Two defenders with ties to Vic Fangio are newly on the free agent market.
The Seattle Seahawks recently released several players in order to clear salary cap space ahead of NFL free agency. Two of those defensive linemen might be of interest to the Philadelphia Eagles, especially since 1) they could help the Birds fill a position of need, 2) they have ties to Philly’s coaching staff, and 3) signing players who got cut doesn’t impact the compensatory pick formula. Let’s take a closer look.
DRE’MONT JONES
Jones began his professional career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him with a third-round pick (No. 71 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. Fangio was Jones’ head coach for three seasons from 2019-2021. Jones left the Broncos after 2022 to sign a three-year, $51.5 million contract with Seattle. He notably overlapped with former Seahawks defensive coordinator and current Eagles senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach Clint Hurtt during the 2023 season. Jones produced 8.5 sacks in 34 games played for the Seahawks before they released him.
If he was cut, why would the Eagles have interest? Well, Jones previously played some of his best football for Fangio as a defensive tackle. The Seahawks mostly had Jones playing as an edge rusher in 2024. Jones is listed at 6’3”, 281 pounds. That’s a similar size to Milton Williams, who is listed at at 6’3”, 290 and also has some inside/outside versatility.
There’s reason to believe the 28-year-old Jones could be a good contributor in the Eagles’ defensive tackle rotation, which went five players deep last season. With Williams expected to leave in free agency, the Eagles need to add some help at DT. Adding a released veteran like Jones or Javon Hargrave could be a cost-effective way to address the position. Jones checks boxes in terms of experience, versatility, familiarity, and durability.
ROY ROBERTSON-HARRIS
RRH is a 31-year-old defensive tackle who began his NFL career in 2017 as an undrafted rookie free agent. He signed with the Chicago Bears, where Fangio was his defensive coordinator for two seasons from 2017-2018.
RRH has never posted big-time pass rush production; he’s averaging just under 2.5 sacks per season. But he’s a credible interior defensive lineman if the Eagles want to add an affordable veteran contributor at the position.
WHAT SHOULD THE EAGLES DO?
Jones seems like a logical target for the Eagles to sign if/when they lose Williams. Their defensive tackle rotation for 2025 could look like: Jalen Carter, Dre’Mont Jones, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, and a Day 1 or Day 2 rookie.
RRH is more of a fallback option if the Eagles strike out on other opportunities to add to the DT position.
