Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Surprise Vikings roster decision could give Eagles EDGE help they need

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Ryan O'Leary | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 2:08 PM ET

It’s been easy to question the Philadelphia Eagles’ plan at EDGE rusher this offseason, with recent NFL draft busts like Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche their top roster additions behind young starters Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt.

General manager Howie Roseman always has a plan, of course, and a potential solution just became available via a cut-down day report from EPSN’s Tom Pelissero.

Per Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings plan to waive young pass rusher Gabriel Murphy if they fail to find a trade partner prior to Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline. The news comes as a major surprise in Minnesota, with Murphy viewed as an ascending young talent who appeared locked in as the Vikings’ fourth EDGE rusher behind Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.

The Eagles have done business with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings, most recently with their deal for QB Sam Howell. Roseman has already made a slew of trades this month, and a move to keep Murphy from hitting waivers would make a ton of sense.

The Philadelphia Eagles met with EDGE Gabriel Murphy prior to the 2024 NFL Draft

Murphy entered the pre-draft process in 2024 as an intriguing prospect out of UCLA. He piled up 61 quarterback pressures and eight sacks for the Bruins during the 2023 season, per Pro Football Focus, and met with Eagles coaches at the Scouting Combine.

Talked with one of my favorite pass rushers in this class, #UCLA EDGE Gabriel Murphy, who met informally with the #Eagles. Told me his cross chop go-to move was inspired by his teammate Laiatu Latu.

Mentioned Shaq Barrett and Micah Parsons as players he models his game after. pic.twitter.com/a2M6iP7Jra
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 28, 2024

While he wound up going undrafted, Murphy had a strong market as a rookie free agent and signed with the Vikings for $245K in guaranteed money, per Spotrac. He was one of Minnesota’s training camp standouts that summer before a knee injury left him bouncing between injured reserve, the practice squad, and eventually a late-season debut on the active roster.

Vikiings fans had high hopes for Murphy for 2025. In two preseason appearances this summer, he flashed his ability to get to the passer with eight QB pressures and 1.5 sacks; PFF also credited him with five QB hits.

The Eagles have made moves at cornerback, wide receiver and even third-string QB since the start of August. They surprisingly haven’t addressed EDGE aside from signing veteran Ogbo Okoronkwo in late July, leaving an obvious opening with the NFL's cut-down frenzy now in full swing.

What would an Eagles trade for Gabriel Murphy look like?

Murphy is still only 24 and is signed through 2026. Roseman and the Eagles have been looking for young, high-upside options on the cheap this offseason, and Murphy checks all of those boxes. The only real sticking point could be his lack of experience on special teams in the NFL.

Given the Eagles’ initial interest in the player coming out of UCLA, Roseman should make the call and offer a pick swap, sending Minnesota back their own 2026 sixth-round pick for Murphy and a seventh-rounder. Similar to the Howell situation, it would be a win-win for both parties.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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