Eagles’ depth chart shakeup could spark Philly's next preseason trade

Working within the confines of a tight budget, the Philadelphia Eagles passed on making even a single splash signing in free agency this year.

Outside of extending key starters like linebacker Zack Baun, running back Saquon Barkley and center Cam Jurgens, GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles scoured the second wave of free agency for low-risk, high-upside players they could sign to team-friendly, one-year contracts.

The closest the Eagles came to a “splash” signing was Azeez Ojulari, poaching the former second-round draft pick of the rival New York Giants on a deal worth just $3 million. The move was lauded at the time, as Ojulari was widely viewed as a depressed asset who filled a clear position of need for the reigning Super Bowl champs.

But with two preseason games in the books, Ojulari is reportedly trending in the wrong direction on Philly’s depth chart with roster cut-downs about a week away.

Azeez Ojulari predicted to be Eagles’ next trade block candidate

According to Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Ojulari hasn’t only struggled to grasp Vic Fangio’s defense as the team’s No. 3 EDGE rusher — he’s slipped behind fellow free agent additions Joshua Uche and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

“So far, Josh Uche is the third edge behind Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, and Okoronkwo is probably next,” Frank wrote. “Azeez Ojulari has been a little disappointing and we haven’t seen anything from former 1st-round pick Ochaun Mathis. So I feel like Okoronkwo is making a bit of a roster push here.”

The Eagles have already flipped two players, defensive tackle Thomas Booker and tight end Harrison Bryant, in trades this month. After analyzing Philly’s first two preseason games, Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox tabbed Ojulari as the most obvious Eagles player to hit the trade market next.

“The Eagles may decide that saving $1.5 million in cap space is better than keeping Ojulari as a deep reserve,” Knox wrote. “That doesn't mean, though, that he can't flourish elsewhere with a fresh opportunity.”

Per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Roseman and Co. could continue to wheel and deal prior to Week 1 thanks to their abundance of 2026 draft capital. And while fans are holding out hope for a blockbuster move like Trey Hendrickson, the Eagles will likely stick to the plan and continue their savvy approach to 2025, targeting young players like CB Jakorian Bennett and WR John Metchie III who offer low risk and high potential.