Inside the Huddle: Pass rush a priority for Eagles
Will the Eagles add an All-Pro edge rusher before the start of the season? And how good are the Commanders?
Those are two of several questions facing the Eagles as they prepare for training camp, which opens July 23.
With Josh Sweat signing with Arizona and Brandon Graham retiring, the Eagles’ pass rush suddenly lacks depth.
In this edition of Inside the Huddle, we’ll break down Philadelphia’s edge-rushing options and take a look at Washington’s early outlook.
We’ll also spotlight early sparks from Penn State and Notre Dame — and revisit the career of a former Lehighton, UConn, and Kutztown standout.
Watt’s Up? ... There’s been plenty of talk about the Eagles targeting Steelers five-time Pro Bowler T.J. Watt, who reportedly wants out of Pittsburgh — despite the Steelers acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and tight end Jonnu Smith in an all-in Super Bowl push.
One rising rumor involves the Eagles trading third-year linebacker/edge rusher Nolan Smith and a fifth-round pick for Watt. Philadelphia is unlikely to include a first- or second-round pick in such a deal.
Smith, a 2023 first-round pick (30th overall), posted 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 10 starts over 16 games last season.
Watt, 30, recorded 11.5 sacks and 61 tackles last year and has shown few signs of decline. He’s led the league in sacks three times — including a career-high 22.5 in 2023.
The key debate is whether Watt has enough left to help deliver another Super Bowl — and whether it’s worth giving up a rising talent like Smith for a potentially short-term solution.
Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract. Reports indicate he’s seeking a deal in the range of $40 million annually — similar to what Cleveland’s Myles Garrett received. The Eagles currently have $27 million in available cap space.
A pass rush featuring Watt and Jalen Carter could be among the league’s most dominant. This will be a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.
Trey’s Tidings ... There’s also buzz around Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson. The 30-year-old All-Pro is reportedly holding out for a new contract.
Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, matching his 2022 total. He also recorded 46 tackles.
The Bengals would reportedly consider trading Hendrickson for a second-round pick.
Like Watt, Hendrickson’s situation is one to monitor over the next three weeks.
Other Possibilities ... The Eagles signed former Giant Azeez Ojulari, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. He played in 11 games last year and has 22 sacks over four years.
Former Patriot and Chief Josh Uche is another option. After an 11.5-sack campaign in 2022, his production dipped, but new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is known for reviving careers and pushing the right buttons.
Philadelphia could also look to the free-agent market. Several 32-year-old edge rushers are available
• Von Miller (Bills): Managed six sacks last season but hasn’t looked like his Denver-era self.
• Za’Darius Smith (Browns): Registered five sacks in a tough Cleveland environment.
• Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers): Has never lived up to his No. 1 pick status but still recorded 5.5 sacks last season.
Any of the three could provide depth and veteran presence — but none offer the impact of Watt or Hendrickson.
Still, pairing either with Carter could evoke flashbacks to the Reggie White–Jerome Brown era.
A Seattle Sleeper? ... The Eagles are also rumored to be interested in Seattle’s Boye Mafe. The 26-year-old edge rusher and 2022 second-round pick posted six sacks and 40 tackles last year, along with a 77.8 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
Mafe had a breakout 2023 with nine sacks and 16 quarterback hits. With Seattle flush with edge rushers, he could be available at a reasonable price.
At 6-1 and 245 pounds, Mafe could be a perfect scheme fit in Fangio’s versatile system.
Can They Command? ... In upcoming columns, we’ll explore more of the Eagles’ NFC opponents. For now, Washington appears to be the biggest threat in the division.
Dallas is banking on a healthy Dak Prescott, and the Giants are in a rebuild. But the Commanders, who finished 14-6 last season, appear poised to contend — despite ending the year with a 55-23 loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship.
Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last year — including a five-touchdown performance in a 36-33 comeback win over the Eagles.
Washington bolstered its offensive line with former Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil and first-round pick Josh Conerly from Oregon.
Ex-49er Deebo Samuel also joins Terry McLaurin as a dynamic receiving duo.
Philadelphia and Washington will meet twice in the final three weeks — including a potential division-deciding season finale Jan. 4 in Philly.
Allar-In for Happy Valley ... Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s stock continues to rise.
In a recent EA Sports/on3.com QB study, the 6-5, 236-pound Allar ranked as the nation’s third-best quarterback — trailing only Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
Projected as a late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Allar threw for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions last season. He had 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just two picks the year prior.
Penn State’s last first-round QB? Kerry Collins, drafted fifth overall by Carolina in 1995.
The Nittany Lions open the season Aug. 30 vs. Nevada.
Drive the Carr to the Dome ... At Notre Dame, redshirt freshman C.J. Carr is penciled in as the starting quarterback following Steve Angeli’s transfer.
Carr impressed in the spring game, completing 14-of-19 passes for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The Irish open the season Aug. 31 in Miami.
Scrapbook ... Each week, we’ll revisit a former area standout.
Robbie Frey is Lehighton’s all-time leading rusher with 4,845 career yards. His senior season in 2007 included 2,035 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Frey continued his career at UConn, where he rushed for 573 yards and seven TDs and averaged 27.3 yards per kickoff return. He later transferred to Kutztown and rushed for 1,185 yards and 11 TDs in his final season.
He attended the Jets’ developmental camp and signed with the Falcons on Aug. 4, 2012, before being released later that month with an injury settlement.
Your Tales ... With training camps approaching, we want your favorite football stories — from high school to the pros. Email them to tnsports@tnonline.com, and we’ll publish select submissions in upcoming editions.
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome.