NFL executive shares bleak outlook for Eagles

At least one unnamed NFL executive believes the Philadelphia Eagles could be in some serious trouble following the offseason retirements of center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. 

"I just don’t know who they are," the executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic about the Eagles for a piece published on Wednesday. "I think they lost their identity and lost their confidence. Teams say they want to build from the inside out, but you lost your two staple inside players in Kelce and Cox. Not only that, but those two guys were the culture guys. You lose those guys in a year when the head coach already has his back against the wall, I don’t see it ending well."

Questions about the job security of Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni arose late this past season when the Eagles went from 10-1 to 11-6. 

That collapse was followed by a 32-9 wild-card playoff loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and by whispers suggesting that the Eagles could target former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to replace Sirianni if Philadelphia fails to complete a positive playoff run in January 2025. 

Additionally, the Eagles losing "culture guys" this offseason is noteworthy because quarterback Jalen Hurts became a subject of criticism related to his alleged leadership style. Hurts signed a five-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $255M with $179.3M guaranteed last spring. 

Last month, the Eagles and former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley agreed to a three-year, $37.75M contract after Barkley played for the Giants during the 2023 season on an adjusted franchise tag. One executive indicated that Barkley shouldn't have been so quick to accept a deal that averages around $12.6M per season. 

It's worth noting that Barkley previously served as a Giants team captain, and thus could help fill the voids created by the losses of Kelce and Cox. Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson has also spoken publicly about having "more of that leadership role" with the Eagles. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Eagles second behind the Dallas Cowboys (+125 odds) at +135 betting odds to claim the NFC East division title for the 2024 season. 

Another second-place finish coupled with a one-and-done postseason appearance could ultimately cost Sirianni his job next winter.