From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Where are they now? Former Eagles' Week 1 debuts
Twenty players who contributed to the Eagles in 2025 are now gone. Here's how they performed in their first games elsewhere.
In brief
Twenty players who contributed to the Eagles in 2025 are now gone. Here's how they performed in their first games elsewhere. The Eagles let 20 contributors walk this offseason due to salary cap constraints, and several are already making strong impacts with new teams. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
The salary cap toll
Consistently contending teams must let good players go. The Eagles parted with around 20 contributors from their 2025 squad this offseason.
A.J. Brown injured early
The Eagles traded Brown to the Patriots for a first-round pick. He caught three passes in Week 1 before a high ankle sprain landed him on injured reserve.
Nakobe Dean breaks out
The Raiders signed Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal. In his debut, he had a sack, forced fumble, two tackles for loss, and six total tackles.
“The Eagles didn't do all of that as a team in their Week 1 win over Washington.”
Phillips gets paid in Carolina
After the Eagles traded for Phillips at the 2025 deadline, he chose Carolina's four-year, $120 million offer. He recorded a sack in Week 1.
Blankenship solid in Houston
The former undrafted free agent signed a three-year, $24.8 million deal with the Texans. He made seven tackles in his debut, a loss to the Bills.
Sydney Brown joins Atlanta
The third-round pick from three years ago also had seven tackles in a losing effort. He played 43% of Atlanta's defensive snaps in his debut.
Za'Darius Smith's monster return
Smith retired after five games in 2025 to be with his dying mother. He unretired with the Falcons and collected two sacks and a tackle for loss Sunday.
Dotson underwhelms again
After two years as an underwhelming WR3 in Philly, Dotson landed in Atlanta. He had one catch for 19 yards in Week 1.
Dillon finds role in Carolina
Dillon had five carries for 28 yards, nearly half his entire 2025 total with the Eagles. He looks to be a solid second or third RB option for Carolina.
VanSumeren joins the Chiefs
Converted to fullback with the Eagles, VanSumeren took three snaps on offense and 22 more on special teams in Kansas City's Week 1 win.
Uche, Johnson see limited action
Uche played 43% of defensive snaps with Miami, collecting four tackles. Johnson played mostly special teams for the Raiders with one tackle in seven snaps.
Others on practice squads
Granson played special teams for Tennessee. Metchie didn't play for Carolina. Ojulari and Pryor signed to practice squads with the Raiders and Cardinals.
Graham retires for good
The legendary Eagles pass rusher retired from the NFL after making a return last season. Several other former Eagles remain unsigned or on injured reserve.
The headline
The Eagles let 20 contributors walk this offseason due to salary cap constraints, and several are already making strong impacts with new teams.
