Eagles urged to take a low-risk swing on former first-round edge rusher
· Yahoo Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles have built a reputation for finding value where others see uncertainty, and their next opportunity might come in the form of a former first-rounder that they best remember for the time he spent playing for a division rival, Clelin Ferrell was the fourth overall selection of what was then the Oakland Raiders (as you know, they play in Las Vegas now).
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According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, Ferrell stands out as a potential low-risk addition for a team still looking to solidify its edge rotation following the departure of Jaelan Phillips. Philadelphia's plan, at least publicly, leans on internal growth. Players like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt are expected to make meaningful progress in 2026. At the same time, it's no secret that general manager Howie Roseman explored bigger swings this offseason, checking in on elite pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
Those pursuits didn't materialize, which makes a player like Ferrell all the more interesting.
Yes, the former fourth-overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft has yet to live up to that billing. The “bust” label has followed him through stops with multiple teams. But context matters. Ferrell is still just 28 years old and quietly showed signs of life during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers, tallying four sacks in limited action over eight games last season. That kind of production, especially in a rotational role, is exactly what the Eagles have historically maximized.
Philadelphia doesn’t need Ferrell to be a star. They need him to be a piece—someone who can contribute situationally, set the edge, and take advantage of favorable matchups created by the talent around him. And that’s where this fit begins to make sense. For a team that has consistently bet on upside and depth along the defensive front, Ferrell represents the kind of calculated gamble that has paid off before. If nothing else, he offers insurance. At best, he could be the latest example of a player finding his footing in the right system.
Sometimes, the smartest moves aren’t the splashiest ones
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles urged to take a chance on former first-round pick