Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/4y342z7b

Originally published Aug. 8, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Lane Johnson has spent 13 years keeping pass rushers away from Eagles quarterbacks. Now the calendar is coming for him, and even Johnson knows that Father Time is one opponent nobody blocks forever.

The 36-year-old right tackle said Saturday that this season will “probably” be his last.

“As you get older, things change in your life,” he said. “Your children get older. Your parents get older. Just to put this thing into perspective, it’s looking like this is probably, potentially, going to be my last year. Just because I am getting to that point of those priorities away from football are starting to merge. Not that I don’t enjoy this.

“I love everything about this game and preparing for it, but that’s kind of where I’m at in my career.

“I’m just looking forward to this year, playing the best I can, staying healthy, and that’s about it.”

Johnson returned to practice Friday after missing four sessions for personal reasons. He said Saturday the absence involved family matters, including helping care for his parents.

The No. 4 overall pick of the 2013 draft has played his entire career in Philadelphia. He has won two Super Bowls, made six Pro Bowls and earned five All-Pro selections, including two first-team honors. He enters his 14th season with 168 games played (ninth in franchise history).

Johnson is under contract through 2027, but he sounded like a man looking at 2026 through a different lens.

“I’ve had those conversations with family members, and you can’t play forever. Not everybody can do what LeBron James is doing,” Johnson said, referencing the Sixers’ recent acquisition. “As my kids get older, my parents are getting older, you start seeing the circle of life, if you will.”

Last season ended early for Johnson. A Lisfranc injury limited him to 10 games and forced him to miss the stretch run and the Eagles’ wild-card game against San Francisco, which they lost. He said he didn’t want to go out that way.

But his body has taken the hint. So, apparently, has Johnson.

The tush push lives

New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is changing plenty about the Eagles’ offense, but not everything.

Asked Saturday about his stance on the tush push — which the Eagles simply call a QB sneak — Mannion left little mystery.

“It’s going to be a part of what we do,” Mannion said. “It’s been an extremely effective play here, and we’re going to lean into that. It’s something that this organization has executed at a high level. So along with many other elements to our offense, certainly it’s something that will be a part of it.”

The play has become less automatic. From 2022 through 2024, the Eagles converted roughly 85% of their quarterback sneaks for first downs or touchdowns. Their tush-push success rate fell to about 61% in 2025 by one accounting, while Pro Football Focus charted a 65.5% first-down rate.

DeFranco’s latest roster projections

Through just two weeks of training camp, many roster spots are already becoming clear. Obviously, lots could change before the Eagles’ Sept. 13 season opener, but here’s my view so far (in projected depth-chart order):

QB: Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee.

RB: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce.

OL: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Lane Johnson. Others: Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall.

TE: Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Eli Stowers. Other: Grant Calcaterra.

WR: DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown.

DT: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young.

EDGE: Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie. Other: A.J. Epenesa.

ILB: Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Chance Campbell.

CB: Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean.

S: Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, DeJean.

K/P: Jake Elliott, Braden Mann.

A secondary look

If the season began today, Mukuba would start at free safety with Epps solidified at strong safety.

All-Pro nickel DeJean is likely to contribute at strong safety in base packages, replacing Epps. Carter II is making his all-around value known at safety, slot and dime corner. The Eagles need him.

Still hoping to land a role in the secondary are J.T. Gray, Andre’ Sam and Cole Wisniewski.

Woolen is clearly the Eagles’ second outside cornerback, opposite Mitchell. Carter II could occasionally rotate in for him or Mitchell. Depth corners right now are Jonathan Jones and Kelee Ringo.

Injury report

OUT: WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), WR Makai Lemon (hamstring), WR Britain Covey (hamstring), Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), S Wisniewski (hamstring) and Danny Grey (concussion). LIMITED: ILB Chance Campbell (groin).

Center Cam Jurgens was back on the field after leaving practice a day earlier.

Camp notes

● Practice was moved up 30 minutes to try mitigating the heat.

● Andy Dalton got second-team QB reps ahead of Tanner McKee.

● Mannion said Lemon has stayed engaged in meetings and walkthroughs despite being sidelined.

● Phillies ace Zach Wheeler and his family visited camp Saturday.

—

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/napmnex2

Originally published Aug. 7, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — The heat index was already 97 degrees by 10 a.m. Friday as the Eagles began practice at Jefferson Health Training Complex. The oppressive conditions were expected to persist through the next four days.

A refreshing sight: Lane Johnson returned to camp after missing the previous four sessions for personal, non-injury reasons.

The 36-year-old right tackle is a two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime team leader — a Philly icon and future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said he’s confident Johnson can catch up after his time away, even though the Eagles are installing an entirely new offense with a new O-line blocking scheme.

“Lane can pick things up very fast,” Sirianni said at his morning press conference. “He’s a phenomenal football player. Not concerned there. You get to see a little portion each day, but there’s 12 more hours of the day with walkthroughs and meetings, so there’s so much more going on than what you see out here.”

Johnson’s absences were excused. Sirianni glossed over a question about whether he could miss more days. This isn’t the first time Johnson has been away from the team for non-injury reasons. In years past, he has dealt with mental health issues. There has been no indication that that’s the case here.

Johnson didn’t meet with the media Friday, but his teammates were glad to have him back, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis.

“He has a calming presence,” Davis said. “When I see him, I’m like, ‘All right, this is Lane.’ And one day I’m not going to be able to say that I have him in the locker room. It’s just very good to have him out here. And everybody knows he’s a baller, man. He’s a f— baller.

“Lane, man, he’s a cornerstone, bro.”

The versatile and experienced Fred Johnson, 29, has often filled in for Lane Johnson in games and practices. He’s shown flashes of starting-caliber ability and left for a starting job in Jacksonville in March 2025, only to boomerang back to Philadelphia in a trade five months later.

For much of this week, rookie tackle Markel Bell — the Eagles’ third-round pick out of Miami — got reps over Fred Johnson. At 6-foot-9, 345 pounds, Bell is remarkably athletic, and the Eagles see lots of potential in him.

“I think what you see with Markel is just his length and how big he is and how hard he is to get around in the pass rush,” Sirianni said. “Just working on getting on the same page with the combination blocks. There’s so many things that go on there with the offensive line of having to work in tandem.

“I’ve seen progression there, and that’s what you want with all your players.”

Injury report

OUT: WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), WR Makai Lemon (hamstring), WR Britain Covey (hamstring), LB Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), S Cole Wisniewski (hamstring). LIMITED: ILB Chance Campbell (groin), G Micah Morris (shoulder), RT Lane Johnson (progressing workload).

Center Cam Jurgens, accompanied by trainers, went to the medical tent during drills and then went inside the team facility. He was walking under his own power.

Camp notes

● Second-year wide receiver Darius Cooper continues to stand out early in camp. He’s compact and physical at 5-11, 210 pounds, with good hands and a willingness to block. The Eagles signed him last year after he went undrafted out of Tarleton State. He also brings value on special teams, which threatens the injured Britain Covey.

● Quarterback Jalen Hurts is loving wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, whom the Birds acquired from Green Bay in the offseason. They seem simpatico, with a similar killer instinct. Wicks is part of a crowded WR room that includes DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, Hollywood Brown, Johnny Wilson and Quez Watkins.

● Players sang “Happy Birthday” to Hurts after Friday’s practice. The quarterback was celebrating his 28th birthday.

● Former Red Sox and Cubs general manager Theo Epstein, who helped break the title-drought “curses” of both franchises, visited training camp Friday and chatted with GM Howie Roseman.

● New Sixers acquisition Jaylen Brown was at Eagles camp Friday, a day after his introductory press conference and appearance at the Phillies game.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/4sfcmt3j

Originally published Aug. 5, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — If Tanner McKee arrived at training camp as the presumed favorite to remain the Eagles’ backup quarterback, Andy Dalton didn’t get the memo.

Through a week and a half of camp, Dalton — who turns 39 in October — has made QB2 a legit position battle.

Dalton, a spring acquisition though hardly a spring chicken, again worked with the second-team offense Wednesday, continuing a rotation that has become less about courtesy and more about competition. The veteran brings 15 seasons of NFL experience and a command of Sean Mannion’s offense.

“I’ve been in this (type of) system multiple times,” Dalton said a day earlier. “I think, quick decision-making, a lot of pure progressions and understanding certain coverages, when you can get off on certain routes and different things. I feel really comfortable with this offense.”

McKee, 26, seemed solidified as the backup until a choppy performance at the Linc in last January’s regular-season finale — a 24-17 loss to a four-win Washington team. McKee was 21 of 40 for 241 yards with a touchdown, a pick and a 68.9 passer rating.

The underwhelming numbers could have been worse; it was his jumpy demeanor and lack of readiness that were alarming after he’d impressed in cool fashion in all his previous showings.

McKee has rebounded after an uneven start to camp with several strong practices of his own, but neither he nor Dalton has quite separated himself yet. Sixth-round rookie Cole Payton has been the fourth-stringer.

“Tanner’s been great,” Dalton said. “You can tell the confidence that he has in playing. He’s smart. He understands exactly what we’re trying to do. And so I’ve been impressed with Tanner. It’s been fun.

“The approach I’ve taken is just do nothing but support and kind of build up (the other QBs), especially on the sideline. Just be a sounding board. Whenever they need to let something out, just be there to be able to listen and give the best advice you can.”

The first-team offense, meanwhile, belonged to Jalen Hurts Wednesday — a lighter session after two intense days in full pads.

With receivers DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Britain Covey all sidelined with hamstring injuries, Hurts turned in one of his sharper practices of camp, repeatedly pushing the ball downfield while also keeping it himself on several runs as the Eagles continued installing Mannion’s offense.

Hurts even high-stepped toward the end of one long run, clearly enjoying himself.

“Football’s a fun game,” he said afterward, adding that the offense is still in a “calibrating” phase.

“The big things are won in the small moments and the small details,” Hurts said. “Being able to put it all together, operate at a good pace with urgency, making sure everyone’s communicating, everyone’s got all ears, and they’re listening and understanding their assignments and what they’re asked to do. That’s where it all starts.

“We’ve got a lot of new pieces, an entirely new approach and philosophy to our offense. So being able to put that together and make it our own, I’m excited about where we are.”

The quarterback runs have been more noticeable this week, but Hurts said it’s too early to know how much they’ll ultimately become part of the offense.

“It’s too soon to answer yet,” he said. “We’re still installing things and putting all aspects of our offense in. We haven’t finished installing. There’s still more to come, but we’re working and we’re building. I think in training camp, especially with new pieces and a new offense, it’s the ability to retain information and then put it together, go out there, and execute.”

One receiver who has caught Hurts’ attention is Dontayvion Wicks.

“He’s got great work ethic. He’s got a great, great hunger. … He’s got that anger to him. He’s got a little bit of rage in him for the best. … He runs great routes.”

Injury updates

The Eagles appeared to dodge a scare with Cooper DeJean after the defensive back briefly left Tuesday’s practice with an apparent arm injury. He was back in action Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brushed off concerns.

“That’s news to me,” Fangio said about DeJean’s arm.

In addition to Smith, Lemon and Covey being out, right tackle Lane Johnson again missed practice for personal reasons. Edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), guard Micah Morris (shoulder), guard Jaeden Roberts (calf) and safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring) also did not practice.

Camp notes

● Michael Carter II continues to make a strong case for a significant role in the secondary. Fangio said he “might be the only guy learning three positions” — safety, nickel and the sixth defensive back package — and added, “He’s had a very good camp.”

● Fangio credited second-year free safety Andrew Mukuba’s improvement to experience more than athleticism. “It’s just the thought process speeding up,” he said. Marcus Epps is the frontrunner to start at strong safety, replacing Reed Blankenship.

● Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is “the best I’ve seen him look since we’ve had him,” Fangio said, adding the linebacker is simply playing faster because he’s processing the defense more quickly.

● Jordan Davis’ improved conditioning continues to show up. “He’s had a good camp,” Fangio said. “He’s doing the little things better.”

● Fangio offered an unsolicited endorsement of linebacker Chance Campbell. “Don’t sleep on Chance now,” he said. “We like Chance. Chance is a good football player.”

● Arnold Ebiketie has benefited from Jonathan Greenard’s absence. Fangio said the veteran edge rusher is “having a much better camp.”

● Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood has impressed special teams coordinator Michael Clay. “He’s doing a great job … while quickly building chemistry with teammates,” Clay said.

● Before his hamstring injury, Lemon continued to impress as a punt returner. “He’s very natural in terms of catching the ball,” Clay said.

● Clay dismissed the notion that kicker Jake Elliott ever fell out of love with football, saying the veteran kicker simply needed to reset mentally and regain confidence.

● The Eagles signed rookie WR Brandon Hayes. He will wear No. 47. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hayes went undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana. He was signed to the Eagles roster May 27 before being released June 5. There was an open roster spot after the Eagles waived defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham on Sunday.

● Fangio, a longtime Phillies fan from Scranton, offered his take on the team’s trade deadline — particularly the acquisition of second baseman and three-time batting champ Luis Arráez — saying the moves will “definitely” improve the offense before adding, “We’ll see how it does defensively.” To make room for Arráez at second, Bryson Stott moved to third, Alec Bohm moved to first and Bryce Harper moved back to right field.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y73xwzhw

Originally published July 30, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — It was a case of Italian on Italian crime.

Vic Fangio had not yet answered a question Thursday morning when he wandered out of football and into politics.

Asked about the Eagles’ unsettled safety positions, the highly respected defensive coordinator smiled and reached for a big news story from the previous day.

“I’m going to be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on your question,” Fangio said, chuckling. “Did you guys see that? Oh, my God.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci is a retired, world-renowned physician and immunologist who earned his medical degree from Cornell and completed his internal medicine residency at Cornell’s New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He later joined the National Institutes of Health.

Fauci was instrumental in combating infectious diseases in the United States and around the world, including AIDS, SARS, swine flu and Ebola.

He helped architect PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) under President George W. Bush — an initiative pioneered by Bono that cost Americans less than 1% of their tax dollars and saved 25 million lives while promoting American soft interest in poor, vulnerable countries.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk took a chainsaw to the program early in Trump’s current term.

But it was Fauci’s work on COVID-19 during President Trump’s first term that put him in the political crosshairs.

Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times Wednesday during a contentious Senate hearing about the origins of COVID-19 and federally funded research.

Fangio apparently caught enough of the proceedings to work the spectacle into his opening answer on Day 2 of Eagles training camp.

He wasn’t finished.

Later, a reporter told Fangio that general manager Howie Roseman had avoided answering a similar question about safeties a day earlier.

“He ducked you?” Fangio asked. “He Faucied you?”

Fangio was joking. Most media members laughed.

The exchanges are already delighting some on the political right, where Fauci has long been vilified as a symbol of government overreach, pandemic restrictions and unanswered questions about COVID-19.

It should be noted that Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment nearly 450 times during a 2022 deposition in New York’s civil fraud investigation of his decades-long financial practices — a useful reminder that exercising the Constitutional right isn’t confined to one political side.

Also, over the course of Fauci’s government career, he served under seven presidents from both parties: Republican Ronald Reagan, Republican George H.W. Bush, Democrat Bill Clinton, Republican George W. Bush, Democrat Barack Obama, Republican Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

On Jan. 19, 2021 — the final day of Trump’s first term — Trump honored Fauci and 51 others who worked on “Operation Warp Speed,” which rapidly developed vaccines to fight COVID-19. Those unprecedented vaccines ended the global pandemic that had killed and hospitalized millions of people and debilitated economies around the world.

Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the scientific community and undermined basic institutions, has since distanced himself from “Operation Warp Speed” because many of his die-hard supporters, ironically, no longer trust vaccines after Trump's own disinformation and poisoning of the political well.

“Operation Warp Speed” was historic and perhaps Trump’s greatest accomplishment — one of the great feats of any president. It came after he initially mismanaged and lied about the pandemic, including saying on March 24, 2020, that it would magically go away by Easter and speculating on April 23, 2020, that people could inject disinfectant into their arms.

All of that said, anyone rushing to enlist Fangio in a political cause should probably take the Fifth themselves. Fangio’s public history of politics is both limited and more complicated than a few wisecracks.

After George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, recorded and replayed in full on national television, Fangio (then the head coach of the Denver Broncos) said he was “shocked, sad and angry.” He said Chauvin should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and accused him of betraying the badge and uniform he had been entrusted to wear.

Fangio called racism a societal problem “that we all have to join in to correct.”

He stumbled badly in the same news conference when he said he did not see racism or discrimination in the NFL and described the league as a meritocracy. Players and others quickly challenged him.

Fangio listened. Then he apologized.

He said his comments were wrong and acknowledged that players, coaches and employees had experiences different from his own. He said that outside the locker room and the field, the NFL and society still had much work to do in creating diversity and opportunities for minorities.

Fangio later joined Broncos players, coaches and staff in a Denver march against racism.

He also defended the right of players to protest and praised then-Broncos safety Justin Simmons for his progressive activism. Simmons marched for Black Lives Matter against police officers killing unarmed Black men, with Simmons stating “All lives will matter when Black lives matter.”

“I thought it was great,” Fangio said of Simmons’ peaceful protests. “Justin is a great person, a great leader and has his head screwed on correctly.”

Fangio said players should do what they believed was right. He also has publicly supported the Rooney Rule, the NFL policy designed to increase hiring opportunities for minority coaching and executive candidates.

None of that makes him a man of the left any more than Thursday’s jokes make him a man of the right.

It makes him Vic Fangio.

Fangio saw something funny. He cracked a joke about it. Then he went back to football before anybody could put a campaign hat on him — no matter how hard they tried.

By the way, Andrew Mukuba, in his second year and returning from an ankle injury, is expected to start at free safety in most sets while Marcus Epps is the leader at strong safety. Nickel cornerback Cooper DeJean will contribute at safety in base packages. But a lot can happen before the Eagles open their season Sept. 13.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/33w47hpb

Originally published July 29, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles acquired in April, has landed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after suffering a pectoral injury while weightlifting just before training camp began, the team announced Wednesday.

General manager Howie Roseman indicated he doesn’t expect it to be a long-term issue.

“One of the things we know about Greenard is he’s going to be ready to play,” Roseman said, sitting alongside coach Nick Sirianni at the media-tent podium as camp opened. “Training camp is so important, practice is so important, but when you have a guy that prepares the way he does, who has the experience in the NFL the way he does, you know he’s going to be ready to play when we start the season.”

The Eagles traded for Greenard on April 24 during the NFL draft, sending a 2026 third-round pick (later used on Jakobe Thomas) and 2027 third-round pick to Minnesota. They also received a seventh-round pick in return.

Greenard, 29, then signed a four-year, $100 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with Philadelphia.

He recorded back-to-back double-digit sack seasons with the Houston Texans in 2023 and Vikings in 2024 before an injury-shortened 2025 season. Over the past two full seasons, he totaled 24½ sacks, 111 combined tackles, 44 QB hits, five forced fumbles and five passes defensed.

Record deal for Jalen Carter

As players reported to camp for conditioning testing Tuesday, the Eagles inked two-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Carter to a reported four-year, $152 million extension worth up to $160 million, including $106 million guaranteed, that makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

Carter, 25, will now be under contract with the Birds through the 2031 season.

“It was important for me to stay here with the guys that I know and have been playing with for the last three years,” Carter said. “Like I said, I let my agent (Drew Rosenhaus) do most of the talking. The numbers weren’t in my head like that. They came back to me with information, and we got a deal done and I’m happy to be here.”

The former Georgia star fought through shoulder injuries last year and played in just 11 games, finishing with 33 combined tackles, three sacks, 12 QB hits and seven passes defensed. But he’s a game-wrecker when healthy.

Carter made the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2023, and in 2024 had 42 tackles, 4½ sacks, 16 QB hits, two forced fumbles and six passes defensed.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Jalen more and more each year,” Sirianni said. “And the time that I’ve spent with him, he’s put his head down, he’s worked, he’s made impactful plays, and we look for that to continue.

“And he’s a heck of a football player that demands a lot of attention by the opposing offense. … He’s focused so much on football. He came back in phenomenal shape — with his weight, with his conditioning test. So even with that contract still looming, he worked his ass off, and I’m proud of him for that. And it shows you the type of guy he is and he’ll continue to be.”

Carter was ejected from the 2025 season opener against Dallas for spitting on Dak Prescott after the Cowboys QB spit toward him. In his final season at Georgia, Carter was involved in four driving-related incidents in five months — the last a street-racing accident that killed teammate Devin Willock and Bulldogs staffer Chandler LeCroy and injured two others.

But the Eagles brass believes in him and his development.

“I don’t know what off-field concerns (we’ve had) since Jalen’s been here,” Roseman said. “Last year, he wasn’t 100 percent. He was trying to fight through that, and play through that. We understand that.

“Like anyone, when you’re 25 years old, you’re still growing as a person and a player.”

Camp notes

● The Eagles still have several guys on defense who need to be re-signed in the coming years, including cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and nickel Cooper DeJean. It will be up to Roseman and his staff to get financially creative again.

“I would say to our fans, if you’re wearing a jersey with some of those guys’ names on the back, we fully intend for those guys to be here for the long term,” Roseman said.

● Inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder) was a full participant after missing spring practice. He worked alongside Zack Baun on the first team. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon were with the second team, but Trotter briefly subbed in with the first unit.

● Receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring), the Eagles’ first-round pick out of USC, appeared fully recovered from his spring injury. He was involved in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

● Top wideout DeVonta Smith had a big catch against Mitchell, who had a nice pass deflection against Dontayvion Wicks.

● Quarterback Jalen Hurts on LeBron James coming to Philly: “I think for what he represents in sports and sports culture, it’s huge. And it’s huge for the city of Philadelphia. It’ll be exciting to have a figure like that in the city. What he’s done — he’s one of the greatest to ever do it. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

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.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/569yy9jv

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.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/ywskrkms

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.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

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.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

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.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

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.”

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

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)

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.