Howie Roseman explains why Eagles haven’t extended Zack Baun, other key free agents

Eagles GM Howie Roseman could be looking to stack up on compensatory picks after he explained why the Eagles didn’t hand out contract extensions to key 2025 free agents like Zack Baun, Josh Sweat and others

The Eagles have 19 pending free agents, and with some big names looking to cash in, the Philadelphia defense could look quite different in 2024.

During his Super Bowl opening-night press conference, the Eagles GM provided insight into his thinking, explaining to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia why he didn’t extend contracts to several key free agents.

“Once you start doing that, it’s almost like, are you picking favorites?” Roseman said. “And the other guys start saying, ‘What about me?’ And they start playing for themselves as opposed to the team.

“Now, we’ve seen that probably costs you money in the long run as you’re doing it. But when you have an opportunity to compete for a championship, it’s worth that sacrifice I think.”

Philadelphia has several critical free agents who probably want to return to the Eagles but could land massive paydays on the open market. Zack Baun, Mekhi Becton, Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, and Kenneth Gainwell could land lucrative deals when the new league year begins.

Roseman admitted that he watches Baun and Becton’s price tag grow daily but sacrificed potential long-term deals for a Super Bowl run without distractions.

“I’ll do anything for a championship,” Roseman said. “So if that’s the trade-off and maybe we lose a player, I won’t like that, but I’ll take it.”

The six free agents listed above will all have major suitors on the open market, but if those players depart, the Eagles can land upwards of four compensatory picks.

Panthers G Robert Hunt named to 2025 Pro Bowl Games

The Panthers now have themselves two Pro Bowlers.

The Carolina Panthers now have themselves two Pro Bowlers for the 2024 campaign.

As announced on Monday morning, right guard Robert Hunt will be headed to Orlando, Fla. this week to represent the team in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. This is the first career Pro Bowl selection for the 28-year-old hog molly, who will be replacing Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Landon Dickerson on the NFC squad.

Hunt, a second-round pick from the 2020 NFL draft, spent the first four seasons of his pro career as a member of the Miami Dolphins. He joined the Panthers this past offseason, inking a massive five-year, $100 million deal out of free agency.

Save for the regular-season finale, an outing he missed due to a knee injury, Hunt played in every offensive snap for the Panthers in 2024. Per Pro Football Focus, Hunt allowed 36 pressures over 587 pass-blocking opportunities.

The newly-minted all-star will join teammate and cornerback Jaycee Horn, who was also selected to his first Pro Bowl Games this offseason.

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Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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Landon Dickerson exits NFC Championship game vs. Commanders with knee injury

Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive guard Landon Dickerson exits NFC Championship game vs. Washington Commanders with knee injury

Landon Dickerson is out, and the injured Cam Jurgens is back in the lineup. The Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over the Commanders in the NFC Championship game.

Dickerson is dealing with a painful knee injury and is questionable about returning. With Dickerson out of the lineup, Cam Jurgens has been inserted at the center, and Tyler Steen will remain at left guard.

Jurgens completed a pregame workout, and the team didn’t make him inactive, which is a smart move, considering Dickerson is likely out for the remainder of this contest.

Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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Eagles to host Commanders in NFC Championship game after 28-22 win over Rams

Eagles to host Commanders in NFC Championship game after 28-22 win over Rams in the NFC Divisional Round

The Eagles are headed to the NFC title game and host their division rival, the Washington Commanders. After holding on for a 28-22 win over the Rams in the NFC divisional round, the Eagles will play the Washington Commanders.

In what can only be described as a barn burner, Philadelphia looked like they put the game away after going up 28-15, but the Rams scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown to pull within seven. After the Eagles could not maximize their final offensive drive, the Rams had one final shot on a ten-play, 60-yard drive that fell short with an incomplete pass to Puka Nucau at the Philadelphia 22-yard line.

The No. 2 seed Eagles will host the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders (12-5), who defeated the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions (15-2) 45-31 at Ford Field on Saturday night.

Washington’s 45 points were the most in a playoff game in franchise history.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw three interceptions and was uneven all night. He went 23-40 passing for 313 yards (7.8 avg), one touchdown, and a 59.7 quarterback rating. The Lions’ running game was dynamic but underused, as Jahmyr Gibbs had 14 carries for 105 yards (7.5 avg) and two rushing touchdowns.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

For Washington, Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite and Pro Bowler, Jayden Daniels was 22-31 passing for 299 yards (9.6 avg), two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 122.9 quarterback rating.

In an offensive shootout, the two teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense and 57 first downs.

Philadelphia and Washington split the season series, with the Commanders pulling off a 36-33 home win in Week 16 after Jalen Hurts was ruled out with a concussion.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 13-10 lead over Rams in divisional round

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 13-10 lead over Rams in divisional round

The weather came as expected, but there were plenty of big plays in the first half as the Eagles hold a 13-10 lead over the Rams at home in the divisional round game on Sunday. A Philadelphia win and Nick Sirianni would host the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game next week. The Eagles lost rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first half with a shoulder injury, and Isaiah Rodgers matched up with Rams wide receivers on the outside, which will be something to watch. With the second half quickly approaching, here sights and sounds from the first 30 minutes. ***

Eagles vs. Rams: Pregame sights and sounds from NFC Divisional Round game

We’re looking at pregame sights and sounds from the Philadelphia Eagles matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round

We’re now minutes away from the Eagles, and Rams kicking off their divisional-round matchup at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia is look to reach 7-0 in the Divisional Round at home in their franchise history and advance to another NFC Championship Game. With kickoff moments away, here are the pregame sights and sounds from a gigantic matchup.

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Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 10-0 lead over the Packers

Jalen Hurts fought off rust and an intense Packers pass rush to make plays when needed as the Eagles jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half. Vic Fangio’s defense did a good job of confusing Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, forcing two …

Jalen Hurts fought off rust and an intense Packers pass rush to make plays when needed as the Eagles jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half. Vic Fangio’s defense did a good job of confusing Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, forcing two interceptions.

Philadelphia lost linebacker Nakobe Dean to a knee injury and will look to finish drives and capitalize on Packers turnovers.

With the second half underway, here are seven takeaways from the first half.

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5 Eagles (including Jalen Hurts) named first or second alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

5 Eagles (including Jalen Hurts) named first or second alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

The NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC, and the Philadelphia Eagles had six players make the roster, led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter.

Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens made the roster, and Carter, Baun, and Jurgens made the list for the first time.

Philadelphia also had five players named as alternates.

WR A.J. Brown
T Jordan Mailata
CB Quinyon Mitchell
OLB Josh Sweat

Second alternate:

QB Jalen Hurts

Seven other Eagles were named third, fourth, and fifth alternates.

The 88 Pro Bowl selections are determined by a vote that includes fans, players, and coaches. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games, presented by Verizon, will be held on Sunday, February 2, in Orlando.