“Things Could Get Squirrelly”: Why Eagles’ Defensive Exodus Has an NFL Insider Worried

The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, are usually lauded for their ability to rebuild and retool on the fly. General Manager Howie Roseman has a reputation for shrewd moves that keep the team competitive. However, for the 2025 season, an NFL insider has delivered a stark warning: the Eagles are one of the “least improved teams” and things could “get squirrelly” due to a significant defensive exodus.

This isn’t a typical post-championship hangover prediction. This insight points to a strategic challenge the Eagles face on the defensive side of the ball, one that could test their depth, coaching, and overall resilience.

The Defensive Drain: Key Losses in 2025 Free Agency

The core of the concern revolves around the sheer volume and quality of defensive talent that departed Philadelphia in the recent offseason. When a team wins a Super Bowl, difficult decisions about roster management inevitably follow, often leading to key players seeking lucrative deals elsewhere. The Eagles were no exception, seeing a mass exodus of crucial contributors:

• Defensive Line: The interior took a hit with the departure of Milton Williams (to the Patriots) and the retirement of franchise legend Brandon Graham. On the edge, the loss of Josh Sweat (to the Cardinals) leaves a significant void in their pass rush rotation.
• Linebacker: While they retained All-Pro Zack Baun, the team lost Oren Burks (to the Bengals), who had stepped up admirably, and will be relying heavily on young talent.
• Secondary: This is arguably where the Eagles faced the most significant overhaul. They released veteran cornerback Darius Slay (who signed with the Steelers) and traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (to the Texans). Additionally, Avonte Maddox (to the Lions) and Isaiah Rodgers (to the Vikings) also departed, leaving the cornerback and safety rooms significantly thinner.

These aren’t just role players; these are players who accounted for a substantial number of defensive snaps and crucial contributions to the Eagles’ championship-caliber defense. As one report noted, six key defensive players who collectively played 4,390 defensive snaps in 2024 are no longer with the team.

The “Least Improved” Warning: What It Means

The insider’s label of “least improved” isn’t a slight on the Eagles’ offensive continuity or the acquisition of new offensive talent like Saquon Barkley. Instead, it highlights the perceived net loss on defense when comparing the 2024 championship roster to the current 2025 iteration. While the offense remains formidable with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and the dominant offensive line, the defensive unit faces genuine question marks.

The phrase “things could get squirrelly” suggests instability and unpredictability. It implies that the defensive unit, particularly early in the season, might struggle to find its footing, potentially leading to inconsistent performances and unexpected challenges in games.

The Plan: Banking on Youth and Scheme

Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office certainly didn’t stand still. Their strategy to counter the defensive exodus has been clear: drafting heavily on defense and relying on a new defensive coordinator to maximize the talent.

• 2025 NFL Draft: The Eagles used their first five draft picks on defense, signaling their commitment to rebuilding that side of the ball.
  • LB Jihaad Campbell (Round 1, No. 31): A highly athletic linebacker from Alabama, Campbell is expected to immediately compete for a starting role and potentially fill the void left by Burks. He’s drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons for his versatility.
  • S Andrew Mukuba (Round 2, No. 64): The Texas safety is seen as a potential replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, known for his ball-hawking skills and versatility in the secondary.
  • DT Ty Robinson (Round 4, No. 111): A powerful interior lineman from Nebraska, aimed at shoring up the defensive tackle rotation.
  • CB Mac McWilliams (Round 5, No. 145): A versatile cornerback from UCF who can play both inside and outside.
  • LB Smael Mondon (Round 5, No. 161): Another athletic linebacker from Georgia, adding depth and competition to the unit.
• Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio: The Eagles brought in veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, known for his complex and effective defensive schemes. The hope is that Fangio’s system can elevate the performance of the remaining and new defensive players, creating a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts. His ability to adapt and utilize player strengths will be crucial.

Challenges and Concerns for 2025

Despite the draft capital invested and the addition of Fangio, several concerns linger:

1. Experience Gap: The sheer loss of veteran experience, particularly in the secondary, is undeniable. Replacing players like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson with rookies and unproven talent is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. While young players bring athleticism, they often lack the situational awareness and veteran savvy needed in critical moments.
2. Chemistry and Cohesion: Building chemistry on defense, especially under a new coordinator, takes time. The defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary will all feature new faces and new roles. Early-season struggles in communication or execution could be a direct consequence of this turnover.
3. Injury Luck: Any unit relying heavily on youth and unproven talent is vulnerable to injuries. A significant injury to a key young player could further destabilize a defense already navigating a period of transition.
4. Tough Schedule: To make matters even more challenging, the Eagles are facing a notoriously difficult schedule in 2025. Sharp Football Analysis ranks their schedule as the fourth-hardest in the league, with 10 of their 14 opponents having made the playoffs last year. This rigorous slate will immediately test the new-look defense.
5. Quarterback Play: While Jalen Hurts is an elite talent, sustained success on offense can sometimes mask defensive deficiencies. If the offense struggles to consistently put up points, the pressure on the defense to perform will intensify.

The Optimistic Outlook: Why the Eagles Could Still Soar

It’s not all doom and gloom for the Eagles. There are strong arguments to be made for their continued success:

• Elite Talent Remains: The Eagles still boast elite talent in key defensive positions. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis lead a formidable interior defensive line. Nakobe Dean, if healthy, can be a difference-maker at linebacker. Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean (who has been taking reps at both outside and slot corner in OTAs) are highly promising young talents with significant potential.
• Howie Roseman’s Track Record: Roseman has consistently proven his ability to adapt and acquire talent. If early season struggles highlight specific deficiencies, he’s shown a willingness to make aggressive moves to address them.
• Vic Fangio’s System: Fangio’s defensive scheme has a proven track record of success. He often puts players in positions to succeed and is adept at disguising coverages and generating pressure. With time, his system could elevate the overall performance of the unit.
• Offensive Firepower: The Eagles’ offense is designed to control games and keep pressure off the defense. Their strong offensive line, combined with dynamic playmakers, can sustain drives and limit opposing possessions, giving the defense more rest.

The Verdict: A Season of High Stakes and Adaptation

The NFL insider’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that even Super Bowl champions face immense challenges in maintaining their dominance. The Philadelphia Eagles are entering the 2025 season with a distinctly different defensive identity. The “exodus” is real, and the reliance on youth and scheme is significant.

“Things could get squirrelly” is a legitimate concern, especially in the early part of the season against a tough schedule. However, if their top draft picks can transition quickly, if Vic Fangio’s system takes hold, and if the remaining veterans step up into leadership roles, the Eagles still have the potential to be a formidable team.

The 2025 season will be a true test of the Eagles’ organizational philosophy and their ability to adapt after a championship. Fans should brace for an intriguing journey, one that will undoubtedly feature moments of brilliance and potentially some “squirrelly” challenges as their new-look defense finds its footing.