The 2024 National Football League season is nearing the completion of Week 3, with only two games remaining on Monday night. Most teams have already played three games, giving fans an early sense of how the season might unfold. Among the notable teams this season are the Philadelphia Eagles, who have impressed so far with a 2-1 record. The Eagles showcased their defensive prowess in a gritty Week 3 matchup against the high-powered New Orleans Saints, a team known for its potent offense.
Philadelphia’s strong start to the season suggests they could easily have been 3-0 if not for a close Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Despite their current success, the Eagles, like most teams, are not operating at full capacity and could benefit from some additional reinforcements. This is a sentiment echoed throughout the league, as injuries and inconsistencies plague most rosters at this stage of the season.
One of the Eagles’ primary concerns is their defensive line, an area that Bleacher Report’s scouting department identified as needing improvement. Each week, Bleacher Report compiles a list of the most pressing needs for NFL teams and suggests potential solutions, whether through free agency, future offseason acquisitions, or the draft. In their latest analysis, they highlighted the Eagles’ need for a boost on the defensive front and suggested a specific player who could fill that gap in the future: Kansas City Chiefs veteran defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton.
Bleacher Report predicted that Philadelphia could target Wharton during the 2025 free agency period. They pointed out that Milton Williams, one of the Eagles’ current interior defensive linemen, is set to become a free agent, which could leave a significant hole in the team’s defensive line. While Wharton may not be the most high-profile player on the market, his performance so far in the 2024 season indicates he could be a valuable addition to Philadelphia’s defense.
According to Bleacher Report, “Wharton is far from the biggest name on the open market, but he is someone to keep an eye on throughout the campaign.” The 26-year-old defensive lineman has already made an impact early in the season, earning solid grades in both pass-rushing and run defense. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, Wharton managed to rack up seven quarterback pressures on just 78 pass-rush snaps, demonstrating his effectiveness as a disruptive force on the defensive front.
Wharton’s age and experience make him an appealing option for the Eagles, especially given his proven track record with the Chiefs, where he has already won two Super Bowls. His versatility and ability to impact both the pass rush and run defense would make him a strong candidate to replace Williams, should the Eagles decide to pursue him in free agency next year.
While Philadelphia has started the 2024 season on a strong note, the team knows that sustained success often hinges on depth and the ability to adapt to injuries or underperformance. Bringing in a player like Wharton could provide the Eagles with much-needed support in the trenches, particularly if they want to maintain their defensive strength throughout the season and into the playoffs. As the season progresses and the Eagles assess their long-term needs, Wharton’s name will likely remain on their radar as a potential solution for bolstering their defense in 2025.
