Top Free Agents the Eagles’ Head Coach Nick Sirianni Prioritizes for 2025

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the 2025 NFL season, Head Coach Nick Sirianni is faced with the challenging task of deciding which key free agents to prioritize in order to maintain the team’s championship-contending status. After securing the Super Bowl 59 title, Sirianni and the Eagles front office will have to make some difficult decisions to ensure that they continue to build a roster capable of competing for the ultimate prize. Here are the top free agents that Sirianni will likely prioritize for the Eagles’ 2025 roster.

1. Josh Sweat (EDGE)

Position: Edge Rusher
Age: 28
2024 Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Why Sirianni Should Prioritize Him:
Josh Sweat has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ pass rush, and his importance to the defense is undeniable. With his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Sweat has been a game-changer for the Eagles, finishing the 2024 season with impressive statistics—8 sacks and 15 pressures. His ability to disrupt plays and create pressure from the edge has made him one of the premier pass rushers in the league. Given his youth and ability to consistently perform at a high level, Sirianni will likely prioritize re-signing Sweat to ensure the Eagles continue to have a formidable defense moving forward.

2. Milton Williams (DT)

Position: Defensive Tackle
Age: 26
2024 Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Why Sirianni Should Prioritize Him:
Milton Williams has quietly become a major contributor to the Eagles’ defense, playing a crucial role on the interior of the defensive line. With 40 pressures and 5 sacks in the 2024 season, Williams proved that he can be disruptive and impactful from the defensive tackle position. His versatility and ability to collapse the pocket make him an essential piece for the Eagles’ future. As the Eagles face the possibility of losing some defensive talent, Sirianni should work to keep Williams, as he has shown he can handle the demands of the NFL and will only improve with more experience.

3. Zack Baun (LB)

Position: Linebacker
Age: 29
2024 Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Why Sirianni Should Prioritize Him:
Baun was a standout in the Eagles’ linebacker corps in 2024, and his consistency in the middle of the defense has made him a key asset. With 89.7% of defensive snaps played, Baun has demonstrated the ability to handle a significant workload and be effective in both coverage and run-stopping situations. His performance, including 151 tackles and 3.5 sacks, solidified his place as a top linebacker for the Eagles. Sirianni should make it a top priority to keep Baun, as his leadership and ability to read the game are invaluable to the Eagles’ defense.

4. Avonte Maddox (CB)

Position: Cornerback
Age: 29
2024 Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Why Sirianni Should Prioritize Him:
Avonte Maddox has been a solid contributor in the secondary for the Eagles, and his ability to cover opposing receivers in both man and zone schemes makes him a vital part of the defensive backfield. Despite facing injury challenges, Maddox’s skills and leadership cannot be overlooked. He has consistently proven to be a reliable cornerback, often tasked with covering top-tier wide receivers. Given the importance of having depth at the cornerback position, Sirianni will want to ensure that Maddox remains with the team to bolster the Eagles’ secondary.

5. Kenneth Gainwell (RB)

Position: Running Back
Age: 26
2024 Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Why Sirianni Should Prioritize Him:
Kenneth Gainwell has been a solid complement to the Eagles’ backfield, showing the ability to make plays when it matters most. With 953 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2024, Gainwell proved he can be relied upon in key moments, particularly in the postseason. As the Eagles look to strengthen their running game and maintain a balanced offense, Sirianni should work to keep Gainwell on the roster, ensuring depth at the running back position and providing a versatile option in both the running and passing game.

Conclusion: Strategic Decisions for a Championship Run

As Nick Sirianni looks to the future, keeping these top free agents will be crucial for the Philadelphia Eagles to remain a Super Bowl contender. Re-signing players like Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Zack Baun will ensure that the team’s defense stays dominant, while Avonte Maddox and Kenneth Gainwell offer key support in the secondary and backfield. By prioritizing these players, Sirianni will help lay the foundation for another championship run in 2025, keeping the Eagles competitive and ready for another deep playoff push.