The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, particularly its ferocious pass rush, was the cornerstone of their 2024 Super Bowl triumph. Yet, as the team gears up for the 2025 season, the edge rusher group finds itself at a crossroads, brimming with potential but craving a veteran spark to ignite its full potential. Enter Jadeveon Clowney—a 32-year-old, battle-tested edge rusher whose 58 career sacks and relentless motor could be the key to unlocking the Eagles’ defensive dominance once again.
Clowney: The Veteran Catalyst for a Young Pass Rush
With training camp on the horizon, the Eagles are eyeing a strategic addition to bolster their front-seven, and Clowney fits the bill perfectly. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, released by the Carolina Panthers in May after the arrival of rookie Nic Scourton, remains a force to be reckoned with. Last season, Clowney racked up 5.5 sacks and 44 pressures (ranking 38th league-wide) on a struggling Panthers defense, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
Clowney’s resume speaks for itself: 58 sacks, 409 tackles, and a reputation for relentless disruption across 11 NFL seasons. More than just stats, he brings a veteran presence to mentor young talents like Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Azeez Ojulari in Vic Fangio’s aggressive defensive scheme. At 32, Clowney is likely one of the more cost-effective free agents available, and the chance to chase a Super Bowl ring with a contender like Philadelphia could be the ultimate draw. His ability to deliver quality snaps on passing downs could elevate an already talented group into an unstoppable force.
Azeez Ojulari: Poised for a Breakout in Philly
If the Eagles opt to roll with their current roster, all eyes turn to Azeez Ojulari, a 25-year-old edge rusher with the potential to become a household name in 2025. Signed to a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason, Ojulari is a low-risk, high-reward addition tasked with filling the void left by Bryce Huff’s underwhelming 2024 campaign and subsequent trade to the San Francisco 49ers.
Selected 50th overall by the New York Giants in 2021, Ojulari has flashed brilliance with 22 sacks and 107 tackles over four seasons, despite struggling to carve out a consistent role in New York. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he possesses the size, speed, and instincts to thrive in Fangio’s system. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio expressed confidence in his depth, noting, “We’ve got [OLB Joshua] Uche, we’ve got Azeez [Ojulari]. We’ve got three other guys there. I think we’ll be fine.” If Ojulari can harness his potential and become a reliable contributor, he could not only fortify the Eagles’ pass rush but also position himself for a lucrative payday in the 2026 free-agent market.
Saquon Barkley’s Backup Plan: Dillon and Shipley Step Up
While the defense looks to reload, the Eagles’ offense remains a juggernaut, powered by Saquon Barkley’s historic 2024 season. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate racked up over 2,500 rushing yards, 83 missed tackles forced, and 55 explosive runs, cementing Philadelphia’s backfield as the No. 4 ranked unit in the league, per Pro Football Focus. However, with Barkley’s 378 touches last season and the cumulative wear on running backs, preserving his explosiveness for a 2025 Super Bowl run is paramount.
Enter AJ Dillon and Will Shipley, two backups poised to play pivotal roles. Dillon, who missed 2024 due to a neck injury, brings a proven track record with a 76.1 PFF rushing grade in 2023. Shipley, a rookie with just 34 carries last season, is expected to take on a larger role, potentially as the team’s primary kick returner. Their contributions could lighten Barkley’s workload, keeping the 28-year-old fresh while maintaining the Eagles’ offensive firepower. As PFF’s Dalton Wasserman notes, “Barkley’s incredible 2024 season alone earns Philadelphia a high mark, but Dillon and Shipley add depth that could keep this unit firing on all cylinders.”
The Road to Another Lombardi Trophy
The Eagles stand at the precipice of another championship-caliber season, with a defense hungry to reclaim its dominance and an offense fueled by one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers. Adding a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney could awaken the sleeping monster that is Philadelphia’s pass rush, while Azeez Ojulari’s potential breakout looms as a game-changer. Meanwhile, AJ Dillon and Will Shipley’s expanded roles ensure Saquon Barkley remains a force deep into the postseason. With training camp approaching, the Eagles are poised to fine-tune their roster and chase another Lombardi Trophy in 2025.