The Philadelphia Eagles had an impressive offseason in 2024, making them one of the clear winners in the NFL. Their draft was highly productive, with steals like defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They also had a strong free-agent period, signing players like running back Saquon Barkley and defensive playmakers C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bryce Huff, and Devin White. The Eagles also extended contracts with pass-catching duo A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. General manager Howie Roseman has positioned the Eagles to rebound from their slide in 2023 after losing in the Super Bowl the year before.
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves on the losing end of the offseason. Owner Jerry Jones took a frugal approach, with their most notable signings being the return of Ezekiel Elliott and linebacker Eric Kendricks on bargain deals. They lost key players like Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard, and Dorance Armstrong, and failed to address the running back position in the draft. It will be challenging for Dallas to defend their NFC East title after Philadelphia’s active offseason.
Darius Slay, a cornerback for the Eagles, discussed the 2023 season, young defensive players, and Vic Fangio in a recent podcast. Slay emphasized the impact of former Eagles DB coach Dennard Wilson and how it influenced his decision to return to Philadelphia. He praised the city and the team but mentioned that Baltimore had offered more money initially. Despite the financial aspect, Slay sees a bright future in Philly.
In terms of on-field performance, there have been discussions about Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. While some criticize his leadership skills, others point out that turnovers were the main issue that affected the team’s performance. Hurts’ turnovers increased in 2023, leading to questions about his decision-making. Improving the offensive play-calling and reducing turnovers will be crucial for Hurts to silence his critics.
The NFL offensive line rankings for 2024 placed the Eagles high on the list, but there are concerns about the unit’s cohesiveness following Jason Kelce’s retirement. Center Cam Jurgens and right guard Tyler Steen will need to step up to maintain the line’s performance. It will be interesting to see how they adapt to their roles in the upcoming season.
Off the field, there was some controversy surrounding Cowboys player Micah Parsons’ podcasting habits. Teammate Malik Hooker expressed concerns about Parsons’ focus and dedication during the season. Parsons responded to the critique, acknowledging the need to balance personal interests with team priorities.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, there are expectations for young offensive players on the Cowboys, like wide receiver Jalen Brooks, to step up and take on larger roles. Brooks has shown potential in limited playing time and could earn more opportunities this year. It will be a season of transition for many players across the NFL, as they aim to make an impact on their respective teams.
In conclusion, the NFL offseason has been eventful for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. While the Eagles made significant moves to improve their roster, the Cowboys faced challenges in retaining key players and addressing key positions. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these teams perform on the field and whether the offseason changes will translate into success.
