Philadelphia had one of the lightest off-season workloads following a Super Bowl 59 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in February. The Eagles had six OTA sessions over their nine-week workout program and finished the spring and early summer off with a one-day mandatory mini-camp with perfect attendance from all 90 players on the roster.
Philadelphia reloaded on defense after seeing the bulk of the secondary and several key pass rushers depart via free agency or retirement. During free agency, Howie Roseman stocked up on pass rushers, and that figures to offer the most intense competitions. With the team on a five-week break until training camp, we’re looking at one player on the roster bubble at each defensive position.
DE -KJ Henry
Henry is listed as a defensive end, lumping him in with a loaded group of competitors that includes Patrick Johnson, Ochaun Mathis, Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, and rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., a former fifth-round pick of the Washington Commanders. Henry spent time on the Eagles‘ practice squad last season.
Henry spent the first part of last season with the Cowboys, picking up a sack in one game. During his time in Washington, he played in 10 games as a rookie (three starts), accumulating 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
DT -Gabe Hall
The former Baylor defensive tackle is competing in a group that includes Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Thomas Booker, Byron Young, and rookie Ty Robinson. Hall spent all of last season on the Eagles’ practice squad and could return in 2025. Hall 77 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks during five seasons at Baylor (2019-23).
LB-Dallas Gant
Philadelphia has an All-Pro in Zack Baun and a first-round pick in Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. entering Year two. Nakobe Dean is out, and rookie Smael London has taken first-team snaps during OTAs and mini-camp. That leaves Gant and rookie Lance Dixon fighting for a potential roster spot.
CB-DB A.J. Woods
Woods was a 2024 undrafted rookie free agent who spent time with the Commanders during Training Camp. During his senior season at Pittsburgh, Woods played in 12 games, tallying 30 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. He’ll battle Brandon Johnson, B.J. Mayes, and others for a role in a deep cornerback group.
S-Andre Sam
Sam will fight an uphill battle at the safety spot that includes Tristin McCollum, Sydney Brown, and rookie Andrew Mukuba. Sam spent last season on Philadelphia’s practice squad. Sam (5-11, 191 pounds) jumped from FCS after starting his career in 2017 at McNeese State, where he was selected First Team All-Southland Conference twice. Sam transferred to Marshall for the 2022 season before spending last year at LSU. Overall, he played 58 games in college, registering 144 tackles, ten pass defenses, and nine interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Andre Sam is among the Eagles’ defensive players on the roster bubble