The Philadelphia Eagles soared to new heights in 2024, clinching Super Bowl LIX with commanding victories over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship and the Kansas City Chiefs in the big game. But as the dust settles on their championship run, a surprising roster shakeup could be on the horizon. According to USA Today and Eagles Wire’s Geoffrey A. Knox, second-year wide receiver Johnny Wilson, a towering talent from Florida State, might be on the chopping block as the team heads into the 2025 season.
A Missed Opportunity in 2024
Late in the 2024 season, the Eagles’ wide receiver room was hit hard by injuries to stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, while third option Jahan Dotson struggled to find his footing in the offense. It was a golden opportunity for someone—anyone—to step up and seize the moment. Yet, no one rose to the occasion. Instead, the Eagles leaned on the dynamic running back Saquon Barkley and their ferocious defense to carry them through the regular season and into a dominant postseason.
While Brown and Smith returned to form, it was Dotson who stole the show in the playoffs, finally unlocking his potential as a former first-round pick. His resurgence has solidified his spot on the 2025 roster alongside the dynamic duo of Brown and Smith. But with only three roster spots likely up for grabs among nine other receivers in training camp, the competition is fierce—and Johnny Wilson could be the odd man out.
Johnny Wilson’s Untapped Potential
At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, Johnny Wilson is a physical specimen with the kind of frame that makes defensive backs quiver. A two-time All-ACC selection at Florida State, Wilson was a standout during the Seminoles’ impressive 23-4 run in 2022 and 2023, forming a lethal partnership with current Buffalo Bills rookie Keon Coleman. Over his final two college seasons, Wilson hauled in 84 receptions for 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns, despite missing three games due to injury in 2023.
Florida State WR Johnny Wilson popped last year but could be up for some national accolades in 2023. A man coverage headache! (6’7”, 235 lbs)
You can’t teach BIG!
pic.twitter.com/0Gtd9L1OyM— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) May 13, 2023
Selected in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson signed a four-year, $4.1 million deal with the Eagles. However, his rookie season was underwhelming, with just five receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown across 16 games. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted Wilson’s “elite catch radius” but pointed out his struggles to dominate defenders, particularly in contested-catch situations—a critical flaw for a receiver of his size.
“Don’t be shocked if second-year WR Johnny Wilson plays himself off the Eagles’ 53-man roster,” Knox warned on June 29. “Philadelphia loves Wilson’s size—they’ve been obsessed with big targets for years—but his inability to consistently catch the ball is a red flag for a young wide receiver.”
A Crowded Receiver Room
With Brown, Smith, and a revitalized Dotson locked in, the Eagles’ remaining receivers are battling for limited spots. Among them, Wilson faces stiff competition, particularly from players like rookie Ainias Smith, who could edge him out if Wilson doesn’t show significant improvement. While his physical tools are undeniable, Wilson’s inconsistent hands and lack of production in his debut season have raised doubts about his fit in Philadelphia’s high-octane offense.
Can Wilson Turn It Around?
Despite his struggles, Wilson’s potential remains tantalizing. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism could still make him a matchup nightmare if he refines his game. The Eagles have a history of patience with developmental prospects, but with a championship-caliber roster, they may not have the luxury of waiting for Wilson to find his stride.
As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Wilson to prove he belongs. Will he tap into his incredible upside and secure a spot on the Eagles’ roster, or will the Super Bowl champions move on from their towering wideout sooner than expected? The 2025 season could be a make-or-break moment for Johnny Wilson’s NFL career.