Charley Hughlett
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Howie Roseman Could Make Noise Again With Unexpected Defensive Trade Target
Howie Roseman Could Make Noise Again With Unexpected Defensive Trade Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season with significant questions along their defensive edge. The defending Super Bowl champions have undergone a dramatic reshuffling at the position, with Josh Sweat departing in free agency, team legend Brandon Graham retiring after 15 seasons, and the surprising trade of Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers. Advertisement This leaves Philadelphia banking on Nolan Smith—who made a huge developmental leap in 2024 with 6.5 regular-season sacks and four more in the playoffs—and second-year player Jalyx Hunt, who improved steadily from opening day through the Super Bowl. The Eagles also added veterans Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche in free agency and have rotational depth in Patrick Johnson. They drafted linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall pick, though the South Jersey native projects more as an off-ball linebacker who could help in coverage and run defense rather than serve as a primary pass rusher. But considering what's happening across the state with the Pittsburgh Steelers, should general manager Howie Roseman pursue an intrastate trade that few would expect—by targeting Alex Highsmith? Pittsburgh finds itself in an interesting financial position. T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his current deal and is due $21 million in base salary, which now appears modest compared to the extensions signed by Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Highsmith's cap hit jumps to $18.6 million in 2025 and $20.1 million in 2026 following an April 2024 restructure. If the Steelers plan to prioritize a Watt extension, moving Highsmith could offer financial flexibility without downgrading their pass rush too severely. Highsmith, 27, has developed into a premier edge rusher since being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft. Though injuries limited him to 11 games in 2024, he remained effective when healthy, recording six sacks and averaging 4.5 pressures per game. His 2022 breakout season remains a career highlight: 14.5 sacks, 63 tackles and a league-leading five forced fumbles. Advertisement Across 77 career games, Highsmith has 35.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, three interceptions and one defensive touchdown—an impressive résumé for a player in his prime. Here's a trade framework that could benefit both franchises: Eagles receive: Alex Highsmith and a 2026 fourth-round pick (which becomes a third-rounder if Highsmith records more than 11 sacks in 2025). Steelers receive: A 2026 second-round pick, 2026 fifth-round pick, and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick that becomes a fifth if Highsmith hits eight sacks. For Philadelphia, Highsmith offers an immediate solution at a position of concern. He brings speed off the edge, toughness against the run and an ability to generate turnovers—traits that fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system. Financially, the Eagles would acquire a proven starter with upside at a lower cost than top-tier free agents, preserving future flexibility. Philadelphia's current top two edge rushers—Smith and Hunt—have just 11 career starts combined. While both are ascending players, entrusting them to carry the edge load on a defending champion roster is a risky proposition. Trading away a $51 million pass rusher in Huff signals confidence in their development—but adding a player like Highsmith would stabilize the unit and offer a reliable, experienced presence. Advertisement Highsmith's leadership, consistent production and age make him an ideal fit for a Super Bowl contender looking to sustain success. Pittsburgh may prefer to keep him, but with Watt's looming extension and Highsmith's escalating cap hits, a trade would allow the Steelers to restock draft capital and refocus financially. Whether the Steelers would actually entertain the deal remains to be seen. But given both teams' trajectories—Pittsburgh in cap-management mode and Philadelphia in win-now mode—the trade could make sense for both franchises. For Roseman, it would be just the kind of calculated, aggressive move that has defined his championship-building tenure. Related: Eagles Could Sign Former Packers Star Cornerback Related: Injuries Cloud Eagles' Minicamp Outlook This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
