Eagles Core Breakdown: Only 9 Players Part of Philadelphia's

The Brutal Reality Check

The Philadelphia Eagles face a sobering truth as they prepare for the offseason: their "talented core" might not be as deep as many believe. Watch the full episode breakdown on The National Football Show YouTube for the complete analysis.

A comprehensive evaluation of the Eagles roster reveals that only nine players can truly be considered core pieces for the franchise's future. This stark assessment, discussed on The National Football Show, forces a difficult conversation about where the Eagles really stand heading into free agency and the 2025 draft.

Defense Carries the Load

The defensive side of the ball provides the majority of Philadelphia's foundational pieces. Six players emerge as clear building blocks:

Jordan Davis anchors the interior despite questions about his contract value. His youth and potential make him a cornerstone piece for the defensive line's future.

Jalen Carter represents perhaps the most valuable asset on the entire roster. His combination of talent and age makes him untouchable in any rebuild scenario.

Jalex Hunt continues to develop into a reliable pass rusher, providing the kind of edge presence the Eagles have long sought.

Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell form a promising young cornerback tandem that could anchor the secondary for years to come.

Jihad Campbell rounds out the defensive core with his versatility and upside at linebacker.

Notably absent from this list are several players many fans might expect. Reed Blankenship, despite Vic Fangio's apparent affection for him, doesn't project as a long-term solution. The coaching staff's potential turnover makes current preferences less relevant for future planning.

Offensive Concerns Mount

The offensive side presents a more troubling picture. Only three players earn core designation:

DeVonta Smith remains the most reliable offensive weapon and a clear building block for any future success.

Jordan Mailata provides stability at left tackle, though injury concerns always loom with offensive linemen.

Landon Dickerson gets the benefit of the doubt despite concerning injury history - he's undergone 13 surgeries throughout his NFL career, raising legitimate questions about long-term durability.

The absences from this list tell the real story. Jalen Hurts faces significant questions about his future role. A.J. Brown's relationship with the organization appears strained, with his potential departure becoming increasingly likely. Saquon Barkley, despite his Pro Bowl season, has only one year remaining on his deal and doesn't represent a long-term solution.

The Salary Cap Reality

Perhaps the most concerning aspect isn't who's missing from the core group, but how much money is tied up in non-core players. The Eagles have invested heavily in players who may not be part of their future plans, creating salary cap complications that could hamper their ability to build around their actual foundational pieces.

This financial reality makes the upcoming offseason even more critical. Difficult decisions await regarding expensive veterans who don't fit the long-term vision.

Comparative Analysis

When measured against other NFL teams, nine core players isn't necessarily catastrophic. Most franchises struggle to identify more than 8-10 truly foundational pieces. However, the distribution matters significantly - having six of nine core players on defense while the offense lacks stability creates obvious challenges.

Looking Ahead

The Eagles' path forward requires honest evaluation rather than emotional attachment. JAKIB Sports membership provides exclusive analysis of how teams navigate these roster construction challenges.

This assessment sets the stage for what could be a transformative offseason. Free agency and the draft become even more crucial when viewed through the lens of having only nine true building blocks.

The question isn't whether the Eagles need to make changes - it's whether they'll be honest enough about their current situation to make the right ones.

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