Patrick Johnson’s bid to stay on the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-man roster centers on a rare blend of pass-rush flair and elite special-teams value. The seventh-round Tulane pick has shown enough to be considered over deeper depth pieces, with preseason strip-sacks and a string of hustle plays underscoring his potential as a rotational edge and key special-teams contributor.

With Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Josh Uche delivering reliable pressure, Johnson’s fate hinges on more than flash plays—coaches like Vic Fangio weigh floor vs. ceiling, and the Giants game tape plus a clutch Ravens outing provide a blueprint for how he could fit Week 1. The debate isn’t whether he can play in the NFL; it’s whether the cost of keeping six edge players, versus other roster decisions, is worth the add. Either way, his track record on special teams is hard to ignore and keeps him in the conversation for Philly’s opening lineup.

As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for training camp, roster decisions loom large for several notable players. Key names are finding themselves on the bubble, including running back A.J. Dillon, wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., tight end Harrison Bryant, offensive lineman Kenyon Green, outside linebacker Patrick Johnson, cornerback Eli Ricks, and defensive back Lewis Cine. With the Eagles boasting a strong roster and minimal gaps, competition for these positions will be fierce, particularly for seasoned players aiming for a comeback. Dillon, who is returning from a serious injury, will need to prove he can recapture his past form, while others like Marshall and Bryant will aim to solidify their roles amidst a crowded field.

The Philadelphia Eagles have strengthened their roster by signing Patrick Johnson, a former linebacker with the New York Giants. This move is part of a trend as the Eagles continue to bring in talent from their NFC East rivals. Johnson, who was a seventh-round pick by the Eagles in 2021, spent over three seasons in Philadelphia before being claimed off waivers by the Giants. Last season, he featured in 12 games for the Giants, but ended the year on injured reserve. Throughout his career, Johnson has made a mark predominantly on special teams, recording 39 tackles and contributing across multiple defensive roles.

Patrick Johnson, the linebacker previously with the New York Giants, has rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal, enhancing the team's pass rush depth. Drafted by the Eagles in 2021, Johnson showed promise before his stint in New York, where he recorded four tackles across twelve games. His return to Philadelphia is expected to bolster their defensive options as they aim for a strong 2024 season.

Tra Blake and his officiating crew will oversee the New York Giants' Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. In his third NFL season, Blake has quickly risen through the ranks, having started as a field judge and becoming a referee in 2022.

This season, his crew has called 167 penalties, ranking seventh in the league. They have officiated a previous Giants game this season, where they flagged the team for five penalties totaling 35 yards.