In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to keep their starting edge rusher, Josh Sweat, in the team despite earlier speculation of a potential trade or release. Multiple reports indicate that Sweat and the Eagles have reached an agreement on a restructured contract, ensuring his presence on the roster for the upcoming season.

Sources confirm that Sweat's restructured deal includes $10 million guaranteed, with additional incentives that could increase his earnings to a maximum of $13 million. Prior to this renegotiation, the 26-year-old player had no guaranteed money, making this new contract a significant step towards ensuring his future security as he enters a contract year.

Retaining Sweat was a no-brainer for the Eagles, considering his performance on the field. Although he experienced a decline in production towards the end of the 2023 season, with zero sacks in his final eight regular season games, Sweat showcased his potential in the years prior. In 2022, he recorded an impressive 11 sacks, proving his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

While cutting Sweat might have been a tough sell for the team, trading him could have potentially made sense if it meant bolstering their defense by retaining Haason Reddick. With Sweat now back in the fold and Bryce Huff also part of the equation, it raises questions about the future of Reddick in the Eagles' edge rusher rotation. Reddick, who has accumulated the fourth-most sacks since 2020, brings proven experience to the table.

The Eagles management now faces the challenge of finding a way to keep both Reddick and Sweat, potentially forming a formidable pass rush duo. It would no doubt be an impressive sight on paper, but the practicality of such a scenario remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Philadelphia fans are optimistic about the team's defensive potential with Sweat's return.

As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the decision to retain Josh Sweat on a restructured contract demonstrates their commitment to building a formidable defense. Time will tell if this move pays off, but for now, the Philadelphia Eagles have solidified their pass rush and retained a valuable asset in Sweat.