Eagles’ Jalyx Hunt is ready to step up in 2025 to replace Josh Sweat

The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will rely on youngsters on defense in their quest to repeat as champs. With a wave of departures shaking up the roster, one player who stands poised to step into a major role is second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt.

Eagles Look to Hunt to Fill the Void Left by Sweat

Philadelphia moved on from several key defenders in the offseason, including Josh Sweat, who secured a lucrative deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat’s departure leaves a sizable void in the Eagles’ pass rush, one that Hunt is eager to fill.

“Hurting my heart,” Hunt told Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer about seeing so many teammates leave. “This is the business part that everybody talks about. So, this is my first time experiencing it. I’m going through the throes of it right now.”

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While the Eagles will miss Sweat’s production, they have confidence that Hunt, a third-round pick in 2024, is ready to take on a larger workload. His mindset has already shifted from apprentice to competitor.

“That’s the OG, man,” Hunt said of Sweat. “Josh Sweat, he’s out of here. I told him, ‘It’s up,’ though, because now we’re in direct competition. Because before, I’m learning from you, everything. But now I’ve got to outrush him and everything like that.”

Hunt’s Growth Under Vic Fangio

Hunt saw a gradual increase in playing time as the 2024 season progressed, largely due to injuries to Bryce Huff and Brandon Graham. However, it wasn’t just necessity that put him on the field — it was also his development under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

After logging just five total defensive snaps in the first five weeks, Hunt played at least 30 percent of the defensive snaps in each of the final seven weeks of the regular season. In the playoffs, he recorded 1.5 sacks, matching his regular-season total and demonstrating his ability to produce in high-stakes situations.

Expectations Are High in 2025

General manager Howie Roseman has already indicated that he expects a big leap from Hunt in 2025. Along with fellow young defensive lineman Moro Ojomo, Hunt is being counted on to maintain the Eagles’ fearsome pass rush.

For his part, Hunt remains committed to the grind, focused on refining his skills and capitalizing on his opportunity.

“I’m going to do what I did last year,” Hunt said. “Just put my head down, work, study some more film, ask more questions. I feel as if I can ask better questions now that I know a little bit more about the position and I’ve played and I’ve got some experience at it. Just ask my butt off. Work my butt off.”

The Eagles are betting on Hunt’s talent and work ethic to help fill the void left by Sweat. If his late-season performance in 2024 is any indication, he may be more than ready to answer the call.