Eagles’ big-money acquisition nearing bust status after another dud

The Philadelphia Eagles, now with a 2-6 record, are nearing a turning point as they face the possibility of missing the playoffs. This article examines five critical questions about the team's future, beginning with the performance of a key defensive player, Jonathan Greenard.

Greenard, who was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings for two third-round picks and a four-year, $98 million contract, has faced criticism for his lackluster play. In his first eight games, he has recorded no sacks and merely five pressures. Injuries have also hampered his performance, but his recent struggles against both pass and run attempts have raised questions about his value.

Comparisons to former Eagles free-agent signings and trades, such as Bryce Huff, suggest that Greenard may be on a similar downward trajectory.

Another area of concern is the team's recent contract signings, particularly those of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Davis, who signed a three-year, $78 million deal, has struggled to anchor the defensive line against the run, as evidenced by a particularly poor performance against the Commanders. Carter, the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, has also shown inconsistency in his play. The Eagles may need to reconsider the long-term value of these deals if they cannot improve.

With Lane Johnson's retirement, rookie Markel Bell assumes the starting right tackle position. Bell has shown promise as a rookie, but has also made glaring mistakes, such as being bull-rushed by opponents and forcing his own fumble. His future as the starting right tackle remains uncertain, and the Eagles may be forced to draft an offensive tackle if they do not see improvement by the end of the season.

Finally, the article questions the decision-making of Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, particularly regarding his draft picks in 2025 and 2026. While Roseman has been successful in selecting All-Pro players in the past, the performance of these recent draft choices has raised doubts about his judgment. As the season progresses, the Eagles will need to address these issues to ensure a brighter future beyond the current struggles.