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The Philadelphia Eagles notoriously collapsed last year after an incredible start to their season. They won 10 of their first 11 games and were the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They instead finished the year by losing six of their final seven games, including a first-round exit from the NFL Playoffs.
After appearing in the Super Bowl in 2023 and returning most of their roster for the 2024 NFL season, the Eagles will have their sights set on bouncing back from last season's disappointing result. In order to do so, the following five players will likely need to step up in a big way.
Most important Eagles for the 2024 NFL season
#5 - DeVonta Smith
Despite being the second wide receiver behind AJ Brown in the Eagles' offensive system, DeVonta Smith recently signed a new contract extension worth $25 million in AAV. This means that the franchise is paying two players to be elite, as they each rank among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. While Smith has been solid so far, he may need to increase his output this year to live up to his contract.
#4 - Saquon Barkley
The Eagles ranked among the top five teams in rushing yards per game last year, but still decided to upgrade their running back position. They moved on from D'Andre Swift and replaced him with Saquon Barkley, putting the pressure on him to perform. He will enter the season with massive expectations to be productive and remain healthy, which has been an issue fo him.
#3 - Quinyon Mitchell
Passing defense was one of the biggest issues in Philadelphia last season. They allowed the second-most passing yards per game to their opponents. The franchise used the 2024 NFL Draft to address this, selecting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds. Mitchell is projected to be a starter, so a strong season can help to solve their problem.
#2 - Bryce Huff
Haason Reddick served as the Eagles' leading pass rusher last year, but departed the team during the offseason. The team replaced him with Bryce Huff, who set a career-high with 10 sacks last season. The potential issue is that he recorded more sacks last year than he had in his previous three seasons combined, so he will need to prove that he's capable of filling in for Reddick.
#1 - Jalen Hurts
The Eagles' epic collapse last season was likely the result of a combination of many different factors, but Jalen Hurts' regression as a passer was probably one of them. He threw for 18 touchdowns in his first 11 games, but just six touchdowns during their seven-game skid. If they want to have any chance of being Super Bowl contenders again this year, Hurts will need to bounce back from his own skid.
