Hug the family. Wave at the neighbors. Make sure the fridge is stocked with plenty of groceries. We're closing in on August. Philadelphia Eagles training camp is underway. We're locked in. Hopefully, this ride travels all the way to New Orleans in February.
There's this line that is always being toed in this great game of football. Stay in win-now mode while always thinking about the future.
We're excited about this team, both now and moving forward. There's some good young talent here. It will be fun to watch them grow up together.
That being said, turnover is part of every offseason. During the most recent, we said goodbye to familiar faces and welcomed some new Birds. At the risk of looking too far ahead, here are a few guys whose tenures in Philly might be winding down.
This is probably their last year in the City of Brotherly Love.
Brandon Graham (retirement announced)
Well, this one won't surprise anyone. Brandon Graham has said he wanted to play 15 NFL seasons for a while. He reiterated this would be his final upon re-signing this most recent offseason.
Following the first training camp practice, he reiterated such again. There's no waffling here. He's at peace, and we're happy for him.
Avonte Maddox
Avonte Maddox has gotten some first-team reps and makes sense as someone Philly should keep around (even if there's a position switch). He has to make the team of course, but if he does, past this season, there are questions about whether or not he's a long-term fit.
Kenneth Gainwell
The announcement of Kenny Gainwell's acquisition as a fifth-choice in 2021 made many feel like Philly hadn't gotten a steal by selecting him there. He's not as bad as some of his detractors seem to think he is, but he probably isn't talented enough to be a full-time and/or long-term starter.
Josh Sweat
He's homegrown. He turned out to be a lot better than many thought he'd be. Josh Sweat is a good football player, but he also disappeared during Philly's tailspin last season.
He's on 27 years old. He defied the odds as a fourth-round draft choice who already earned a second contract and made a Pro Bowl. Still, if his Eagles career continues, it will be based on how he performs during these next 17 games.
Philly let him explore his market this past offseason. They may allow him to walk next March, but we'll see. Regardless of what happens, he'll be on someone's roster in 2025.
