Tag: nakobe dean

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.

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

49ers legend Patrick Willis reveals favorite linebackers in today’s NFL

Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis reveals his favorite linebackers in today’s NFL w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Willis—on behalf of Verizon—discussed the First-Ever “Super Bowl FanFest,” which will bring a Super Bowl LIX experience to 30 NFL cities across the country. He also shared his thoughts on some of his favorite linebackers in the NFL today.

In a first-of-its-kind event, Verizon transforms stadiums and venues across all 30 NFL markets into a nationwide FanFest. Fans will enjoy free Super Bowl LIX Sunday celebrations with food and beverages from locally owned small businesses, meet-and-greets with local football heroes, live local music acts, interactive games, and unique football fan experiences.

Verizon customers can bring a select number of guests to FanFest to share the afternoon of celebrations with family and friends.

Willis played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the 49ers, earning numerous All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as one of the best linebackers to play the game. He opened up about some of his favorite players from his position group to watch in the league today.

“It’s kind of hard to compare,” Willis explained. “I’m a person. I don’t like to compare it. I always feel like everyone is their own individual. I will say there are some great linebacker play happening in the NFL. Maybe I’m a little biased, but I feel Fred (Warner) is still the number one linebacker, him and Roquan (Smith).

“feel like they are 1A, 1B. They’re both right there, and both are very good. The different things that they do make them All-Pros, which they are. I enjoy watching good football and seeing guys get after it, and I have a fanatical effort. Dre Greenlaw, when healthy, is one of the best. When Dre and Fred are together, man, they are a joy to watch.”

Smith and Warner were again first-team Associated Press All-Pro members for the 2024 season, continuing their exceptional play.

“I enjoy watching good defense, good football, and the play of Fred and Roquan,” Willis said. “I like Nakobe Dean from the (Philadelphia) Eagles; I’m just a fan of defenders, as I was when I was a kid. You had the people they show you; they say these are the superstars. I’ve always been one of the ones. I just watched the game, and you see the effort. You see guys getting after it, land, the boom, high energy, 100% effort. Those are guys I’ve always been a fan of, so I’m just a fan of the game, defenders, and those who get after it.”

Visit VerizonFanFest.com for a full list of events and locations and access to free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. FanFests across the country will take place on Sunday, February 9, beginning at 4pm ET / 1pm PT.

Eagles place linebacker Nakobe Dean on Injured Reserve

Eagles place linebacker Nakobe Dean on injured reserve

The Eagles are preparing for the NFC Divisional round and announced five roster moves on Tuesday, including placing star linebacker Nakobe Dean on injured reserve.

Dean was carted off in the second half of Philadelphia’s 22-10 win over the Packers in the wild-card round.

In 15 regular-season games in 2024, Dean had a career-high 128 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, 19 QB hits and pressures, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception while earning All-Pro votes. Sunday marked Dean’s first playoff start. He had six tackles before exiting the game.

Eagles announced five roster moves ahead of NFC Divisional game vs. Rams

Eagles sign Parris Campbell to the active roster, sign Nick Morrow and WR Elijah Cooks to the Practice Squad, released WR Joseph Ngata from the Practice Squad, and placed Nakobe Dean on Injured Reserve.

The Eagles are preparing for the NFC Divisional round and announced five roster moves on Tuesday. Philadelphia signed wide receiver Parris Campbell to the active roster, linebacker Nicholas Morrow, and wide receiver Elijah Cooks to the Practice Squad.

The Eagles released wide receiver Joseph Ngata from the Practice Squad, placing star linebacker Nakobe Dean on Injured Reserve.

In 15 regular-season games in 2024, Dean had a career-high 128 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, 19 QB hits and pressures, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception. Sunday marked Dean’s first playoff start. He had six tackles before exiting the game.

Former Georgia LB Nakobe Dean suffers season-ending injury

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending injury in the Eagles’ wild card win over the Packers

Former Georgia Bulldog Nakobe Dean suffered a devastating end to his breakout season with the Philadelphia Eagles. In a wild-card NFL playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, a team with many former Bulldogs on their roster, Dean was carted off the field with a knee injury.

An MRI revealed that Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon and he will miss the rest of the Eagles’ postseason run. The Eagles played linebacker Oren Burks after Dean was carted off.

It’s a terrible blow for both the Eagles’ defense and Dean. After being selected in the third round of the 2022 draft, Dean emerged as an every-down linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. Dean recorded a career-best 128 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Since the Philadelphia won against the Packers, the Eagles will advance to play the winner of the Minnesota Vikings versus Los Angles Rams game in the divisional round. As usual, the Eagles will rely on a ton of Georgia Bulldogs on defense. Losing Dean is a huge loss for the Eagles.

Against the Packers, Dean had six tackles and two tackles for loss before exiting the game. There’s no timetable on when he’ll be ready to play again, but when he returns, he’ll be looking to improve on his excellent 2024 play.