Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/29tnuy87

Originally published June 10, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — As the Eagles wrapped up minicamp ahead of their summer break, Jalen Hurts put to bed some lingering questions.

He talked about receiver A.J. Brown’s departure for New England and about the ESPN story from April 1 that portrayed him as resistant to change. And he flatly denied a key detail from the story about the failed fourth-down play that ended Philadelphia’s season.

The quarterback didn’t dodge any of it.

Brown recently said he and Hurts were no longer as close as they once were, though he added there was no animosity between them. Hurts declined to dispute Brown’s view.

“I’m not in the place to challenge anyone’s perspective on anything,” Hurts said Wednesday. “Seemingly so, it was. That’s where I am. I’ve always been focused on the collective. I’ve always put my energy towards that. As a leader, I’ve always put an onus on giving maximum effort to achieve the shared mission we have on the team.”

Asked whether he was disappointed by how Brown’s Eagles tenure ended, Hurts instead reflected on what they accomplished together.

“You come into it and you have a sense of pride with how it began, and definitely what we were able to accomplish,” Hurts said. “Nothing can take that away. For the great things that we did, now it’s time to focus on achieving great things with this iteration of the team.”

Regarding the ESPN story:

“I’ve never really asked for an opportunity to respond to anything,” he said. “So just let it live and go do my job.”

When pressed, the quarterback rejected the notion that he is resistant to change, a theme that surfaced in that story and previous reporting during the season.

“I’m always open to growth. I’m always open to improving,” Hurts said. “I think a lot of it is, what do we put our time on task? What are we exhausting? What are we repping? And so, I’m looking forward to seeing how training camp goes so we can just continue to build on the foundation that we’re beginning to lay down.”

Asked whether he called for the infamous four-verticals concept on the Eagles’ final offensive snap in the wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Hurts offered a two-word answer.

“Nah. No.”

Coach Nick Sirianni defended Hurts when asked about the scrutiny surrounding his quarterback.

“I think Jalen is consistent. Very, very consistent,” Sirianni said. “One thing I know Jalen does is stay locked into the moment and things that he can control.”

Carter extension watch

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter again participated in individual work but did not take part in team drills.

When asked whether Carter’s status was related to health or ongoing contract discussions, Sirianni declined to elaborate.

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to get into all those different things,” Sirianni said.

Carter, 25, is entering his fourth season. The Eagles picked up his fifth-year option, but he’s at a time in his career when elite defensive tackles often receive lucrative extensions, making his workload one of the more closely watched storylines entering training camp.

The team and Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, are reportedly negotiating a new deal.

Jurgens: Line trending in right direction

Center Cam Jurgens, who traveled to Medellin, Colombia, for stem-cell treatment in February, said he and the rest of the offensive line are feeling healthy. The group continues adjusting to new terminology and new techniques under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and O-line coach Chris Kuper, but health is a primary focus.

“After the Super Bowl (from the 2024 season), getting back surgery, you don’t really get an offseason,” a jovial Jurgens said. “You’re just rehabbing and you’re going right into the next season. … You’re trying to get through things, but it’s so nice to have a full offseason like this year.

“(Stem-cell therapy) is a great option for us. … I’m going to do everything I can to get my body right. I’ve talked to a lot of guys around the league, and so many people have used stem cells. I’ve noticed such a good change since I’ve been down there.”

The treatments are meant to help with surgery recovery, spinal disc degeneration, torn ligaments and joint damage.

NOTES: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith (personal reasons) was not present for Wednesday’s practice. … Sirianni said Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee will continue rotating as the No. 2 quarterback. McKee was QB2 Wednesday, with Dalton on the third team. … Rookie tight end Eli Stowers continues to impress. Sirianni called him “an extremely, extremely intelligent football player.” … Cornerback Riq Woolen remained one of the most noticeable defenders during minicamp and continued to receive extensive first-team work opposite Quinyon Mitchell. … The Eagles released Za’Darius Smith from the reserve-retired list and added veteran defensive end A.J. Epenesa as they continue reshaping the back end of the roster. … Training camp starts in late July, in approximately six weeks on a date to be announced.

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PHILADELPHIA — Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator, has everybody’s attention at OTAs, including All-Pro left tackle Jordan Mailata.

“Sean is an evil genius,” Mailata said Tuesday. “That is my first impression. He just knows ball.

“If I were to lock the three smartest people in the facility in one room, Sean would be there, and I think Sean will just be (there) himself. It would just be Sean in that room. That’s how smart he is.”

Mailata was not alone. Earlier in organized team activities, Jalen Hurts called the work “a really good process” and said Mannion has been “very clear” and “very intentional” while installing a new offense built on timing, motion, under-center work and more play-action.

“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said.

Mannion, 34, arrived from Green Bay with roots in the modernized West Coast system. Running back Saquon Barkley has operated from deeper alignments. The offensive line has been drilling more zone concepts. And despite the Eagles’ revolving door of OCs the last several years, there’s genuine enthusiasm about Mannion.

“He’s a wizard,” Mailata said. “And I’m super excited, as the year goes on, we get to display what is in the beautiful mind of his.”

Another major offensive change is simpler: A.J. Brown is gone.

The Eagles traded Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday for a 2028 first-round pick and the better of New England’s two fifth-round picks in 2027. Brown leaves after four seasons, 339 catches, 5,034 yards, 32 touchdowns, two Super Bowl trips and one Lombardi Trophy.

He also leaves after months of noise.

Mailata did not dance around it.

“I think this is more of a — it sounds terrible — but like, thank God it’s over,” Mailata said. “It was a slow pain of just, is he in, is he out? We didn’t really know, and that really wasn’t our focus as a team, especially on offense.”

The Eagles now turn to DeVonta Smith, rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon from USC, second-round tight end Eli Stowers out of Vanderbilt, and free agents Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore.

Plus, for at least one more year, they have veteran tight end Dallas Goedert — which could lead to some interesting packages featuring both Goedert and Stowers on the field together.

“I mean, just the relationship we had, the brotherhood and things like that,” Smith said about the difficulty of Brown’s departure. “We had a great time here. Business is business.

“I’m just going out there and do my job,” Smith added, referencing becoming the No. 1 receiver. “Regardless, however you want to look at it, one, two, three, four. End of the day, we all have jobs, and I’ve got to go out there and do it. I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing.”

General manager Howie Roseman said the deal was about the present and the future.

“We wouldn’t have done this trade if there wasn’t a first-round-pick-plus included,” Roseman said.

The Eagles also gained cap and cash relief by waiting until after June 1. Roseman said Brown wanted a fresh start and the Eagles wanted flexibility.

“It was a win-win situation based on where he was and how he felt,” Roseman said. “There’s no doubt that A.J. Brown was a huge, huge part of our football team, a great player for us, and that loss will have to be picked up by more than just one player.”

NOTES: WR Lemon was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp in July. … WR Brown, who grew up rooting for the Patriots, called arriving in New England “heaven,” reminiscent of Scott Rolen calling St. Louis “baseball heaven” after his departure from the Phillies in 2002. … Andy Dalton took snaps at QB2 over Tanner McKee on Tuesday. … EDGE Jonathan Greenard (shoulder surgery), acquired in a trade with Minnesota during the NFL draft, participated on a limited basis. … Mandatory minicamp is next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

From The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/ynha7jmb

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday, ending one of the most productive stretches by a receiver in franchise history.

Brown, occasionally described as mercurial, arrived from the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and quickly became the centerpiece of the passing game, helping the Eagles reach two Super Bowls and win one.

But he always wanted more. He wanted to win, of course, but he wanted to be great in the process. After the Eagles dominated Super Bowl LIX, Brown posted on Instagram:

“After a few days, I’ve had time to reflect on being a champion. I tried to feel how everyone made it seem to be a champion, and unfortunately it was short-lived. Two days, in fact. I’ve never been a champion at the highest level before, but I thought my hard work would be justified by winning it all. It wasn’t.

“My thrill for this game comes when I dominate. It’s the hunt that does it for me. It’s when the DB drops his head and surrenders because he can’t (expletive) with me, the intense battles, early mornings, late nights, sacrifices. I love putting a smile on people’s faces, don’t get me wrong. But it just wasn’t what I thought it would be. It’s the journey that I love the most. Back to work”

These were Brown’s five defining moments as an Eagle:

1. Breaking the franchise receiving record (2022)

In his first season with the Eagles, Brown caught 88 passes for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns. The yardage total broke Mike Quick’s franchise record and announced Brown’s arrival as one of the NFL’s elite receivers.

2. A monster Eagles debut (Sept. 11, 2022)

Brown introduced himself to Philadelphia by catching 10 passes for 155 yards in a season-opening victory over the Detroit Lions. It remains one of the best debuts by any player in team history.

3. Dominating the Super Bowl stage (Super Bowl LVII)

The Eagles lost to the Chiefs in the 2022-23 Super Bowl, but Brown was spectacular. He caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard scoring strike from Jalen Hurts.

4. Making NFL history (2023)

Brown became the first player in league history to record six consecutive games with at least 125 receiving yards. During that stretch, he looked virtually unstoppable and carried the Eagles’ passing attack.

5. Helping bring home a championship (2024 season)

Brown’s legacy was cemented when the Eagles captured Super Bowl LIX. He finished the title game with three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown as Philadelphia defeated Kansas City 40-22. He had some highlight games along the way, despite running back Saquon Barkley’s record-setting 2,000-yard campaign capturing most of the headlines.

Brown leaves Philadelphia with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. Few receivers have made such an impact here in a shorter period of time.

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PHILADELPHIA — The A.J. Brown era is over.

The Eagles traded their star wide receiver to the New England Patriots on Monday, ending a four-year run that included record-setting production, a Super Bowl championship and some of the biggest moments in franchise history.

Philadelphia received a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return, the team confirmed.

The move closes the book on one of the most impactful acquisitions of the Howie Roseman era.

Brown arrived during the 2022 NFL Draft after the Eagles acquired him from the Tennessee Titans and immediately signed him to a long-term extension. Roseman called Brown “an elite player” at the time. Brown quickly proved him right.

In his first season in Philadelphia, Brown set a franchise record with 1,496 receiving yards and helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. A year later, he authored one of the greatest stretches by any receiver in NFL history, becoming the first player ever to record six straight games with at least 125 receiving yards.

His biggest accomplishment came during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship season. Brown remained the focal point of the passing game and helped deliver the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

By the time he left, Brown had produced four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Philadelphia. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and three second-team All-Pro honors while becoming one of the league’s most feared receivers.

He also was a leader in the community, often contributing to charities and even buying people groceries in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Brown never hid his ambitions on the football field.

“I want to be the greatest,” he repeatedly said, including this offseason and during training camp last July.

That mindset helped make him one of the defining players of the Eagles’ recent championship window. Sirianni often praised Brown’s impact, once saying, “He changes games.”

But a failure to get him the ball caused him to speak out. But contrary to outside opinion, he was not a locker-room cancer. He was well-liked by teammates and voted a co-captain. Last November, he called out problems with the offense that most players and coaches wouldn’t mention publicly.

“It’s not just totally about my situation,” Brown said. “Obviously I want to win too. I think if we’re really focused on winning and doing our job, we can’t just slapping a Band-Aid over the defense doing their job and getting us out of trouble. At what point are we gonna pick up our slack as an offense?

“Week after week, we’re not doing our job on offense. … You can’t just expect to win at the end of the year.”

Brown’s departure had seemed inevitable for months.

Trade rumors have swirled throughout the offseason. The Patriots, coached by former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, emerged as the most frequently mentioned destination. Once the calendar flipped to June 1 — the date when NFL teams could defer bonuses and other guaranteed money — the Eagles pulled the trigger. The financial hurdles that had complicated a deal became easier for the Eagles to manage as a $20 million salary cap hit turned to $10 million.

Now the focus shifts to what comes next.

The Eagles still have DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and offseason addition Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. They also have extra draft capital to continue reshaping an offense that is undergoing significant changes under new coordinator Sean Mannion.

But replacing A.J. Brown will not be easy.

He leaves Philadelphia as one of the most productive receivers in franchise history. More than that, he leaves behind a highlight reel that includes a franchise receiving record, a historic six-game streak, multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl championship.

For four seasons, Brown helped define the Eagles’ offense.

He often spoke about greatness. In Philadelphia, he found much of it.

He rewrote the Eagles’ record book. He helped take the franchise to two Super Bowls. He brought home a Lombardi Trophy.

Now he leaves with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, three Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections and a place among the best receivers ever to wear midnight green.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y3fbkbra

PHILADELPHIA — With the “Top Gun” theme song blaring over the speakers inside the Eagles’ practice bubble, running back Saquon Barkley took a QB handoff from under center, found an opening and burst through the “danger zone” to the open field during a seven-on-seven drill at voluntary OTAs.

Once he broke through, the play was over. But Barkley kept running all the way to the end zone, semi-dragging a couple of defenders.

No one was in full pads, just shells, but Barkley likes to go all-out on every play.

The Eagles arrived at organized team activities this week with a new offensive coordinator, new terminology and new ideas.

Sean Mannion’s offense is still in its infancy, but the early emphasis has been clear: Build around what already works, then layer in new concepts.

That approach has drawn praise from head coach Nick Sirianni, quarterback Jalen Hurts and Barkley as the Eagles continue their spring work.

“Sean’s done an awesome job thus far,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “I really like the command that he has in front of the room and the conviction that he has in front of the room and the knowledge that he has in front of the room.”

The challenge facing Mannion is unique.

The Eagles are not rebuilding an offense. They are trying to evolve one that has been among the NFL’s most productive units during Hurts’ tenure, but which has stalled and failed to unlock its full potential. That means introducing fresh ideas without losing the foundation that helped deliver a Super Bowl title.

Mannion brings a modern iteration of the West Coast offense. During drills at Jefferson Health Training Complex on Wednesday, there was lots of under-center, lots of pre-snap motion, lots quick slants and crossing routes.

Hurts, now entering his sixth NFL season, has become familiar with change. Mannion is the fifth offensive coordinator he has worked with since arriving in Philadelphia, but the quarterback said he has embraced the opportunity to learn a different approach.

“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said. “Understanding the philosophy behind it, understanding why we’re doing things and building those habits from the ground up.”

Hurts’ vibe felt sincere. He didn’t seem like he was just trying to say the right things. He seemed genuinely enthused and confident about Mannion and the new direction.

“One thing that’s really special about Jalen is just how consistent he is with his approach to getting better every single day,” Sirianni said. “Regardless of if we’re calling a concept one thing or if we’re calling a concept another thing or who the play caller is.”

Mannion’s objective is not to replace what has worked. During his introductory press conference last week, he described the offense as a blend of concepts Hurts already excels in and new wrinkles he hopes to add.

Some of those changes were visible Wednesday.

The under-center formations, expanded motion packages and additional outside-zone concepts are staples of the coaching tree that influenced Mannion. Barkley said the offense has already challenged him to think differently.

“It’s refreshing,” Barkley said. “I’ve never seen a system like this.”

For Barkley, the adjustment goes beyond memorizing a playbook. Running from under center changes the timing of a run, the footwork before the handoff and the way a back sees developing lanes.

“It’s definitely different,” Barkley said. “But I like it.”

The learning curve extends throughout the offense, from veteran stars to returning linemen working with a new position coach for the first time in their careers.

Sirianni repeatedly emphasized that the focus of OTAs is not on unveiling scheme. It is on mastering the details that make any offense function.

“You can run any scheme you want,” Sirianni said. “But if you can’t block, if you can’t catch, if you can’t protect the football, it doesn’t really matter.

“OTAs are for building a foundation.”

Along those lines is the developing relationship between Mannion and Hurts.

“Trust is built through hardships together,” Sirianni said. “Trust is built as you go through this with time spent together.”

The Eagles have nearly four months before they open the regular season. Training camp and preseason games will provide a clearer picture of what Mannion’s offense ultimately becomes.

For now, the goal is simpler: Install the system, sharpen the fundamentals and find the right balance between continuity and change. The Eagles believe they’re on their way.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/ypsnracu

PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts tried to quiet the noise Wednesday.

The Eagles quarterback addressed speculation surrounding his relationship with wide receiver A.J. Brown, whose recent wedding and likely departure have fueled questions throughout the offseason.

Brown was not at voluntary OTAs and is expected to be traded after June 1, when the Eagles’ salary cap hit would be $10 million instead of $20 million.

Hurts was not at Brown’s May 16 wedding to Kelsey Riley at the Montage Laguna Beach resort in California. The absence drew attention because the two men have been close for more than a decade. Hurts is the godfather of Brown’s daughter.

Brown and his wife later shared photos from the ceremony on social media. The images quickly spread online, becoming another talking point in a month already dominated by trade rumors.

Hurts said there is no issue between him and the wide receiver.

“Nothing’s changed since we last spoke at the end of the season,” Hurts said. “We’re really good. I saw how beautiful the pictures came out at his wedding. I’m very happy for him, and his wife and his family, and it’s a beautiful thing to step into the Covenant. So I was very excited and congratulatory towards that.”

The comments came as Brown continues to be linked to a potential trade. The news conference was cut short for team activities before a follow-up inquiry about whether Hurts was invited to the wedding. Asked how a Brown trade would affect the offense, Hurts initially paused while taking a drink of water.

“Picked the right question to sip on, huh?” he joked. “I think for us, we are focused on learning the offense. There’s an ‘if’ — obviously, it’s been a lingering thing. But nothing can replace all the greatness that we achieved together.

“We’re really good,” he added again about their relationship.

The New England Patriots are the frontrunners to land Brown. The timing is notable because the Eagles will scrimmage against the Patriots in Foxboro, Mass., during training camp ahead of the teams’ preseason game Aug. 22.

New England, which lost last season’s Super Bowl 29-13 to Seattle, is already dealing with drama surrounding coach Mike Vrabel and his alleged affair with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Vrabel missed part of the NFL draft to enter counseling.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/256ybjnp

PHILADELPHIA — Nearly four months after the Eagles hired him as offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion met the Philly media last Thursday.

The 6-foot-6 former quarterback — who once held the Pac-12 record for career passing yards and still holds several records at Oregon State — brought alpha energy to the podium. He was friendly and smiling, yet relaxed and in command.

Mannion, 34, has never called plays before, but as a former QB, including nine seasons as a backup in the league, this ain’t his first rodeo. Most recently, he was Jordan Love’s quarterbacks coach in Green Bay, working under Matt LaFleur — Mannion’s former OC during a 2017 stop as a player with the Rams — before coming here.

“I’ve always been kind of working toward the hope of getting the opportunity to do this,” Mannion said. “So even in Green Bay, you’re always going through, as the quarterbacks coach, saying, ‘All right, what calls do I have to have (Love) ready for?’ You’re kind of thinking through the process of the game throughout the week: ‘What’s (LaFleur) going to look to call here? What’s my favorite third-down call?’

“You’re always kind of taking yourself through that process mentally. It was the same thing as a player. You’re always taking yourself through that process, kind of flexing those muscles. Even now, scripting practice, you’re still going through that same operation.”

2017 was Sean McVay’s first year as head coach in Los Angeles. He, along with LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell and, of course, Kyle Shanahan, have advanced the modern iteration of the West Coast offense. That’s what Mannion is installing with the Eagles.

The son of a coach

Mannion grew up in Alameda County in Northern California, where he was both a pitcher and quarterback in high school. He, like Jalen Hurts, is the son of a coach.

His father John coached high school football for 37 years, including in Oregon after Sean signed with the Beavers. He won a combined 10 league championships and two sectional titles, reached a state final and was nationally recognized before retiring a few years ago. He currently puts out a coaching newsletter.

“I think it really, for me, starts with my dad,” Mannion said. “My dad was a longtime high school football coach. I’ve been around the game my entire life. He’s a teacher. My mom’s a teacher.

“You can hear me talk about the teaching influence a lot when it comes to coaching. But just the drive, the work ethic, the relationships with the players, the commitment to fundamentals — my dad was a huge influence on me there.”

The offensive philosophy

Mannion’s offensive approach reflects today’s evolution of Bill Walsh’s West Coast concepts. It is quarterback-friendly and relies on rhythm, timing and simplified QB reads. Here are some basics:

● Often places the QB under center rather than in shotgun.

● Emphasizes quick, three- to five-step dropbacks, with release of the ball when the back foot plants on the final step.

● Positions receivers to create yards after the catch off short, easy throws.

● Stretches the defense horizontally, not just vertically.

● Presents similar plays out of multiple formations.

● Deploys both run and pass plays out of identical formations and identical backfield movement.

● Regularly uses a zone-blocking attack in the run game, with lateral movement by the offensive line (as opposed to north-south blocking man-on-man) to create natural openings and cutback lanes for runners. It is designed to stress defenders’ discipline by eliciting overpursuit and forcing them to defend a wider horizontal area.

● Employs lots of bootlegs and play action, including the quarterback turning his back to the defense on handoffs and fakes, to keep defenders honest and get the QB on the move. The zone blocking on pass plays often mirrors the lateral zone blocking on runs.

● Interchanges running backs, wide receivers and tight ends in the passing game, including an emphasis on tight end involvement.

● Incorporates lots of pre-snap motion and reads to create favorable matchups and force the defense to reveal itself.

● Aims for sequencing of play calls, creating an offensive “story” as the game progresses, with later calls building off of earlier ones.

● Often includes condensed formations to cause traffic for the defense as receivers spread the field horizontally with quick diagonal outs and crossing routes.

● Utilizes diversity of personnel.

The big question is, how will this system mesh with Hurts? And will it be complicated to learn all the West Coast verbiage?

“Jalen’s been awesome,” Mannion said. “I really think he can do anything we ask of him. He’s accurate. He’s a great athlete. He really attacks the fundamentals. That’s what’s been really fun to watch these last two weeks. He’s always wanting more things to work on, wanting more things regarding fundamentals, timing, understanding the scheme. He’s hungry for more.

“Jalen’s been outstanding in the meetings, and I think having gone through multiple coordinators and stuff, you can tell he’s a really capable learner. … I think there’s always going to be some degree of connection (between new and old). It’s a blend of all the things — the things he’s really thrived on here and some of the new things we’re bringing to the table.”

‘Listen to his feet’

Recent criticisms of Hurts have included flaws in his footwork, not trusting his progressions and holding the ball too long. Such issues, which are interconnected, have contributed to inconsistent production — an offense that hums one quarter and sputters the next. These are all areas in which Mannion specializes. He’s a stickler, in fact.

“I think the quarterback position — there are so many things that go into it. I think everything has a predetermined timing and rhythm to the play. It’s really installing a scheme that has proper timing and proper rhythm in terms of how the different elements involved in the concept work with one another.

“Then you train the quarterback to really understand that and listen to his feet. That’s something we talk about. If your footwork is sound and your rhythm’s good, it’s just going to feel like the ball wants to come out, right? And if it’s not, then you move on.”

The Eagles officially begin organized team activities on Tuesday.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2ufxh3zp

Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested Friday, May 15 in central Georgia on charges of reckless driving and excessive speeding after authorities said he was clocked at 135 mph in a 70-mph zone on Interstate 16 in Twiggs County.

The Georgia Gazette, which tracks criminal cases in the state through public records, was first to report on the arrest, which has been confirmed by multiple outlets.

According to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office, Smith was stopped around 10:40 p.m. and later booked into jail before being released on bond.

The arrest comes to light as the Eagles prepare to begin organized team activities on Tuesday.

Smith, 25, whom Philadelphia drafted 30th overall out of the University of Georgia in 2023, will be entering his fourth season with the team. His best year was in 2024, when he logged 42 combined tackles, eight TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, two passes defended, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He spent much of last season on injured reserve after re-aggravating a triceps injury.

In April, the Eagles picked up his 2027 fifth-year option worth $13.75 million.

Smith’s arrest is the latest in a string of driving-related incidents involving current and former University of Georgia football players, including Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

Carter pleaded no contest in 2023 to misdemeanor reckless driving and street-racing charges connected to a January 2023 crash that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy, who were in the car that Carter was racing.

In addition to that fatal accident, multiple Bulldogs football players have been arrested or cited for speeding, reckless driving or racing-related offenses, drawing national attention to the program’s driving culture.

This also was not Smith’s first driving-related arrest.

While at Georgia in January 2022, Smith was charged with speeding in a construction zone and driving with a suspended license. According to reports at the time, he was accused of driving 89 mph — 44 mph over the posted limit.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/ytpw7pjy

The NFL released its full 2026 schedule Thursday night. Here’s the Eagles’ schedule.

They have nine home games and eight away games. They’ll open at Lincoln Financial Field against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 13.

The Birds will play in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day and host the Houston Texans on Christmas Eve.

The Eagles will play Jacksonville in London as the away team on Oct. 11. They were robbed of a home game two years ago when they opened their season internationally against the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil.

“I like going overseas because it’s an opportunity to play in front of a different audience, so I love that part. But coming back, I don’t think it sets you up well,” running back Saquon Barkley said.

The Eagles are slated to play on Sunday Night Football twice, Monday Night Football twice — hosting the Cowboys Oct. 26 — and Thursday Night Football on Prime Video once.

They’ll host a Saturday game against the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. leading into a short week for the Christmas Eve game the following Thursday.

“They doing us crazy,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said after learning of the Christmas Eve date.

Last year, the Birds didn’t have back-to-back home games until December. This season, they have back-to-back road games only three times — in weeks 2-3, weeks 12-13 and weeks 17-18.

They’ll have back-to-back home games twice and a stretch of three consecutive home games this December — though on some short rest against formidable opponents in the Seahawks, Texans and 49ers.

The Eagles’ bye comes in the middle of the season in Week 10, between home games against the Giants and Steelers. Most of their toughest opponents — based on last year’s records — come at home.

But the NFC East should be much improved. The Cowboys, Commanders and Giants have all gotten healthy and upgraded their rosters, and New York landed a future-Hall of Fame coach in John Harbaugh.

On the surface, the Eagles’ schedule appears relatively easy. But their division might end up being the most difficult in the league.

Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears

Preseason

— Saturday, August 15 at Baltimore Ravens 7:00 p.m. NBC10

— Saturday, August 22 at New England Patriots 7:00 p.m. NBC10

— Friday, August 28 Cincinnati Bengals 8:00 p.m. CBS

Regular Season

WEEK 1: Sunday, Sept. 13: Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m., FOX

WEEK 2: Sunday, Sept. 20: at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m., FOX

WEEK 3: Monday, Sept. 28: at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. ESPN (Monday Night Football)

WEEK 4: Sunday, Oct.4: Los Angeles Rams 1 p.m., FOX

WEEK 5: Sunday, Oct. 11: at Jacksonville Jaguars in London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium), 9:30 a.m., NFL Network

WEEK 6: Sunday, Oct. 18: Carolina Panthers 1 p.m.+, CBS

WEEK 7: Monday, Oct. 26: Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. ESPN (Monday Night Football)

WEEK 8: Sunday, Nov. 1: at Washington Commanders 8:20 p.m.+ NBC (Sunday Night Football)

WEEK 9: Sunday, Nov. 8: New York Giants 1 p.m.+, FOX

WEEK 10: BYE

WEEK 11: Sunday, Nov. 22: Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25 p.m.+, CBS

WEEK 12: Thursday, Nov 26: at Dallas Cowboys 4:30 p.m.+, FOX

WEEK 13: Sunday, Dec. 6: at Arizona Cardinals 4:05 p.m.+, FOX

WEEK 14: Sunday, Dec. 13: Indianapolis Colts 1 p.m.+, FOX

WEEK 15: Saturday, Dec: 19 Seattle Seahawks 5 p.m.+, FOX

WEEK 16: Thursday, Dec. 24 Houston Texans, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video (Thursday Night Football)

WEEK 17: Sunday, Jan. 3: at San Francisco 49ers 8:20 p.m.+, NBC (Sunday Night Football)

WEEK 18: at New York Giants, TBD

Postseason

— AFC and NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Saturday, Jan. 16; Sunday, Jan. 17; Monday, Jan. 18

— AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs: Saturday, Jan. 23; Sunday, Jan. 24

— AFC and NFC Championship Games: Sunday, Jan. 31

— Super Bowl LXI: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. (ESPN/ABC)Sunday, Feb. 14

+ Game time subject to change due to flex scheduling

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/3shudvcm

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles rookie minicamp began with the usual mix of nerves, new jerseys and first impressions. But the number on Makai Lemon’s back carried more weight than most.

The Eagles’ first-round pick revealed Thursday that he will wear No. 9 — the same number worn by Super Bowl LII MVP quarterback Nick Foles. Lemon said he reached out to the folk hero before making the decision and got the blessing he needed.

“It meant a lot,” Lemon said of the conversation. “That’s a special number in this city.”

No Eagle has worn No. 9 since Foles left the team after the 2018 season. (Foles officially retired as an Eagle in 2024.) The number became synonymous with Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl championship and the “Philly Special” play that helped defeat the Patriots. Lemon understands the history.

“I know what that number means here,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to represent it the right way.”

Lemon wore No. 6 at USC, but that number already belongs to Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith. The rookie wide receiver said the next-closest single-digit option was No. 9 — which he joked “looks like a flipped six.” Before making it official, he wanted to contact Foles out of respect for the franchise legend. The quarterback told him to go for it.

The symbolism stood out on a day otherwise focused on introductions. Lemon, the 20th overall pick in last week’s NFL draft, arrives in Philadelphia with high expectations. The former USC star won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver after catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, he’s known for sharp route running and yards-after-catch ability.

Philadelphia traded up to draft him, signaling a belief he can become a major piece of the offense. Lemon downplayed the pressure.

“I just want to come in, learn the playbook and earn the trust of the guys,” he said. “Everything else will take care of itself.”

Rookie minicamp marks the first on-field introduction for the Eagles’ entire 2026 draft class. Among the players with Lemon were developmental quarterback Cole Payton of North Dakota State, offensive lineman Micah Morris of Georgia, safety Cole Wisniewski of Texas Tech and edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby of New Mexico. The group will spend the weekend installing basic schemes and getting acclimated to the team’s practice tempo.

The Eagles also made early progress with Lemon off the field. The team reportedly signed him to a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $20.8 million, including an $11.5 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option.

That quick deal removes one potential distraction and lets the rookie focus on football.

Lemon said the first few days in the building have already been a whirlwind.

“You walk in and see everything — the history, the trophies,” he said. “You realize what the standard is here.”

The number on his jersey serves as another reminder.

For years, No. 9 belonged to the quarterback who delivered the Eagles’ signature moment. Now the number returns to the field on a rookie receiver hoping to write the next chapter.

“He set the bar,” Lemon said. “Now it’s my job to go out and work.”

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/3wc9rm9y

The Eagles didn’t just draft for the future. They made a win-now move.

With the trade for Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, Philadelphia addressed an immediate need on defense while using its early picks to reshape the offense.

The 28-year-old Greenard said the opportunity to join a championship contender appealed to him.

“When you walk in the building and see Lombardi Trophies sitting there, you know what the standard is,” Greenard said. “That’s the kind of place you want to be.”

Greenard arrived from the Minnesota Vikings after a complicated offseason there. Minnesota faced a salary-cap crunch and the veteran pass rusher was seeking a clearer long-term situation. The Eagles sent a compensatory third-round pick and a future third-rounder to acquire him, then signed him to a four-year extension worth $100 million with $50 million guaranteed.

Greenard played just 12 games in 2025 because of a shoulder injury, finishing with three sacks after racking up 12 a year earlier and 12.5 with Houston in 2023. But even when he was injured, he said he battled through.

“I still feel like I rushed well,” Greenard said. “I was still getting back there. I feel like my moves didn’t drop off at all. I always tell myself, listen, the day somebody’s got to tell me to get to the quarterback, that’s when I’ll need to hang it up. Outside of that, if my issue is wrapping a guy up, I promise I’ll be in a good spot.”

The Eagles’ broader strategy revealed a desire to give quarterback Jalen Hurts more help in the passing game as Sean Mannion takes over as offensive coordinator.

Philadelphia’s first two selections focused on pass catchers — signaling A.J. Brown’s impending exit — with USC receiver Makai Lemon in the first round and hybrid tight end Eli Stowers in the second.

Both players like to work over the middle — a place Hurts is often hesitant to throw — but it will be part of Mannion’s system, along with more snaps under center, more play action, more motion, and timing routes in which Hurts will have to release the ball quickly.

Lemon and Wicks will join wideout DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert, plus recently added receivers Dontayvion Wicks, who was Green Bay’s No. 3, and Hollywood Brown.

The Eagles also reinforced the offensive line by tapping tackle Markell Bell of Miami in the third round and Georgia guard Micah Morris in the sixth.

So Hurts ostensibly has plenty of support. The challenge is on him now.

Coach Nick Sirianni said the offense is in the early stages of evolving, since offseason workouts only just begun, but he expects it to look different this fall.

“We’re always looking for ways to stress defenses,” he said. “Guys who can move around, play multiple spots and create mismatches are really valuable.”

The strategy reflects an effort to diversify Hurts’ options. While he has thrived attacking the perimeter, his inconsistency when working the middle of the field has been an issue. Players like Lemon and Stowers could help change that by creating easier throwing windows inside.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/3mr38t8s

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles spent the first two days of the NFL draft hunting immediate impact. Day 3 was about something else: upside, depth and long-term development.

Philadelphia wrapped up the draft Saturday by reinforcing the offensive line and adding several late-round defensive projects. But the headliner was the surprising selection of another dual-threat quarterback from North Dakota State — Cole Payton — 10 years after they drafted Carson Wentz as the second overall pick.

The Eagles opted for the 6-foot-3. 232-pound Payton in the fifth round (No. 178 overall). In 13 starts with the Bison last year, he rushed for 777 yds on 136 attempts. He also completed 162 of 225 passes (72%) for 2,719 yds and 16 touchdowns with just one interception.

It was a curious move considering the Eagles still believe in Tanner McKee, 25, who backed up Jalen Hurts last season, and that they recently acquired 38-year-old Andy Dalton.

“We just felt that this was a player that we wanted to take based on the way the board fell,” general manager Howie Roseman said. “When you’re sitting there and a player that you like — regardless of position — is sitting there, you don’t want to pass on him.

“Really, really athletic. Really good with the ball in his hands in the quarterback run game. Made great decisions with the football. Accurate passer. … But there are some wild plays on his tape that are really impressive. I think I charted four times he jumps over somebody or wrote down a bunch of times, ‘He’s the best player on the field.’”

The GM said Payton was the top remaining player on the Eagles’ draft board in that slot, adding he’s not opposed to keeping four QBs on the roster.

“We’re open to carrying four quarterbacks, for sure,” Roseman said. “If you talk about it being the most important position in sports and you have four good ones, why wouldn’t you keep ‘em?”

The 23-year-old Payton — a left-handed thrower — was the 2020 Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Westside High School in Omaha. He received interest from Iowa State and University of Nebraska, but neither program offered him a scholarship.

He was a backup in college until 2025. In a Zoom conference with reporters in Philadelphia, he discussed what it was like to wait his turn.

“It was tough,” Payton said. “It wasn’t easy, for sure, being the competitor I am. I just love football. … People asked, why didn’t you transfer? It was because I believed in NDSU — the pro-style offense, the fact that they’ve sent so many guys to the NFL. I felt, looking ahead, that I had one year and I was gonna make the most of that one year.

“I’m just so excited to be an Eagle and get to work and compete and improve and learn and grow.”

Payton, who received scholarship offers to play basketball out of high school, turned heads during the football pre-draft process. He ran a 4.56 40-yard dash and posted a 40-inch vertical leap — rare numbers for a quarterback his size.

“He’s a really tough football player,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “You see it when he runs, when he finishes runs, when he competes. And obviously he’s got the arm talent and the athleticism that give you a lot to work with.”

O-line depth

The Eagles continued to invest in the trenches by selecting Georgia guard Micah Morris in the sixth round.

At 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, Morris brings size and versatility after playing both guard positions (and some tackle) for the Bulldogs.

The Eagles have long prioritized building offensive line depth through the draft, and Morris fits that model as a developmental interior lineman who could compete for a backup role early in his career.

International intrigue

An intriguing move came late in the seventh round at No. 251, when the Eagles took Nigerian-born defensive lineman Uar Bernard.

Bernard, 21, has never played organized football but impressed scouts with extraordinary athletic traits during the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

“We wanted to take a chance on the kid,” Roseman said.

Bernard is 6-4, 306 with just 6% body fat. During the pre-draft process, he displayed a 4.63 40, a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-10 broad jump.”

“Obviously, he has a lot of tools in his body,” Roseman said. “We understand it’s going to take time. It’s going to take a lot of time here. But it’s pretty cool. We spend a lot of time talking about ‘unusual,’ and there’s certainly unusual with that guy.”

The Eagles have previously found success with international players, most notably Australian rugby convert Jordan Mailata, who developed into a Pro Bowl left tackle.

“It’s a dream come true for me because I’ve worked hard for this,” Bernard, wrapped in a Nigerian flag, said in a Zoom conference. “I’ve not played football before but I’ve gone through some drills that made me believe I’m going to get better every day. I appreciate God, thank God for everything. Thank God for life, thank God for the opportunity he’s given me to be drafted by the Eagles.”

Answer at safety? More edge help

The Eagles, who chose not to re-sign safety Reed Blankenship, drafted safety Cole Wisniewski (6-4, 220) in the seventh round out of Texas Tech. He’s a physical player who makes lots of plays around the line of scrimmage.

Last season with the Red Raiders — who went 12-2 and reached the Orange Bowl — Wisniewski rang up 78 tackles (38 solo, six TFL), six passes defended, two forced fumbles and a sack. Taken at No. 244, the 24-year-old could be a long shot, but Blankenship was an undrafted free agent four years ago.

The Eagles used their final pick to select New Mexico edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby.

James-Newby led the Lobos with 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2025 and earned attention from scouts for his burst and relentless motor. At 6-1, 240, he’s undersized compared to many NFL edge rushers, but his production and energy could translate into a situational pass-rush role if he performs well in camp.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/3xvnxbhd

PHILADELPHIA — Howie Roseman struck again.

The Eagles general manager traded for Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in a splashy move Friday night, Day 2 of the NFL draft.

Philadelphia sent its compensatory third-round pick (No. 98 overall) and a 2027 third-rounder to Minnesota for Greenard and a Saturday seventh-rounder (No. 244).

The Eagles also inked the 28-year-old Greenard — who was already in Philadelphia — to a four-year, $100 million extension that includes $50 million guaranteed.

The deal overshadowed the Birds’ second-round selection of Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers — an explosive and versatile player who can cause havoc for defenses. They later took offensive tackle Markel Bell from the University of Miami.

Greenard fills a need after the departure of Jaelen Phillips and immediately bolsters a defensive front that remains a foundation of the team’s roster construction.

“What you see is a relentless player with physical tools, Roseman said. “He can win in multiple ways. He is hard to block. I know when we play Minnesota, we are worried about where he is at all times.”

“We just felt like we had a really good D-line but we wanted to elevate it to another level.

Greenard has been one of the league’s more disruptive pass rushers when healthy. He recorded back-to-back double-digit sack seasons with the Houston Texans in 2023 and the Vikings in 2024 before an injury-shortened 2025 season. Over the past two full seasons he totaled 24.5 sacks, showing the kind of consistent pressure the Eagles covet along the edge.

For Roseman, the opportunity to add a proven veteran during the draft — rather than simply relying on rookie development — was too good to pass up.

“I think when you’re talking about improving your team, you’re always looking at all avenues,” Roseman said. “For us, this was a chance to add a really good football player who fits how we want to play.”

The trade continued Roseman’s long-standing philosophy of building through the trenches. The Eagles have invested heavily in their defensive front in recent years, rotating waves of pass rushers in an effort to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

“This guy plays the game the way you want it played,” coach Sirianni said. “Relentless effort, toughness, the ability to affect the quarterback. When you add players like that to your defensive line, it raises the level of the entire defense.”

After undergoing a physical and finalizing his contract, Greenard attended the Sixers playoff game against the Celtics with Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro. Before the game, the Birds’ first-round pick, Makai Lemon, rang the bell in front of a raucous crowd.

While the Greenard deal received most of the spotlight, Roseman and the Eagles feel good about the additions of Stowers and Bell.

New tight end

Philadelphia selected Stowers with the 54th overall pick in the second round. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound Stowers, 23, is a former quarterback who converted to tight end and developed into one of the SEC’s most effective offensive weapons.

He was named All-SEC the past two seasons after emerging as a matchup problem for defenses. Last year he won the John Mackey Award for college football’s most outstanding tight end.

In 12 games last season at Vanderbilt (10-3), Stowers caught 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He brings a hybrid blend — part tight end, part split-out receiver — and is a natural successor to Dallas Goedert, who’s on a one-year contract.

In the meantime, the Eagles can run a variety of two-tight end sets in Sean Mannion’s incarnation of the West Coast offense, which will challenge Jalen Hurts to operate under center and throw over the middle more often.

Stowers — who has 4.51 speed and an incredible 45.5-inch vertical — succeeds against both man-to-man and zone coverage.

“We just felt like he brings a really unique skill set to our offense,” Roseman said. “He’s a big target, he’s athletic, and he’s a competitive player. Those are things we value.”

A mammoth tackle

In the third round at No. 68 overall, the Eagles took Bell — listed at 6-foot-9, 346 pounds with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He exclusively played left tackle for the Hurricanes, but Roseman and the Eagles see him as an ascending player with versatile potential.

In the short term, Bell provides immediate depth. He’ll learn behind Lane Johnson — who might retire after this season — and Jordan Mailata.

“Markel Bell was a passion player for us throughout the process,” Roseman said. “Obviously, unusual size, unusual length, hard to find. But really when you watch the tape, he is hard to get around in pass pro. He had zero quarterback sacks allowed this year playing for the University of Miami.”

In 558 pass-protection snaps in 2025, Bell didn’t allow a sack as the Hurricanes went all the way to the national title game against Indiana.

“Offensive line is always going to be a priority for us,” Sirianni said. “You can’t have enough good linemen, and we think Markel has a chance to grow into a really good player.”

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/bd3vrfwx

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles, in a surprising deal with the archrival Dallas Cowboys, traded up from No. 23 to select All-American wide receiver Makai Lemon out of Southern California at No. 20 in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.

By selecting Lemon with their first pick, the Eagles all but confirmed their expected plans to part ways with A.J. Brown, who has repeatedly expressed frustration with the offense.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top college receiver last season, hauling in 79 passes for 1,156 yards — the most yards in the Power Four conferences. He caught 11 touchdowns for the Trojans (9-3) last year.

The move was another Philly win over Pittsburgh this week. After the Flyers went up 3-0 on the Penguins in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Eagles swooped in and scooped Lemon away from the Steelers, who were expecting to take him at No. 21.

He was on the phone with Pittsburgh when the Eagles drafted him after trading up with just a few minutes left on the clock at No. 20.

“I answered my phone and it was the Steelers, and then my phone kept ringing and it’s the Eagles,” Lemon said during a videoconference with reporters in Philadelphia. “They traded up and they were going to pick me. I feel like everything happened for a reason. It means a lot that they really wanted me. I’m all-in, and they’re gonna get all that I got.

“I was definitely shocked, but I couldn’t be more happy, so I’m super-blessed. It was the right time and the right team. Everything worked out just how it’s supposed to be.”

Despite his relative lack of size and the fact he mostly played in the slot at USC, Lemon has proven to be well-built and durable. He ran a 4.53 40 at the NFL combine, where the Eagles first met with him.

They later brought him in for a “Top 30” visit at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. (Teams are permitted to invite up to 30 players to their facility before the draft.) He played some basketball with coach Nick Sirianni.

“It was great vibes, genuine vibes,” Lemon said, smiling. “Everybody was loving. I definitely did shoot some hoops. I let the coach win, you know, I’ll say that. … I gotta get a rematch. I ain’t gonna let him win next time.”

The Birds’ biggest needs entering the draft were on defense, but Lemon was high on their draft board. General manager Howie Roseman saw an opportunity to grab him.

“We just felt that this was a player we wanted to go up and get,” Roseman said. “It just felt like it made a lot of sense based on our board. Obviously, when you have a player that you like who is ranked higher on your board than where you’re picking, you think every pick he’s going to be selected. That’s just the way the draft is. You think everybody is picking the way you are.

“Certainly for us, we didn’t want to sit on our hands. We wanted to go and get him, so that’s why I made the trade.”

The Eagles dealt their first-round pick and both of their fourth-round picks (No. 114 and No. 137) to Dallas. Entering Day 2 of the three-day draft — which is being held in Pittsburgh, though teams make their selections from their respective headquarters — the Eagles now have the 54th overall pick (second round), the 68th and 98th picks (third round), 178th (fifth round) and 197th (sixth round).

“There’s a lot to like about him,” Roseman said. “Competitive. He has the ability to separate in man coverage. In the slot. Can play outside. Physical player. Really good with the ball in his hands. Really good hands. Good in zone coverage. Has really good instincts.”

The sure-handed Lemon, 21, was targeted 130 times last season and had only two drops. He has a knack for finding open space and aggressively creating yards after the catch. He also has no aversion to mixing it up with defenders as a blocker.

“I love his toughness,” Sirianni said. “I think this guy’s a tough, tough football player with the way he carries the football, when he has the football in his hands, and how he blocks. Insanely competitive, so there’s a lot to like. Really excited that he’s added to our roster.”

Lemon’s production steadily grew in college. He didn’t see the field much as a freshman, but played in 12 games as a sophomore, starting six, in which he had 52 catches for 764 yards and three TDs before his breakout 2025 season as a junior.

He was ranked among the top three wide receivers by all analysts at ESPN, Fox, NFL.com, Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Focus, frequently slotting at No. 1.

“(Fans) are gonna get someone who wants to come in and compete at a high level,” said Lemon, a native of Orange County, Calif. “A dog, somebody that’s just gonna do anything the organization needs me to do — at a high level — playing for my teammates and leading by example.”

This was the second time in six years that the Eagles traded with Dallas in the first round of the draft. In 2021, they moved up from No. 12 to No. 10 to take wideout DeVonta Smith.

“Man, the organization, it’s a winning program,” Lemon said of the Eagles. “Great guys on the team that I can learn from, great vets, especially Smitty (DeVonta Smith) and (Jalen) Hurts, and a great defense. So I’m pumped to come in and add what I can do as a player. They’re gonna get everything that I’ve got.”

The Eagles enter Day 2 of the draft with a need for reinforcements on the offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback and safety.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/mpd4nk7e

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles are built to win now, which makes their draft philosophy all the more interesting.

Even with an experienced roster, they’re one of the younger teams in the league, particularly on defense. And defense is where most of their current needs are.

But general manager Howie Roseman still approaches the draft with a longer view — trusting his board, prioritizing premium positions and often drafting for what the team might need two or three years down the road.

That tension is what makes Roseman’s draft philosophy worth studying. Even with a roster capable of contending, the GM rarely talks about the draft like a one-weekend repair job. He talks about tiers, value and projection — about what a player might become, not just what hole he might fill in September.

“I think the biggest mistake we can make is assuming we know what the team’s going to look like a year from now, two years from now, and missing out on a player because we have a perceived need,” Roseman said.

That is the theory. The Eagles’ recent draft history offers the fuller picture.

Roseman does not ignore need so much as filter it through a broader lens. He has repeatedly invested in premium positions, especially along the lines and in the secondary, while also planning a step ahead. The Eagles drafted Cam Jurgens in 2022 while Jason Kelce was still in place. Two years ago, they doubled up in the defensive backfield with Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and Cooper DeJean in the second, giving the defense a younger, faster backbone.

In other words, the Eagles don’t draft like a team chasing one last run. They draft like a contender trying to keep its window open.

Roseman said projection is central to that.

“A lot of times in the draft we’ll talk about what could this player be in year three,” he said. “To come in and expect 21-, 22-, 23-year-old players to be the best version of themselves — it’s probably a little naive.”

Nick Sirianni sees the other side of that equation. Once the Eagles make the pick, the burden shifts to the coaches.

“Our job is to develop them, put them in the right positions to succeed, help them get better fundamentally, help them learn the game better,” Sirianni said.

He also made clear what the Eagles are hunting for before the card is turned in.

“A guy that loves football, a guy who is tough and a guy who has a high football IQ — God willing, he’s going to reach his ceiling,” Sirianni said.

That combined philosophy frames the Eagles’ approach entering Thursday night, when they hold the No. 23 overall pick in the NFL draft (and seven other picks in rounds two through six on Friday and Saturday).

Even with Roseman’s best-player-available mindset, four positions stand out as the most logical places to look.

Edge rusher

This remains classic Eagles territory. Roseman has long treated pass rush as a premium investment, and the roster always seems to have room for one more disruptive front-seven piece. That is especially true for a team that prefers to roll waves of defensive linemen rather than lean too heavily on one or two stars.

Among the top edge prospects in this class are Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor.

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Clemson’s T.J. Parker are also highly regarded. Some of those names will be gone well before No. 23, but the position’s depth should keep edge in play for Philadelphia.

Right tackle

Lane Johnson, who turns 36 next month, is still playing at a high level when healthy, but the Eagles have shown before that they would rather draft a successor a year early than a year late.

Roseman all but said as much when discussing how the team has handled succession plans up front.

“It’s so hard to find elite players at any position that you certainly wouldn’t want to turn down the opportunity at an important position,” he said.

This year’s tackle class gives the Eagles options if they want to think ahead. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Utah’s Spencer Fano, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor headline the group.

Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor and Clemson’s Blake Miller are also among the better tackle prospects. If Roseman wants a player who could learn behind Johnson before eventually taking the job, this draft offers that sort of pathway.

Cornerback

The second outside corner spot remains an issue — dating back to last summer. The recent signings of Riq Woolen and Jonathan Jones don’t necessarily solve the problem. And corner remains one of the league’s hardest spots to fill (especially for a decent price).

This year’s class is strong at the top. LSU’s Mansoor Delane, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, San Diego State’s Chris Johnson and Tennessee’s Colton Hood are among the highest ranked corners.

Clemson’s Avieon Terrell and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse are also part of a deep group, with Washington’s Tacario Davis and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun among the other notable names.

Safety

Safety is a clear need after letting Reed Blankenship walk. The team re-signed Marcus Epps as insurance and hopes Andrew Mukuba will return from injury and develop, but Roseman acknowledged the position is unsettled.

“When we go to camp, we’re definitely not full at the safety position,” he said. “We’ll add players there just like we’ll add players at other positions.”

That makes this one of the more direct matches between Roseman’s public comments and the roster. If the Eagles attack the spot early or in the middle rounds, there will be no mystery why.

Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is widely viewed as the best safety in the class and one of the premier defenders in the draft. Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren also sit near the top of the group.

After that come players such as Pitt’s Kyle Louis, LSU’s A.J. Haulcy, Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley and USC’s Kamari Ramsey. It is a position with both top-end talent and useful depth.

A.J. Brown is likely gone

It isn’t news that A.J. Brown will probably be traded after June 1 (most likely to the New England Patriots). Waiting until June cuts the Eagles’ cap hit by $10 million. National insiders expect a future first-round pick to be included in return.

When Roseman was asked directly, again, about Brown’s future here, his response last week was telling:

“What do you think the odds are that I’m answering this question any differently than I’ve answered anywhere else?” he said. “Like, really? Do you think that’s 50 percent? Do you think that’s 75 percent? … A.J. Brown is an Eagle.”

Would Roseman answer the same way about Jalen Hurts or Saquon Barkley?

The Eagles may draft a receiver, but it would be surprising if they spend a high pick on one unless a prospect they highly value falls within reach. They’ve already added Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Dontayvion Wicks this offseason to position themselves for an A.J. Brown departure.

Plus they have DeVonta Smith and they re-signed receiving tight end Dallas Goedert to another year. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would make an immediate impact this season and replace Goedert in the future, but he may be scooped up before the Eagles get a chance to draft him.

The QB question

The Eagles don’t need a quarterback. Hurts is their starter, their leader and the face of the offense.

But because this is Roseman, the question never fully dies.

His history says not to dismiss the possibility out of hand. The clearest example, of course, came in 2020, when the Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round while Carson Wentz was the entrenched starter. Roseman has spent years arguing that strong depth charts should not keep a team from taking a player it truly believes in.

“If there’s a player available at a position that we’re strong at right now and we think he’s going to be an elite player in the NFL, we’re going to take that player,” Roseman said.

That does not make drafting a quarterback likely. It just makes it very Howie.

EAGLES 2026 PICKS (Entering Day 1):

Rd 1 No. 23

Rd 2 No. 54

Rd 3 No. 68 From New York Jets (Haason Reddick deal)

Rd 3 No. 98 Compensatory pick

Rd 4 No. 114 From Atlanta Falcons (Sydney Brown deal)

Rd 4 No. 137 Compensatory pick

Rd 5 No. 178 Compensatory pick

Rd 6 No. 197 From Falcons (Also Sydney Brown deal)

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2feay6hd

PHILADELPHIA — The question was inevitable.

With the NFL draft a week away and the Eagles trying to rebound from a frustrating season, general manager Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni met with the media Tuesday, April 14. The conversation eventually turned to quarterback Jalen Hurts and the reports suggesting tension between the star quarterback and the organization.

Roseman did not hesitate.

“If we have any issue with any of our players, we talk to them directly,” he said. “From my perspective, from Nick’s perspective, from Jeffrey’s perspective (owner Jeffrey Lurie), we’re not hiding behind anything. We talk to our players directly.”

The GM went a step further, criticizing the reports about Hurts.

“I think that it’s unfair,” Roseman said. “It’s unfair to have these articles written, but I understand it’s also what sells at this point. Yeah, I think it’s unfortunate.”

The remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of Hurts following a disappointing 2025 campaign for the Eagles offense. A widely circulated report from ESPN earlier this month suggested there had been internal frustration with Hurts and his role in the offense, including questions about how willing he has been to adjust to coaching changes and schematic tweaks. It echoed midseason reports questioning his coachability.

Roseman’s message Tuesday was clear: If there are concerns, they are addressed privately.

“We will talk to our players directly,” he said. “That’s the relationship we have with our guys.”

Sirianni shared that sentiment, emphasizing Hurts’ importance to the franchise and his role as a leader in the locker room.

“We have a lot of confidence in Jalen,” Sirianni said. “He’s done a lot of special things for this team and for this city. We’re excited about continuing to build with him.”

Hurts, 27, remains one of the central figures in franchise history. The former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback has led the Eagles to multiple deep playoff runs, including a pair of Super Bowls, and delivered a Super Bowl championship in 2024 during one of the most successful stretches in team history.

But the 2025 season proved turbulent, in some ways reminiscent of a late-season collapse two years earlier. Philadelphia’s offense never fully found its rhythm and the Eagles were eliminated in the playoffs in the first round.

After the season ended, the team dismissed offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and hired Sean Mannion. Vaunted O-line coach Jeff Stoutland chose to leave. Most of the offensive staff is new.

Roseman insisted Tuesday that the organization’s approach with Hurts — and any player — has not changed.

“There’s a lot that goes on in a season,” Roseman said. “But when there’s something that needs to be addressed, we address it face-to-face.”

For the Eagles, the focus now shifts to the next step in building around their quarterback: the draft.

Draft focus and roster building

Most of the news conference centered on the upcoming NFL draft — April 23-25 in Pittsburgh — and the Eagles’ ongoing effort to reshape their roster after a disappointing finish. Roseman described the organization’s approach as one centered on flexibility.

“You’re always trying to add competition,” he said. “You’re always trying to add talent. That’s the goal every offseason.”

The Birds have been aggressive in recent years, often using trades and creative roster moves to stay competitive while managing the salary cap. Roseman said that philosophy has not changed.

“We’re always going to listen,” he said. “Our job is to do everything we can to make this team better.”

Sirianni said the coaching staff has spent the spring evaluating players who could help improve depth across the roster.

“We’re excited about this class,” Sirianni said. “There are a lot of good players in it.”

The Eagles enter the draft with several needs, particularly on offense after last season’s struggles. Improving the passing game and adding weapons around Hurts remain priorities.

“We’re always looking to add playmakers,” Roseman said, adding that he remains open to making moves during the draft.

A.J. Brown speculation lingers

Star receiver A.J. Brown remains one of the most talented players on the roster, but his name has continued to surface in offseason rumors after a year that included public frustration about the offense.

Brown finished the 2025 season with 1,003 receiving yards — his fourth straight 1,000-yard campaign — but the number represented one of the lower totals of his career.

Roseman did not address specific trade scenarios Tuesday, but his broader message was consistent with past comments: Elite players are hard to replace.

“It’s hard to find great players in this league,” Roseman said in prior remarks about Brown. “A.J.’s a great player.”

For now, the Eagles are publicly touting Brown as a key piece of the offense and a central figure in their effort to bounce back in 2026. If they do trade him, it likely wouldn’t be until after June 1, when the cap hit would be easier to absorb.

In the meantime, they’ve been adding wide receiver depth this offseason — perhaps positioning themselves for dealing Brown. They’ve brought in Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Dontayvion Wicks.

Offseason outlook

Despite last season’s uneven finish, both Roseman and Sirianni expressed confidence that the team can quickly return to contention.

“We’ve got a lot of good players,” Roseman said. “Our job is to keep building and keep improving.”

For now, though, the story of the Eagles’ offseason continues to revolve around the quarterback. If Roseman’s message Tuesday was any indication, the organization believes Hurts remains firmly at the center of its future.

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The Reporter: https://tinyurl.com/yc38a457

Members of the Eagles have yet to respond to a bombshell report from ESPN’s Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler detailing last season’s dysfunction — specifically the team’s frustration with quarterback Jalen Hurts — that dropped Wednesday as the annual league meetings were breaking up in Phoenix.

The exposé mirrored midseason reports by The Athletic and NFL broadcaster Derrick Gunn questioning Hurts’ coachability and willingness to follow the offense as designed, a pattern that bothered several teammates and was the source of receiver A.J. Brown’s exasperation.

General manager Howie Roseman, coach Nick Sirianni and owner Jeffrey Lurie had already spoken with the media in Arizona before ESPN released its article, but Lurie praised Hurts on Tuesday.

“There’s no bigger fan of Jalen than me,” Lurie said. “Clutch gene, absolutely. ... Exceptional and so dedicated. I mean, I think you probably know I spend a lot of time with Jalen, as I do with most quarterbacks. Incredibly dedicated to the game, to winning and being a huge winner. I love everything about him.”

Hurts was the Super Bowl MVP in 2024 and outplayed Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes two years earlier in a Super Bowl loss. His accomplishments are undeniable. But the team wants to see him evolve as a player. That includes operating from under center, where play action has been more effective, and incorporating more sophisticated concepts such as motion, shifts and pinpoint timing routes that reflect today’s incarnation of the West Coast offense.

The Eagles ran play-action passes just 15% of the time last year, which ranked 22nd in the league, despite having a threat like Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Hurts also reportedly changed many plays to simpler, predictable concepts — such as on a failed fourth down late in the wild-card loss to San Francisco — and often held the ball too long and avoided throws over the middle.

The ESPN report comes as the Eagles weigh a contract extension for the quarterback and a possible trade of Brown this offseason.

Part of the problem is that Hurts has had a different offensive coordinator every year. Even when he does develop rapport with a play-caller, that coach has been gone the following season, making continuity impossible. So Hurts himself has become frustrated, distrustful and resistant to new ideas.

But the Eagles don’t seem to see the contradiction in having a revolving door of OCs.

“As much as you’d like to have continuity and would like to have guys here for a long period of time, we want to win. We have an urgency to win right now. If that comes with the ramifications that we lose good people because they’ve earned head coaching jobs, we’ll live with that,” Roseman said at the end-of-season news conference in January.

Sirianni said Monday he has maintained offseason communication with Hurts but emphasized balance.

“You want guys to get away from football a little bit,” he said. “Recharge.”

The latest play-caller is Sean Mannion, a former quarterback who was Jordan Love’s QB coach in Green Bay. Hurts has reportedly expressed early buy-in behind the scenes.

Latest on a new stadium

Lurie confirmed the organization has begun exploring options for the franchise’s next stadium — a process that could eventually lead to a major overhaul of Lincoln Financial Field or an entirely new structure.

Nothing is imminent. But the conversation has started.

“We’re in the exploratory stage,” Lurie said. “We want to be very thoughtful about it.”

Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003 and remains under lease through 2032. Lurie praised the stadium and the South Philadelphia Sports Complex but acknowledged that the team must begin evaluating future options, as many NFL franchises are doing.

“It’s a wonderful stadium,” Lurie said. “But we have to think about the long-term future and what makes the most sense for the fans and for the city.”

The Eagles have been studying newer venues across the league and abroad, including modern multipurpose stadiums that can host events beyond football.

A domed facility is among the concepts under discussion. Such a move could help Philadelphia pursue mega-events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four.

Lurie said he hasn’t ruled out leaving South Philly.

“We’re looking at everything,” he said. “What’s the best experience for fans? What’s the best long-term home for the Eagles?”

The team has also surveyed season-ticket holders about stadium preferences as part of its research process.

“This is something you do carefully,” he said. “We’re at the very beginning.”

Depth move at linebacker

The Eagles added another piece to their offseason roster this week by signing linebacker Chandler Martin to a two-year deal.

Martin, 23, spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Memphis. He appeared in three games, playing 34 special-teams snaps and recording five tackles.

His rookie season ended early when he tore his ACL in Week 13.

The Eagles view Martin as a developmental linebacker who could compete for depth and special-teams work once healthy. The two-year deal suggests the club is willing to give him time to recover and prove himself.

Philadelphia’s linebacker room is led by Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell, with young reserves such as Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon and Chance Campbell also in the mix.

Notes

● Lurie reiterated that he remains deeply involved in the franchise despite giving his son Julian an expanded role in recent years.

“Maybe I still have a lot of gray hair,” Lurie said. “But I’m probably more involved than ever.”

● The owner said the team would be open to appearing in another international game — but only as the visiting team.

“We are not going to give up a home game,” Lurie said. “We just did that in Brazil.”

Philadelphia opened the 2024 season in São Paulo, sacrificing a home date as part of the NFL’s international expansion.

● Sirianni confirmed the Eagles are planning joint training-camp practices this summer with the New England Patriots. They will take place in Foxborough, Mass. Last August, the Eagles hosted practices with the Cleveland Browns ahead of their preseason matchup at the Linc.

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From the Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y3pxffne

The Eagles are nibbling around the edges.

After he was unable to re-sign edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who accepted a four-year, $120 million offer from the Carolina Panthers, general manager Howie Roseman has taken a couple half-measures to address the hole in the roster, hoping one of the moves pops.

The first was two weeks ago with Arnold Ebiketie, a former Temple and Penn State standout whom the Atlanta Falcons allowed to walk. The latest is Joe Tryon-Shoynka, 26, a former first-round pick by Tampa Bay. The Birds signed him to a one-year contract Sunday.

“At some point, you got to have parameters of what you would do, what you wouldn’t do,” Roseman said Sunday in Phoenix at the annual league meetings, referencing Phillips’ lucrative deal.

The team still has multiple avenues to address the position, but the moves so far have been modest: one-year, developmental players and the possibility of help arriving through the draft.

“We’re always looking at ways to add to the pass rush,” Roseman said. “That’s a premium position in this league. Sometimes those answers come in free agency, sometimes they come in the draft, sometimes they come through development.”

The 6-foot-5 Tryon-Shoyinka spent last year in Cleveland and Chicago. In five NFL seasons, he has 160 combined tackles and 15 sacks in 82 games (45 starts).

Roseman called the signing a typical offseason flier — a chance to see whether a talented but inconsistent player can rediscover his form.

“You’re always looking for upside,” Roseman said. “You’re always looking for guys that have traits and have shown flashes. Sometimes it clicks when they get into a different environment.”

The current edge group includes former first-round pick Nolan Smith and second-year rusher Jalyx Hunt. Whether Brandon Graham comes back again in a limited role remains to be seen. The front office still expects internal development to be part of the solution.

“We’ve got some young guys that we’re excited about,” coach Nick Sirianni said Monday. “Those guys continue to grow. And that’s the challenge every year — you want to add talent, but you also want to see the guys you drafted take the next step.”

Still, the Eagles know elite edge rushers rarely come cheap. The price tags this offseason have reflected that reality, with top players signing contracts well north of $20 million per year.

Roseman said the team considered several options but ultimately chose patience.

“You have to be disciplined,” he said. “Sometimes you’re aggressive, sometimes you’re patient. But the goal is always the same — build the best roster you can.”

The draft could ultimately provide the most realistic path.

Philadelphia owns multiple early picks and historically has not hesitated to invest heavily in the defensive line. The organization built its Super Bowl championship teams around relentless pass rushes, a philosophy that remains intact.

“Pass rush affects everything,” Sirianni said. “It affects the quarterback, it affects coverage, it affects the entire defense. When you can rush the passer, you make everybody better.”

That belief has shaped the Eagles’ roster construction for years — and likely will again.

“We’ll keep looking,” Roseman said. “We’re not done.”

‘Edgy’ Riq Woolen

Speaking of having an edge, newly acquired cornerback Tariq Woolen plays with one. Despite his talent, he led the Seattle Seahawks in penalties last season and nearly cost them a trip to the Super Bowl with a taunting flag in the NFC Championship Game.

But Sirianni likes him.

“I love his length, his speed, the competitiveness that he plays with,” Sirianni said. “He’s an edgy player. And we want edgy players. We want guys that play with that type of mentality.”

Sirianni emphasized that “edgy” doesn’t mean reckless — it means confident, aggressive and physical.

“There’s a difference between being careless and being edgy,” he said. “Edgy is playing aggressive, playing confident, playing with that swagger that good defenses have.”

The Eagles believe Woolen’s size and ball skills fit that approach. The former Pro Bowl corner recorded six interceptions as a rookie in Seattle and has built a reputation as one of the league’s most athletic defensive backs.

“When you watch him, you see a guy that attacks the football,” Sirianni said. “That’s what we want.”

Safety shuffle after Blankenship departure

The Eagles also continue to reshape their secondary after losing safety Reed Blankenship in free agency earlier this month.

Blankenship signed a three-year deal with the Houston Texans, leaving a hole next to last year’s high draft pick Andrew Mukuba.

Philadelphia’s immediate response was to bring back a familiar face. The team re-signed Marcus Epps to a one-year deal that gives the defense a veteran presence and a player who already understands the system.

Epps has started extensively in Philadelphia before and provides what the front office views as a dependable baseline while younger players develop.

Mukuba, meanwhile, is expected to take on a larger role after flashes during his rookie season before injuries sidelined him.

The Eagles also added veteran safety and special-teams standout J.T. Gray on a one-year deal.

Gray is primarily known for his special-teams work — he was an All-Pro earlier in his career — but he adds depth to a position that remains unsettled.

The group could still see additional competition through the draft, a route Roseman has frequently used to fill safety spots in recent years.

News and notes

● Roseman again deflected trade speculation involving star receiver A.J. Brown, offering a simple refrain reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch’s “I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”

“A.J. Brown is a member of the Eagles,” Roseman repeated. Sirianni basically echoed that line verbatim a day later.

● Sirianni seemed to pour cold water on any notion that former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland would still be around the team this year, which right tackle Lane Johnson had floated on a recent podcast.

“Obviously, we moved on with our staff,” Sirianni said. “Really enjoying working with these guys. Obviously, love the guys that are no longer part of our staff. Always will have a relationship with those guys with everything they’ve done for our football team. But right now, we’re just focused on the upcoming year with this staff.”

Stoutland himself spoke about the idea on Nick Foles’ podcast in response to Johnson’s comments, saying he hadn’t heard anything from the Eagles and is enjoying his life right now.

● The Eagles raised some eyebrows when they reworked kicker Jake Elliott’s contract this offseason, ensuring he returns for the 2026 season after a rocky campaign last year (and some issues in 2024).

Roseman said the organization still has confidence in Elliott.

“I have a lot of faith in Jake,” Roseman said. “He’s been a big part of this team for a long time.”

Elliott signed a four-year contract extension in 2024 that runs through the 2028 season.

● The league meetings continue through Wednesday in Phoenix, with owners and executives discussing potential rule changes and other league business. Unlike last year, the tush push is not a topic of discussion.

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From the Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2ubd6btw

PHILADELPHIA — Wide receiver Hollywood Brown smiled at the podium. Fresh start. Fast offense. A quarterback who can stretch the field.

“I’m excited,” Brown said Thursday as the Eagles introduced him after the sides reached a one-year deal worth up to $6.5 million. “I feel like this is the perfect place for me.”

The Eagles think so too.

“I just want to win,” Brown said at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. “However that looks, I’m with it.”

He spoke calmly, but with an edge. Opportunity has followed him. Consistency hasn’t always.

That’s part of the bet here.

Brown, 28, has flashed big-play ability throughout his career. He’s been a deep threat, a field-tilter. He posted a 1,008-yard season in 2021 and has averaged more than 13 yards per catch as a pro. But injuries and unstable situations have kept him from settling in one place long enough to fully deliver.

Now he steps into a system built for timing and explosion, with quarterback Jalen Hurts pushing the ball downfield.

“I’ve watched how they play,” Brown said. “Explosive. Physical. That’s me.”

The Eagles don’t need him to be the guy. That may be the point. With defenses focused on the top targets, Brown could see favorable matchups — one-on-one with space to run.

“If I get my chances,” he said, “I’m going to make the most of them.”

Brown also talked about fit. About culture. About a locker room that expects to contend.

“You can feel it,” he said. “The standard is high.”

That matters. The Eagles are not rebuilding. They are layering. Brown is one layer.

Braden Mann doesn’t deal in flash. His job is distance, hang time and placement. Quiet work that swings field position.

Still, he understands the stakes.

“Every rep matters,” Mann, the Eagles’ recently re-signed punter, said during his Thursday news conference. “You can change a game with one punt.”

He did that often last season.

Mann finished 2025 with 72 punts and a 49.9-yard average, one of the better marks in the league. He also dropped 20 inside the 20-yard line, a number that reflects control more than power.

That’s what the Eagles want. Not just distance, but precision.

“Coach talks about hidden yards,” Mann said. “That’s what we’re chasing.”

The punter spoke about consistency, about routine. Specialists live there. Same steps, same swing. same results.

“You’ve got to be the same guy every day,” he said.

Mann, 28, has carved out a role by doing just that. Drafted by the Jets in 2020, he spent three years with New York and had a cup of coffee with the Pittsburgh Steelers before landing in Philadelphia. Now, with a four-year, $14 million extension, he returns with long-term expectations.

Special teams can tilt games in January. The Eagles know that. So does Mann.

“It’s about flipping the field, giving the defense an edge,” he said.

No noise. Just work.

Dameon Pierce entered with a different tone. Running backs always do. There’s urgency in the way they speak. Carries are limited. Time is shorter.

“I’m ready to go,” Pierce said. “Whatever they need.”

The Eagles signed Pierce to a one-year deal, adding depth to a crowded backfield. He joins a backfield that already includes Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley and Carson Steele. There will be competition.

Pierce has lived that life.

A fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2022, he broke out as a rookie with 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries. At 5-foot-10, 215 pounds, he ran hard, broke tackles, earned touches.

The years since have been uneven.

He ran for 416 yards in 2023 and 293 in 2024. Most recently was on Chiefs’ practice squad after being waived by Houston in November

Now he gets another shot.

“Every day’s an opportunity,” Pierce said. “You don’t take that for granted.”

He talked about physicality. About finishing runs. About earning trust.

“Run hard. Protect the ball. Do your job,” he said.

Simple words. Hard business.

The Eagles don’t need Pierce to carry the offense. They need reliability. Depth. A runner who can step in and keep the system moving.

Pierce believes he can be that.

“I’ve shown what I can do,” he said. “Now it’s about doing it here.”

NOTES: The Eagles signed tight end Stone Scott to a one-year contract. In four seasons between the Chargers and Jets, he has 38 receptions for 432 yards and a touchdown. … The Minnesota Vikings re-signed former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, adding depth to a group that includes J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer. … Former Eagles running back Boston Scott announced his retirement. In six seasons here from 2018-2023, he rushed for 1,295 yards and 16 TDS on 302 carries. He also spent time on the practice squads of the Saints, Rams and Steelers.

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From the Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2sud2286

PHILADELPHIA — Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones, unlike lots of folks these days, didn’t have to worry about extra-long TSA lines for his Wednesday flight to Philly during the partial government shutdown.

That’s because he piloted the plane himself.

“I found a passion for aviation a few years back and I flew up here today,” Jones said, just hours after arriving from Charlotte in his single-engine propeller plane for his introductory press conference with the Eagles. “It’s a little hobby of mine that I enjoy doing.

“I flew into Philly (International) Airport this morning. It was kind of nice to have the little approach over the Delaware River. It was kind of a nice touch for this morning.”

The 32-year-old Jones — an under-the-radar signing, so to speak — agreed to a one-year deal last week (financial terms not yet disclosed). The move came on the heels of the Birds inking Tariq Woolen to a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, as they continue to add secondary depth and address the outside cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

Jones’ NFL journey is an improbable one. At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, he was an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2016. But the New England Patriots picked him up and he spent his first nine seasons there, winning two Super Bowls.

He played in 12 games for the Washington Commanders last year, finishing with 41 tackles and five passes defended.

Jones has found a way to stay on the field for most of the last decade. Aside from a shoulder injury that landed him on IR in 2021, he has generally been a durable, consistent contributor. He did miss the tail end of the 2017 postseason, including Super Bowl LII against Nick Foles and the Eagles, with an injured ankle.

“I try to stay grounded, stay as low to the ground as I can,” the high-flying Jones, a native of Northwest Georgia, ironically said. “I’m always trying to compete, and I still have that childhood joy of playing football. I try to be a cerebral player and dissect offenses, understand how they’re trying to attack us, and go out there and compete.

“I think I have a good philosophy of how defenses are good at stopping offenses, and (how to) eliminate explosive plays. As a cornerback for a long time, I know you’re not going to stop every play, but I want to stop the explosives.”

Throughout his pro career, Jones has alternated between a full-time starter and a depth player. He has played both inside and outside. His most productive year was 2022, when he had four interceptions, including a pick-six, 11 passes defended and 69 tackles in 16 starts on the perimeter.

“I love playing football,” he said. “I can’t remember life before football, every fall since I was 4. … I love aggression. I love flying around on the field and making plays, supporting my teammates.”

Asked what attracted him to the Eagles, Jones had a simple answer: “Winning,” he said. “You watch week in and week out, they find ways to win. That’s so hard to do in this league.

“I kind of admired what this team’s been building over the last few years, some of the dominance they’ve been showing, year in and year out. … A lot of teams will be in the playoffs one year and then you may not hear from them for three or four years.”

Jones also expressed admiration for Mitchell and Cooper DeJean,

“They’re some really, really good young players who have already established themselves in the league, made a lot of plays,” he said. “I think I can be of help to those guys, help them build in their careers, because they have promising futures.”

Jones worked with Eagles secondary coach Mike Pellegrino when both men were in New England. The corner called Pellegrino “one of the hardest working men in football.”

Eagles acquire QB Andy Dalton

Another import from North Carolina Wednesday was journeyman quarterback Andy Dalton, whom the Eagles got from the Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Dalton is entering the second year of a two-year deal and is reportedly guaranteed $4 million. He will compete for a third-string spot, or perhaps second string, though the Eagles still think highly of backup QB Tanner McKee.

Dalton, 38, was a second-round pick out of TCU by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. He quickly emerged as a starter in Cincinnati, compiling a 70-61-2 record over nine seasons and leading the Bengals to four consecutive playoff berths while earning three Pro Bowl honors. Since then, he has played for the Cowboys, Saints, Bears and Carolina.

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