LATEST UPDATE: Philadelphia Eagles reportedly may have to trade one key defender this offseason

When the Philadelphia Eagles went all in for the 2023 NFL season, their defense saw a significant decline. Salary cap concerns may cause one Philadelphia Eagles star to miss spring training as the team starts making changes this offseason.

The NFL salary cap for 2024 is set at $55.4 million, but Philadelphia is not in a great financial situation. Thanks in large part to Jalen Hurts’ contract, there is virtually little ability to restructure contracts to push cap hits into future years.
2024 cap space for the Philadelphia Eagles is $27.354 million.
Related: CFL star with an inspiring life story could be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles’ cap room for the next two seasons is currently less than $28 million. Philadelphia’s front office will have to start making some tough choices in the wake of D’Andre Swift’s free agency this offseason and the eligibility of players like DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Reed Blankenship, and Kenneth Gainwell for NFL free agency in 2025.
Insider Jeremy Fowler gave an explanation of why the Eagles would have to choose between two edge rushers this offseason while previewing NFL offseasons for ESPN. Although Philadelphia’s front office is renowned for its inventiveness, Fowler points out that in 2024, a choice on Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat will probably put that to the test.
“With Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat both a year away from free agency, pass-rusher contracts are quite important. If a deal cannot be completed, Reddick may be traded. In essence, Philly must choose between those two. Expect a move or two during the next three months, as the Eagles are among the most inventive when it comes to expanding their squad through trades.

Contract with Haason Reddick: NFL free agent in 2025, $21.377 million cap hit in 2024
Prior to the Super Bowl, Reddick—who excelled at Philadelphia’s Temple University—was linked to several NFL trades when it was revealed that he had asked to be dealt. The Pro Bowl edge rusher subsequently rejected those rumors, stating that he preferred to remain in Philadelphia.

Sweat has a $9.077 million 2024 salary cap hit; he is signed for one more season. Over the past two seasons, the former fourth-round choice for Philadelphia has been an extremely effective pass rusher, recording 46 quarterback hits, 22 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks in 33 games.

But with obvious needs on both sides of the ball and minimal cap flexibility in the long run, Philadelphia may have to make a deal this offseason. Reddick and Sweat should both draw some trade interest, but the Eagles will be hopeful that the mid-round pick they acquire in exchange can be a good rookie for a team that is desperate to win now.