Coming off their victory in Super Bowl 59, the Philadelphia Eagles already boast one of the most impressive rosters in the NFL. Nevertheless, the team has frequently been linked to superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett upon his request to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.
Losing Josh Sweat in Free Agency Could Create EDGE Need for Eagles
Josh Sweat has been in Philadelphia since 2018, registering 43 total sacks, including eight in 2024 and a career-high 11 in 2022. He made a case for Super Bowl MVP when he relentlessly pressured Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and logged 2.5 sacks along with six total tackles.
As an impending free agent in March, Sweat’s impressive performance on football’s biggest stage sharply increased his market value, making him one of the most intriguing options in free agency — and which could price him out of Philadelphia.
“The expectation is Josh Sweat will sign elsewhere in Free Agency,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on the network’s “Get Up” show.
Fowler went on to mention that if Sweat departs in free agency, the Eagles could be a serious trade suitor for Garrett. People in league circles are already privy to and curious about Philadelphia’s potential pursuit of the Browns’ pass rusher.
Fowler also stated that if the Eagles catch wind that the Washington Commanders become a serious contender for Garrett’s services, it will only further entice Philadelphia to make a blockbuster offer to prevent their division rival from landing him.
The expectation is Josh Sweat will sign elsewhere in Free Agency, @JFowlerESPN said on ESPN’s Get Up this morning.
In that segment, Fowler noted the #Eagles could be a threat for Myles Garrett this offseason. More specifically, some around the league wonder if they’ll pursue… pic.twitter.com/Td4xOg3TDc
— Jake Rabadi (@JakeRabadiNFL) February 25, 2025
It wouldn’t be the first time Philadelphia stole a target from a division rival. In the 2021 NFL Draft, upon learning of the New York Giants’ strong interest in Alabama’s DeVonta Smith at No. 11 overall, the Eagles facilitated an in-division trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move up to No. 10 and take him one selection ahead of the Giants.
The Eagles were also accused of tanking their final game of the season in 2021. A Philadelphia win would’ve helped New York clinch the NFC East, but instead, an Eagles’ loss improved their own draft selection and sent Washington to the playoffs.
These past examples of Philadelphia’s gamesmanship within the division give credibility to the idea that the Commanders’ rumored strong interest in Garrett could be what sparks the Eagles to make a move and maintain the upper hand in the division.
Myles Garrett to Philadelphia Would Be Scary for Rest of NFL
General manager Howie Roseman has a reputation for being aggressive in acquiring talent for his roster, and adding Garrett would be a home-run addition for the two-time NFL Executive of the Year.
The Eagles ranked second in PFSN’s Defense+ metric in their Super Bowl-winning season in 2024. Landing Garrett would solidify Philadelphia as the league’s best defensive roster on paper heading into the 2025 season.
Garrett registered 14 sacks in each of the last two seasons and 16 in each of the two prior to that, making him the first player since 1982 to reach at least 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons. The five-time All-Pro would be a massive acquisition for the reigning Super Bowl champs if they can convince the reluctant Browns to make a deal.