Despite being loaded with talent, the Philadelphia Eagles are 1-1 through the first two weeks of the regular season.
One of Philadelphia’s biggest issues to start 2024 is the team’s disappointing pass rush.
If the Eagles are going to push for a deep run in the NFC, they need to be able to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Through the first two games of the regular season, the Eagles have recorded just three sacks.
Here are five potential targets for the Eagles to fix Philadelphia’s struggling pass rush.
Potential Targets for Eagles To Fix Abysmal Pass Rush
Jadeveon Clowney, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are off to an 0-2 start, and they are turning to Andy Dalton at quarterback.
It’s clear that the franchise lacks direction, and if the Panthers continue to struggle, Carolina’s veteran players will likely become available for trade.
Veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Panthers earlier this offseason.
Despite being 31-years old, Clowney would immediately become one of Philadelphia’s top pass rushers after recording 10 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.
.@clownejd needed a sack to reach his incentive for the season.
He got it and went CRAZY. 😅👏
📺: #PITvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/WxnOXJY8R6 pic.twitter.com/MGFK4aRq5h— NFL (@NFL)
Michael Hoecht, Los Angeles Rams
Following an unexpected 0-2 start to the regular season, the Los Angeles Rams could quickly become sellers in 2024. The Rams are currently dealing with a flurry of injuries as they attempt to remain afloat in the NFC.
After selecting Jared Verse in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, fourth-year edge defender Michael Hoecht could become available ahead of the trade deadline. He recorded six sacks for the Rams as a full-time starter in 2023 prior to Verse’s arrival.
Hoecht will enter unrestricted free agency in 2025, which is why the Rams might look to add value via trade before he leaves in the offseason.
Yannick Ngakoue, Free Agent
Yannick Ngakoue signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears in 2023. He started 13 games for the Bears before suffering a season-ending broken ankle injury in Week 14.
Yannick Ngakoue has finished with at least 8 sacks in all 7 seasons of his career. Safe to say he should be a key piece of the @ChicagoBears' pass rush. @YannickNgakoue pic.twitter.com/fGtmOJMsgE
— NFL (@NFL)
If Ngakoue is fully healthy and ready to return, he would be an ideal addition for the Eagles. Ngakoue recorded 78 total pressures and 16 sacks over his last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
Tyus Bowser, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks recently signed Tyus Bowser to the team’s practice squad. Bowser missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury that he suffered in the summer and never fully recovered from.
Bowser is reportedly healthy, and the Seahawks were willing to take a chance on him on their practice squad. In 2021, Bowser enjoyed a breakout season for the Ravens, recording seven sacks as a full-time starter on the edge in Baltimore.
Haason Reddick, New York Jets
While this scenario remains incredibly unlikely, the New York Jets have yet to meet Haason Reddick’s demands. If both the Eagles and Jets are willing to admit their mistakes, maybe a potential re-do could be revisited by both parties involved.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made a bold move by betting on Bryce Huff and moving on from Reddick. Through the first two weeks of the regular season, Roseman’s gamble hasn’t worked as planned.
The hometown kid put on for his city 🦅@Haason7Reddick | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/LeGpQOLzHU
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms)
Huff has recorded zero solo tackles for the Eagles so far as Philadelphia’s defensive front continues to struggle.
While there is still time for Huff to prove that Roseman made the right decision, he’s off to a rough start with the Eagles.
