The NFC East: A Division of Change and the Eagles' Path to Dominance
If there's one undeniable truth about the NFL, it's that nothing stays hidden for long. Eventually, everything plays out on the field, revealing who’s truly built for success. And if you want to talk about the best path to the playoffs, there’s no greater advantage than winning your division. That’s a golden rule that remains unchanged year after year.
For over two decades now, the NFC East has been a revolving door of champions. No team has been able to hold onto the crown for consecutive seasons, making it one of the most unpredictable divisions in football. And 2024 followed that same unpredictable script. The Philadelphia Eagles took back the NFC East title from the Dallas Cowboys, adding another chapter to the division’s ever-changing hierarchy.
But the Eagles didn’t just stop there. Their dominance in the NFC East paved the way for something even bigger. With home-field advantage in the playoffs, they went on to defeat the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game, securing their ticket to the Super Bowl for the third time in eight seasons. And once they got there? They didn’t waste the opportunity, turning that advantage into a statement win, lifting the Lombardi Trophy once again.
The Cowboys’ Uphill Battle
As for the Cowboys, the road ahead won’t be easy. They have ground to make up if they want to reclaim the top spot in the NFC East. But they’re not making moves in isolation—every team in the division is shifting pieces, adjusting their rosters, and looking for an edge. With the first wave of free agency now in the books, it’s the perfect time to assess what the Eagles have done so far to maintain their grip on the NFC East and the conference as a whole.
Major Moves: Additions, Departures & Retentions
The Eagles weren’t shy about making changes this offseason. They bolstered their roster with key additions, but they also had to part ways with some notable names.
Eagles Key Additions:
-
CB Adoree' Jackson – A strong presence in the secondary.
-
RB AJ Dillon – A powerful runner who adds depth to the backfield.
-
Edge Josh Uche & Edge Azeez Ojulari – Two pass-rushers to keep the defensive front fierce.
-
OL Kenyon Green (Trade) – A much-needed reinforcement for the offensive line.
-
TE Harrison Bryant – A solid tight end option to strengthen their passing attack.
-
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (Trade) – A young quarterback with upside.
-
PR Avery Williams – A dynamic return specialist.
-
LB Patrick Johnson – Added to bolster the linebacker corps.
-
TE Kylen Granson – Another tight end option to improve offensive versatility.
Eagles Key Departures:
-
DT Milton Williams (Patriots) – A loss in the interior defensive line.
-
DB James Bradberry (Free Agent) – The secondary takes a hit with his departure.
-
CB Darius Slay (Steelers) – A veteran leader gone from the defensive backfield.
-
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Trade to Texans) – A trade that shakes up the defense.
-
Edge Brandon Graham (Free Agent) & Edge Josh Sweat (Cardinals) – Two edge rushers the Eagles will have to replace.
-
OL Mekhi Becton (Chargers) – A significant loss in offensive line depth.
-
CB Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) – Another secondary player moving on.
-
QB Kenny Pickett (Trade to Browns) – A shift at the backup quarterback position.
-
LB Oren Burks (Bengals) – More changes at linebacker.
With every departure comes an opportunity, and the Eagles knew they had to secure some key players to maintain their dominance.
Eagles Key Retentions:
-
LB Zack Baun – Signed through 2027, solidifying the linebacker corps.
-
OT Lane Johnson – Extended through 2027, keeping their offensive line strong.
-
RB Saquon Barkley – Locked in through 2028, ensuring the Eagles’ ground game remains elite.
Eagles’ Cap Space & Future Outlook
After all the moves, where do the Eagles stand financially? As of March 22, 2025, they still have $27.5 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. That flexibility allows them to remain active in free agency or even make mid-season moves if necessary.
But beyond the immediate future, the Eagles are also setting themselves up for sustained success by stockpiling draft picks and projected compensatory selections.
Current Eagles 2025 Draft Picks
As of March 22, 2025, here’s what the Eagles are working with in the upcoming draft:
First Round:
-
1.32
Second Round:
-
2.64
Third Round:
-
3.96
Fourth Round:
-
4.134
Fifth Round:
-
5.161 (from Houston)
-
5.164 (from Cleveland)
-
5.165 (from Washington)
-
5.168
Eagles’ 2026 Compensatory Pick Projections
Looking even further ahead, the Eagles are positioned to receive compensatory picks in the 2026 draft:
-
3rd-round pick for Milton Williams
-
4th-round pick for Josh Sweat
-
5th-round pick for Mekhi Becton
-
6th-round pick for Isaiah Rodgers
The Road Ahead
The Eagles are in a prime position not just to defend their NFC East title but to make another deep playoff run. With smart roster management, key additions, and strategic retentions, they’ve shown they’re not content with just one Super Bowl win—they want more.
But the NFC East is never predictable. The Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders will all have something to say about the division crown in 2025. The question is—can anyone break the cycle and take control of the NFC East for back-to-back seasons? Or will the division continue its trend of passing the torch year after year?
One thing’s for sure: all roads to the Super Bowl run through the NFC East. And the Eagles are making sure they stay ahead of the pack.
Login