Ranking the NFC East rosters isn’t as simple as rating the top receiving tandems in the division, which are loaded with star power.
For years, the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were known as the best receiving duo in the division. Now it’s debatable because of the new pairing of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb with the Dallas Cowboys. There’s also the new partnership of Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin with the Washington Commanders. And don’t sleep on Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson on the New York Giants.
But the Eagles won the NFC East, and eventually the Super Bowl, because they had plenty of help around Brown and Smith, including a clutch quarterback in Jalen Hurts.
It’s going to take a lot more than impressive pass catchers to win the NFC East crown in 2025. Here’s how we ranked the loaded rosters in the division after the draft and free agency.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles retaining the No. 1 spot is a testament to the depth GM Howie Roseman has built throughout the roster over the years. The three other NFC East teams gained plenty of talent while the defending Super Bowl champions were forced to part with several key starters this offseason to maintain cap space flexibility.
But even with all the splash trades and signings elsewhere, the Eagles remain a level above the rest with their stacked offensive line and the league’s best running back in Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,005 yards behind left tackle Jordan Mailata, left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cameron Jurgens and right tackle Lane Johnson. Philly is counting on veteran newcomer Kenyon Green to replace right guard Mekhi Becton, who’s signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after a breakout 2024 season. The argument for the best receiving tandem in the division got tougher this offseason, but it doesn’t get much better than Brown and Smith. And it’s to dispute that Hurts isn’t the best quarterback in the NFC East after guiding his team to a Lombardi Trophy last season.
The defense lost plenty of talent, especially with the departures of edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams. But the dominant Jalen Carter will make life easier for the new starters on the defensive side. Philadelphia is banking on either Azeez Ojulari, Bryce Huff, Joshua Uche or Jalyx Hunt to step up on the opposite side of Nolan Smith Jr., the third-year edge rusher coming off a sensational playoff run. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and defensive back Cooper DeJean turned in impressive rookie seasons, but they won’t get to lean on the experience of the departed Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles could have a dynamic tandem at linebacker with first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell joining 2024 first-team All-Pro Zack Baun.
