Are Eagles' recent additions just empty calories?

Empty calories come from food with little to no nutritional value. They’re also craveable, like a cupcake. Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh are no cupcakes, but their value to the team is debatable, even in a city that craves defense like Philadelphia.

To be fair, Roseman had to do something. The Washington Commanders ran right through Philly’s defense on Monday. The Eagles currently have four defensive lineman on the IR, including first-round pick Jordan Davis. 

At 6’ 4” and 329 pounds, Joseph at least has the size needed to replace Davis at nose tackle. He’s only had one sack since 2020, but his job will be stuffing the run, not the quarterback. His best years were from 2016 to 2017, his only Pro Bowl seasons.

Suh is a former Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately that was back in 2010. He had 16.5 sacks in three years with Tampa Bay. That isn’t bad but it’s a far cry from the 8-10 sacks he’d put up every year as a member of the Detroit Lions.

At 35 years old, Suh becomes the oldest member of an aging defensive line. Including Joseph and Suh, nine members of the line will become free agents when the season ends. Josh Sweat is currently the only starter under contract next year. Roseman will need sustenance with more substance.

Like an early-morning donut or a late-night piece of pizza, Philadelphia is just looking to get by with their recent additions. They aren’t ideal, but they’ll do in a pinch. Aside from sacks or tackles, their greatest ability will be their availability.