The Philadelphia Eagles face a daunting challenge this season as they look to replace key defensive backs Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who were pivotal in their successful secondary last year. The team has seen promising talent in younger players like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, but establishing a reliable and cohesive unit in the secondary will be crucial. The Eagles have been experimenting with various combinations during off-season workouts to identify the players that can fill these significant roles effectively. Maintaining the defensive prowess that characterized their previous season will be essential for their success.

Several former Philadelphia Eagles players are in a prime position to shine in the upcoming 2025 NFL season, with standout performances expected from C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Josh Sweat. Gardner-Johnson's versatility as a safety has been a significant asset, and he aims to build on his previous year's performance. Meanwhile, Sweat's ability to rush the passer makes him a key player for his new team, offering a dynamic presence on the field. Both players have showcased their talent in the past, and their transition to new roles should yield impressive results.

With an eye on the future, Houston Texans owner Cal McNair expressed optimism about the team's trajectory after consecutive AFC South titles. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans are gearing up to break their playoff curse, highlighted by their recent 0-6 record in the divisional round. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, a former Offensive Rookie of the Year, is supported by an offensive arsenal featuring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and standout receiver Nico Collins. On the defensive side, the Texans have bolstered their secondary with the acquisition of All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, both of whom are expected to enhance a defense aiming for championship-level performance.

The Philadelphia Eagles chose not to trade starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, largely due to their enthusiasm for Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick from Houston. His arrival was initially seen as a bonus, potentially allowing the Eagles to replace a starter with another. However, Green's performance during offseason workouts has not met expectations, as he typically worked with the second and third teams and struggled to stand out, trailing behind players like Tyler Steen.

Despite this, the Eagles remain optimistic. With Gardner-Johnson's substantial cap hit, retaining him may still provide the team with financial flexibility in the long run. The Eagles aimed for Green to be on the field early in the season, but his development needs to quicken for him to contribute meaningfully this year.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun is stepping into a significant leadership role as the team transitions following the departures of key defensive players. With Darius Slay now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, C.J. Gardner-Johnson traded to the Houston Texans, and Brandon Graham's retirement, the Eagles' defense needs a new voice. Baun, traditionally more reserved, is adapting to this challenge. He aims to lead by example while becoming a more vocal presence in the locker room, especially with injuries affecting fellow linebackers like Jihaad Campbell and Nakobe Dean.

The Eagles are optimistic that Baun can embody the leadership qualities seen in the franchise's past legends. His ability to balance being an All-Pro performer with effective communication will be crucial for the Eagles' defense as they aim for a successful Super Bowl title defense in the upcoming season.