Chiefs must solve a very different Eagles roster in emotional Super Bowl rematch

The Kansas City Chiefs will play their home opener in Week 2. On tap, a rematch of last year's Super Bowl between Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Since Philly's dominant win last February, both teams have made many changes to their rosters in the offseason, with the Eagles' roster experiencing more turnover than the Chiefs.

Going into this Sunday's matchup, Kansas City will have to account for several new faces donning Philly's green. Obviously, stars like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown remain, but there are also fresh names to get acquainted with heading into the Chiefs’ first home game of 2025.

Let's dive into the additions and subtractions that the Eagles made since these teams met in last year's Super Bowl.

Eagles lost plenty in the pass rush and secondary

The Eagles lost a combined eight players who played significant snaps for them in the pass rush or in the secondary. Ironically, four names from each spot on the roster departed this offseason. The pass rush of the Eagles in 2025 is still expected to be among the best in the league, which will give K.C. a major test on Sunday, as a result.

Philadelphia saw Josh Sweat and Milton Williams leave for new teams in free agency, both signing some of the highest contracts on the open market this year. Bryce Huff was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, while the highly respected Brandon Graham retired. Graham remained effective against both the run and pass until the end of his career, and his impact as a trash talker and team leader cannot be understated.

In the secondary, the Eagles let several veterans move on. Darius Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Avonte Maddox, a versatile defender for years, signed with the Detroit Lions. Isaiah Rodgers joined the Minnesota Vikings after a solid season. Finally, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans. His physicality and intensity will be something the Chiefs are likely happy to avoid this week.

Other Eagles who are missing

The Eagles had a few other free agent departures from last year's roster. That the Eagles let any of these players walk, however, is not particularly surprising.

Let's start with Mekhi Becton, who was a draft bust for the New York Jets in his first few years. Thankfully for him, he was able to learn under highly-touted offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland and became a reliable interior piece for the Eagles. He is now in the AFC West with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Running back Kenneth Gainwell, a steady depth option, stayed in Pennsylvania by signing with the Steelers. Linebacker Oren Burks, another depth piece, filled in capably when called upon last season. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Another absence is linebacker Nakobe Dean. He missed last year’s Super Bowl against the Chiefs due to injury, but was still an impressive part of the defense last season. Dean remains on the PUP list, which will force other Eagles linebackers to cover in space—an area where Dean excels.

Fresh Eagles faces for 2025

Most of Philadelphia's newest additions are depth options and role players, but there are two new starters on defense. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba are being heavily trusted right away along the spine of the defense. Both rookies flashed in various points of their Week 1 win.

Pass rusher Za'Darius Smith just signed with the Eagles the day after their win over Dallas. It’s unclear how many snaps he’ll play in Kansas City, but his experience should allow him to contribute in select packages.

At cornerback, Adoree' Jackson played heavy snaps on the outside last week. His coverage can be hit or miss, but his athleticism still allows him to stick with receivers in spots.

Offensively, the Eagles added running back A.J. Dillon and wide receiver John Metchie III. Neither is a starter, but both rotated in during the opener. Lastly, defensive additions by the Eagles included Byron Young, Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, and Jakorian Bennett.