The Eagles open their 2025 training camp to defend their title. With rookie Andrew Mukuba signed, he now battles Sydney Brown for a starting safety spot.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The victory parade is a fond memory, the Super Bowl rings have been sized and delivered, and the confetti has been swept away. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles officially turned the page, opening their 2025 training camp at the NovaCare Complex not as celebrants, but as defenders of the crown. With rookies and veterans reporting, the 44-day countdown to the season opener has begun, and the daunting task of a Super Bowl repeat is now the only thing that matters.
With five interceptions to lead the SEC last season, newly signed second-round pick Andrew Mukuba isn't just here to develop; he's here to compete for a starting job from day one.
General Manager Howie Roseman wasted no time locking up the future. The team announced the signing of second-round safety Andrew Mukuba, officially putting the entire 2025 draft class under contract as camp opened. This move clears the deck for the real work to begin. Mukuba, a ball-hawking safety from Texas, is immediately thrust into one of camp's most compelling storylines: the battle to fill the void left by C.J. Gardner-Johnson. He'll compete directly with Sydney Brown for the starting safety spot, a competition that could define the back end of the defense.
While the Eagles enter camp as champions, they are not without their vulnerabilities. The linebacker corps is a major area of concern, with last year's breakout star Nakobe Dean still rehabbing a torn patellar tendon and expected to miss the start of camp. His absence creates a massive opportunity for Zack Baun, hometown hero Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and first-round pick Jihaad Campbell. However, Campbell himself is recovering from shoulder surgery, adding another layer of uncertainty. The injury bug isn't limited to the defense; key offensive players like center Cam Jurgens (back) and running back A.J. Dillon are also working their way back, creating early questions along the line and in the backfield.
The Eagles' 'in the trenches' philosophy faces a test this season. After the departures of franchise stalwarts Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams, the pass rush will look decidedly different. The pressure is now on free-agent acquisition Joshua Uche and developing prospects like Nolan Smith (recovering from a triceps issue) and Jalyx Hunt to generate pressure. On the offensive side, the right guard spot is up for grabs between Tyler Steen and Kenyon Green. Amidst these on-field battles, the front office is looking ahead. Safety Reed Blankenship and linebacker Nakobe Dean have been identified as top priorities for contract extensions, a sign that the Eagles are focused on maintaining their championship core for years to come.
As the team hits the field for its first workout on Wednesday, all eyes will be on these developing situations. How will Brett Toth, who took first-team reps at center in the spring, look with Cam Jurgens sidelined? Can A.J. Dillon hold off dynamic rookie Will Shipley for the RB2 job behind Saquon Barkley? Most importantly, will the new-look pass rush show signs of being able to replicate the dominance of its predecessors? The early days of camp won't provide all the answers, but they will set the tone for the entire season.
The celebration is over. The target is now squarely on their backs. With a roster re-tooled but facing significant injury questions, the 2025 Eagles have a difficult road ahead. The journey to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LX begins now, one practice at a time. The first padded sessions can't come soon enough, as they will offer the first real glimpse into whether this team has the grit, health, and talent to do what's hardest in sports: stay on top.
