Philadelphia, PA – In a shocking move just hours after the NFL trade deadline, the Philadelphia Eagles have officially terminated the contract of outside linebacker Patrick Johnson – an undrafted free agent who had been with the team for four seasons. This decision is part of a massive roster overhaul orchestrated by GM Howie Roseman to bolster the defense, particularly at the EDGE rusher position, as they aim to defend their Super Bowl LIX title.
Johnson, 26, joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2021 after graduating from Florida State University. Over his time in Philadelphia, he became an indispensable part of the rotational defense, contributing 1 sack and 5 tackles in just 7 games this season. In total, Johnson played 48 games for the Eagles, recording 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 25 tackles – modest numbers that reflect the perseverance of a player who rose “from nothing.”
However, with ongoing injuries and the sudden departures of key players like Brandon Graham (temporary retirement before returning) and Za’Darius Smith (retired after 5 games), Roseman didn’t hesitate to “clean house” to make room for high-caliber newcomers. The Eagles acquired EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins just hours before the 4 p.m. ET deadline, while also opening the 21-day window to activate Nolan Smith from injured reserve following a triceps injury in Week 3.
“We have to make tough decisions to build a defense that can dominate,” Roseman shared with NBC Sports Philadelphia after the flurry of moves. “Our EDGE room now has Phillips, Smith, Graham, Ojomo, Davis, Carter, and Hunt – a group of talent that can rotate and stay fresh. That opens up endless possibilities to become the most fearsome defensive front in the NFL.”
Releasing Johnson isn’t just an emotional loss – he was beloved in the locker room for his fighting spirit – but also a testament to the ruthlessness of the NFL. The Eagles currently rank 26th in sacks this season (16), tied with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Moro Ojomo is the only player with more than 3 sacks. Roseman has been “obsessed” with adding pass rushers: signing Za’Darius Smith (who then retired), convincing Graham to return before the Week 8 game against the New York Giants, and now the Phillips trade for a third-round pick.
In addition to Johnson, the Eagles released wide receiver Terrace Marshall from the practice squad – a less headline-grabbing move since he hasn’t played this season. These changes came right after the Eagles acquired cornerback Jaire Alexander from the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, creating a “storm” of personnel moves in just a few days.
With a 6-2 record, the Eagles still lead the NFC East and will return from their bye week to face the Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field. Nolan Smith could return for this game, though he may be on a snap count due to competition with Phillips at left defensive end. If Smith gets healthy in time, the Eagles’ defense will be more terrifying than ever, much like how they “hunted” Patrick Mahomes to exhaustion in their 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs back in February.
Johnson is now a free agent and could find a new home, perhaps with a team needing defensive depth. His story is a reminder of the league’s brutality: from undrafted free agent to rotational mainstay, then “sacrificed” for greater ambitions. The Eagles are going all-in for a perfect season – and Johnson is just the first casualty in that revolution.