Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Preseason Update: Defending Champions Gear Up for Another Title Run

The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, are diving into the 2025 preseason with high expectations and a roster poised to defend their title. With a mix of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and strategic roster moves, the Eagles are shaping up to be a formidable force in the NFC East. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates from training camp, roster changes, and key storylines as the Eagles prepare for their first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 7, 2025.

Super Bowl Hangover? Not for These Eagles

After a commanding Super Bowl win, where quarterback Jalen Hurts earned MVP honors with nearly 300 total yards and three touchdowns, the Eagles are showing no signs of complacency. Hurts, who gave himself just a week to celebrate the victory, has been a vocal leader in training camp, emphasizing focus and rhythm. His fiery message to the locker room about practicing in the scorching heat underscores his commitment to keeping the team sharp: “It’s time to show who we are.”

Head Coach Nick Sirianni, praised by Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie for embodying the team’s vision, has been lauded for using the offseason to refine strategies. Sirianni’s focus on assistant coaches’ player development has been a cornerstone of camp, with particular attention on integrating new and young players into the Eagles’ system.

Roster Moves and Trades

General Manager Howie Roseman continues to make waves with his savvy roster management. On August 6, the Eagles acquired cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker. Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, adds depth to a secondary that’s already brimming with talent. This move reflects Roseman’s knack for trading at the right time, a skill that has kept the Eagles’ roster dynamic and competitive.

Additionally, the Eagles signed long snapper Christian Johnstone on August 4, waiving defensive back BJ Mayes, following an injury to veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett. This under-the-radar move addresses a critical special teams need, ensuring stability in a position that’s often overlooked until it’s a problem.

Training Camp Standouts

Training camp has been a proving ground for both veterans and rookies. Here are some key players making noise:

Jalen Hurts: The Super Bowl MVP has been electric, with a strong practice on August 4 easing concerns from earlier in camp. His top 25 career throws highlight his growth as a passer, and he’s mentoring younger players while maintaining his edge.
Saquon Barkley: After a stellar 2024 season that earned him an ESPY for his iconic reverse hurdle, Barkley continues to impress. His chemistry with rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell in drills suggests he’s ready for another big year, though some analysts predict regression in his fantasy football output due to the high bar he set last season. Barkley also made headlines by declining an invitation to join President Donald Trump’s Council for Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, keeping his focus on football.
Quinyon Mitchell: The rookie cornerback nabbed an interception in practice and was named to the NFL Top 100, finishing second in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season. His performance is critical in a competitive cornerback battle for a starting spot.
Jihaad Campbell: The rookie linebacker has been a revelation, taking snaps at EDGE and earning praise from Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio for his versatility. Campbell’s performance against Barkley in practice and his role in the preseason opener against the Bengals are ones to watch.
Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: Both linebackers have shone in camp, with Dean looking “awesome” in workouts and Trotter Jr. holding his own. The linebacker group, including All-Pro Zack Baun, faces interesting depth chart decisions.
Ainias Smith: The second-year receiver is under pressure to prove himself in the preseason opener, with a lot riding on his performance against the Bengals.

Preseason Opener: Eagles vs. Bengals

The Eagles kicked off their 2025 preseason with a 34-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on August 7 at Lincoln Financial Field. The game offered a first look at the team’s depth, a critical factor in their Super Bowl run last year. Key players like Hurts and the offensive starters saw limited or no action, a departure from recent preseasons, as Sirianni evaluates the roster’s depth.

Rookies and fringe players got significant reps, with Jihaad Campbell and Ainias Smith among those under the spotlight. The game also showcased the Eagles’ revamped secondary, with Jakorian Bennett and Quinyon Mitchell making their case for starting roles. Top photos from the game captured the intensity and excitement of the Eagles’ first action since the Super Bowl.

Off-Field Impact

The Eagles’ commitment to community remains strong. On June 4, the organization transformed Stephen Decatur Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia with their 28th Playground Build, involving players, coaches, and staff. The 2025 Eagles Autism Challenge raised over $10 million for autism research and care, and the undefeated Lady Ghosts of Abington clinched their third straight appearance in the Eagles Girls Flag Football Championships.

However, not all off-field news was positive. Former Eagle C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury during a Texans practice, and the NFL community rallied around Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman, who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Challenges and Storylines

Secondary Competition: With Reed Blankenship entering a contract year and Adoree’ Jackson needing to prove himself, the Eagles’ secondary is a focal point. Vic Fangio’s blunt assessment of Jackson—“It’s time to show who he is—or isn’t”—adds pressure to the veteran cornerback.
Linebacker Decisions: The depth at linebacker, with Dean, Campbell, Trotter Jr., and Baun, creates a “good problem” for Fangio and Sirianni.
Schedule Strength: The Eagles face a challenging 2025 schedule, with analysts ranking their strength of schedule among the tougher in the NFL. Their ability to navigate it will be crucial in their quest to repeat as champions.
Super Bowl Ring Ceremony: Delayed due to logistics, the Eagles finally learned the date for their Super Bowl ring ceremony, adding a celebratory milestone to their offseason.

Looking Ahead

As the Eagles prepare for their next preseason games, the focus remains on fine-tuning a roster that’s already among the league’s elite. Jalen Hurts’ leadership, Saquon Barkley’s explosiveness, and a deep defensive front led by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis make Philadelphia a team to beat. With Roseman’s roster tweaks and Sirianni’s coaching staff maximizing player potential, the Eagles are poised for another deep playoff run.

The NFL world is watching, with some teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly emulating the Eagles’ blueprint. Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb stirred the pot by praising Eagles fans’ passion, a bold move that’s sure to fuel the NFC East rivalry.

As the preseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Eagles’ young talent meshes with their championship core. If training camp is any indication, Philadelphia is ready to soar once again. Go Birds!