Eagles' 2025 Signings: Mostly One-Year Deals

The Philadelphia Eagles signed many players to one-year contracts in 2025. Some players did well, but others were hurt or played less. This article looks back at how these players performed and the team's plan.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

The 2025 free agency period saw the Philadelphia Eagles make a series of one-year signings, aiming to bolster their roster for immediate success. This strategy appears to have yielded mixed results, with several players contributing in limited capacities or facing significant playing time limitations due to injuries or strategic shifts. The team's approach focused on acquiring a notable number of players on short-term contracts, a move that necessitates a close examination of individual performances and the overall impact on team dynamics.

Overview of 2025 Free Agency Activity

The Philadelphia Eagles were active during the 2025 NFL free agency period, bringing in twelve new players, all on one-year contracts. This overarching strategy suggests a team focused on immediate needs and flexibility, with the expectation that these players would need to perform to earn longer-term commitments. The roster saw significant shifts, with some familiar faces departing for other teams.

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A look back at the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 free agent signings - 1

  • Key Acquisitions: Several players were brought in on one-year deals, including linebacker Joshua Uche, linebacker Azeez Ojulari, cornerback Adoree' Jackson, and tight end Harrison Bryant.

  • Departures: Notable players who moved on include cornerback Avonte Maddox, who signed with the Detroit Lions, and defensive lineman Milton Williams, who joined the New England Patriots.

  • Contract Strategy: The prevailing theme was the one-year contract, a deliberate choice by the Eagles to evaluate talent over a single season.

Player Performance and Contributions

The performance of the Eagles' 2025 free agent signings varied, with some players demonstrating impact despite limited snaps, while others faced challenges that curtailed their contributions.

Edge Rushers: Ojulari and Uche

The pass-rushing unit saw the addition of Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche. Ojulari's season was largely impacted by injury, limiting his participation. Uche, while showing flashes of potential, experienced a shift in playing time later in the season.

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A look back at the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 free agent signings - 2

  • Azeez Ojulari: Saw action in only three games before being placed on Injured Reserve (IR) for the majority of the season.

  • Joshua Uche: Played in 12 games, logging 241 snaps. He recorded 23 pressures, 15 tackles, and one sack. His playing time on defense reportedly decreased significantly in the latter part of the year, particularly after the acquisition of Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline.

Defensive Backs: Jackson

Cornerback Adoree' Jackson played a prominent role within the Eagles' defensive scheme.

  • Adoree' Jackson: Was noted as playing a "biggest role on the team" among the free agent signings. He participated in 122 snaps, allowing three sacks. Jackson returned for the final three games of the season.

Other Signings and Their Roles

Other players brought in via free agency filled specific roles, with varying levels of involvement throughout the season.

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A look back at the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 free agent signings - 3

  • Linebacker Ben VanSumeren: Re-signed on a one-year deal.

  • Long Snapper Charley Hughlett: Served as the long snapper in seven games, all of which were wins for the Eagles.

  • Tight End Harrison Bryant: Was signed to a one-year contract.

  • Linebacker Patrick Johnson: Agreed to a one-year deal.

  • Linebacker Dillion: Also signed a one-year deal.

Roster Moves and Strategic Context

The Eagles' free agency approach occurred within a broader context of roster management, including trades and the departures of key players.

Trade Activity

The team engaged in a notable trade early in the period.

A look back at the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 free agent signings - 4

  • Kenny Pickett Trade: The Eagles traded backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Thompson-Robinson was slated to be the third-string quarterback behind Tanner McKee.

Player Departures

The departure of several players, some significant contributors, shaped the team's needs.

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  • Milton Williams: The defensive lineman signed a contract with the New England Patriots. Williams had been a notable player for the Eagles, contributing significantly during their Super Bowl run.

  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson: While not explicitly a 2025 free agent signing in this context, his previous offseason signing was mentioned as a key move. His absence was noted in the context of team performance.

Analysis of the One-Year Contract Strategy

The Eagles' consistent use of one-year contracts for their free agent acquisitions in 2025 warrants consideration. This strategy suggests a focus on short-term evaluation and potential future flexibility.

  • Performance Incentive: All twelve free agent signings were on one-year deals, signaling a clear expectation that these players must prove their worth for potential long-term extensions.

  • Talent Assessment: This approach allows the team to thoroughly assess players in their system without long-term financial commitment, enabling data-driven decisions for subsequent seasons.

  • Competitive Landscape: The team's activity was framed against a backdrop of relative stasis in the NFC East, where competitors were also facing challenges, suggesting the Eagles aimed to maintain parity through targeted, short-term additions.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 free agency period was characterized by a predominantly one-year contract strategy for incoming players. This approach led to a diverse range of contributions, with some players like Joshua Uche showing promise despite limited snaps, while others, such as Azeez Ojulari, had their seasons significantly curtailed by injuries. Adoree' Jackson appears to have been a key contributor in the secondary. The team also made significant roster adjustments through trades, notably the acquisition of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The effectiveness of this strategy will ultimately be judged by the team's performance and its ability to retain or replace these players based on their one-year evaluations.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players did the Eagles sign in 2025?
The Eagles signed twelve new players in 2025. All of them signed for one year.
Q: Did any players get hurt?
Yes, Azeez Ojulari got hurt and could not play most of the season. Other players also had less playing time.
Q: Who was a key player signed in 2025?
Adoree' Jackson played a big role in the team's defense. Joshua Uche also showed good moments.
Q: What was the Eagles' main plan for signing players?
The team wanted players for just one year. This let them see how players did before deciding on longer contracts.