Fresh off their Super Bowl LIX triumph, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the offseason with key
decisions to make regarding several impact players set to hit free agency. Linebacker Zach
Baun, defensive end Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and offensive lineman Mekhi
Becton headline a group of contributors who played pivotal roles in the team’s championship
run. Retaining them will be a top priority for GM Howie Roseman, but financial constraints could
make for a challenging offseason.
Zach Baun: All-Pro Breakout Season
Baun enjoyed a career-defining season in 2024, earning First-Team All-Pro honors after leading
the Eagles’ defense with 138 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions. His versatility as both
an inside linebacker and an edge rusher allowed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to deploy him
in multiple ways, making him an invaluable piece of the unit. Baun’s impact was on full display in
the Super Bowl, where he recorded 10 tackles, a sack, and a key third-down pass breakup that
forced a Chiefs punt late in the game. With his breakout campaign, Baun is expected to
command significant interest on the open market, and the Eagles will have to decide how much
they’re willing to invest to keep him.
Josh Sweat: Super Bowl MVP-Caliber Performance
Despite a tumultuous offseason that saw him take a pay cut and battle trade rumors, Sweat
responded with a dominant playoff run, culminating in one of the greatest defensive
performances in Super Bowl history. The veteran edge rusher terrorized Patrick Mahomes,
racking up 2.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble. His relentless pursuit of
Mahomes helped disrupt the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm and was instrumental in securing the
Eagles’ second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. At 27, Sweat remains in his prime, and
while Philadelphia would love to keep him, his market value has skyrocketed. If another team
offers a massive deal, the Eagles could be forced to let him walk.
Milton Williams: Clutch Strip Sack Seals the Title
Williams may not be the flashiest name on the Eagles’ defensive front, but his presence was
crucial all season. The 25-year-old defensive tackle recorded five sacks during the regular
season and continued his strong play in the postseason. However, his defining moment came in
the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIX. With the Chiefs driving and looking to take the lead,
Williams delivered a game-changing strip sack on Mahomes, with Fletcher Cox recovering the
fumble to effectively end Kansas City’s hopes. That play alone boosted Williams’ stock heading
into free agency, and at his young age, he’ll be a highly coveted interior defensive lineman.
Mekhi Becton: Finding a Home at Right Guard
After struggling with injuries early in his career as a tackle, Becton found new life with the
Eagles after shifting to right guard. He played 903 snaps in 2024, the fifth-most on the team,
and provided much-needed stability on the interior offensive line. His success in Philadelphia
has put him in line for a solid payday, and with Jason Kelce’s retirement, the Eagles may
prioritize keeping Becton to maintain continuity up front. However, given the demand for quality
offensive linemen in free agency, there’s no guarantee he returns.
Offseason Outlook
With these key contributors hitting the open market, the Eagles must carefully navigate their
salary cap situation. Currently projected to have around $13 million in effective cap space,
Philadelphia may need to restructure contracts or make tough roster cuts to retain some of
these players. Baun and Sweat are likely the top priorities, but Williams and Becton will also
garner interest from other teams.
Howie Roseman has built a reputation for making savvy roster moves, and this offseason will be
another test of his ability to keep the Eagles competitive. After hoisting the Lombardi Trophy
once again, the team faces critical decisions that will shape its future in the years to come.
