In an unforgettable Super Bowl LIX performance, the Philadelphia Eagles delivered a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, with a few key players shining the brightest. Among them were three pivotal pending free agents, who played crucial roles in the win.
On defense, the Eagles were nothing short of spectacular. Linebacker Zack Baun led the team in tackles and sealed his reputation with a game-changing interception that set up a touchdown just before halftime. Meanwhile, EDGE Josh Sweat stood out with 2.5 sacks and seven total pressures, earning his place as one of the game’s top performers. Defensive Tackle Milton Williams contributed significantly with two sacks, including a forced fumble and recovery that essentially put the game out of reach for the Chiefs in the fourth quarter.
Looking at the future of these players, Zachary Rotman of FanSided speculates that GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles will make every effort to re-sign Baun, their breakout star who not only earned a first-team All-Pro selection but also received votes for AP Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Eagles are likely to face financial constraints this offseason and may not be able to keep everyone. Rotman predicts that Josh Sweat will depart the Super Bowl champions to sign a lucrative deal with the Detroit Lions. Here’s Rotman’s analysis of Sweat’s situation:
“Sweat had an argument as this offseason’s premier edge rusher, and Sunday’s showing only added to that narrative. He’s going to get paid, especially after hiring Drew Rosenhaus to represent him. A team like the Detroit Lions can offer him the same chance to win as the Eagles, and they’re projected to have over $46 million of cap space according to Over The Cap.”
Losing Sweat would be a tough blow for the Eagles, who would be left thin at the EDGE position as they head into the new league year. Veteran Brandon Graham is expected to retire after winning his second Super Bowl ring at 36, and former $51 million signing Bryce Huff was a surprising healthy scratch for Sunday’s game, a clear indicator of his current status with the team. Though the Eagles have rising young talent like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, the need for an experienced pass rusher is apparent. While it’s not impossible for the Eagles to retain both Baun and Sweat, it does seem unlikely given the team’s cap situation.
For the Detroit Lions, who saw their own Super Bowl aspirations falter due to defensive injuries in 2024, adding another proven EDGE rusher could be key. Sweat, who posted 66 total pressures and 11 sacks in 20 games this past season, could be the ideal partner for Aidan Hutchinson.
After signing a one-year, $10 million prove-it contract to stay with the Eagles in 2024, Sweat is likely to command double that amount on the open market this March. That steep price may be more than the Eagles can afford, making it a strong possibility that they’ll lose their top pass rusher to another team.
