The Eagles fell short in Super Bowl LVII, but Jalen Hurts outplayed Patrick Mahomes on the biggest stage to remind the organization of what they possess at quarterback. Philadelphia didn’t mess around and locked down Hurts with a five-year, $255 million contract after his breakout 2022 season.
But with Hurts’s new deal eating a sizable chunk of the team’s salary cap for years to come, the Eagles had to say goodbye to a handful of veterans, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, guard Isaac Seumalo, linebacker T.J. Edwards and defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles, however, planned ahead through the draft and will now have their top picks from the past two drafts fill starting holes, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Despite the roster changes, Hurts will still have his two standout wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and center Jason Kelce, who decided to return for a 13th season.
The Cowboys also couldn’t afford to spend big in free agency due to Dak Prescott’s lucrative contract, but they got creative by trading for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and now quarterback Trey Lance. A year after sorely missing a No. 2 wideout, Cooks is now tasked with taking pressure off CeeDee Lamb, who’s coming off a career season with 1,359 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Gilmore will be asked to form a standout tandem with cornerback Trevon Diggs, a Pro Bowler the past two seasons. Dallas’ biggest strength is on the defensive line with star edge rusher Micah Parsons, a two-time first-team All-Pro.
