Could This Player Be the Eagles’ Answer? A Myles Garrett-Level Pass Rusher in the Making

When the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense takes the field, one question lingers in every fan’s mind: Who’s going to be the next game-wrecking pass rusher? Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ superstar edge defender, remains the gold standard—a rare blend of size, speed, and technique that strikes fear into quarterbacks. But what if the Eagles already have (or could acquire) a player with similar potential? One who could elevate their defense to Super Bowl-caliber dominance?

This isn’t just speculative hype. The data—and the film—suggest a few names who might not just fill Garrett’s shoes but redefine Philadelphia’s pass rush for years. Whether through the draft, free agency, or an under-the-radar breakout, the Eagles’ next elite edge rusher might already be on their radar. Let’s break down the candidates, the metrics that matter, and why this conversation isn’t just fantasy—it’s a strategic necessity for 2024 and beyond.

Why the Eagles Need a Myles Garrett-Level Player

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Haason Reddick is 30, and while he’s still productive (16.5 sacks over the past two seasons), Father Time is undefeated. Behind him, the depth chart thins out. Brandon Graham, a legend in Philly, is nearing retirement. Josh Sweat is solid but not a top-5 edge threat. The Eagles’ defense in 2023 showed flashes of brilliance but lacked a consistent, quarterback-haunting presence—the kind Garrett provides (16+ sacks in three of the last four seasons).

Here’s the hard truth: Elite pass rushers don’t grow on trees. They’re the NFL’s most valuable non-QB assets, and the Eagles’ window to contend with Jalen Hurts is now. Without a dominant edge, even the best secondaries (like Philly’s) get exposed. Just ask the Chiefs how life changed after trading for Chris Jones.

The Garrett Blueprint: What Makes Him Special

Before identifying potential fits, let’s dissect what makes Garrett a generational talent—and what the Eagles should prioritize in a replacement:

• Explosiveness: Garrett’s 1.55-second 10-yard split (per Next Gen Stats) is elite. He closes gaps faster than most linemen can react.
• Versatility: He wins with power (bull rushes), finesse (spin moves), and relentless motor. Double-teams barely slow him.
• Durability: Missed only 3 games in 7 seasons—a rarity for edge rushers.
• Clutch Gene: 20+ QB hits per year since 2018. He doesn’t just get sacks; he changes games.

Now, let’s look at players who check these boxes—or could with the right development.

The Top Candidates: Who Could Be Philly’s Garrett?

Using a mix of advanced metrics (pass-rush win rate, pressure percentage), film study, and scheme fit (the Eagles run a wide-9 heavy system), here are the most compelling options—ranked by realism and upside.

1. Jared Verse (2024 Draft Prospect)

Why He Fits: Verse is the 2024 draft’s most Garrett-like prospect. At 6’4”, 254 lbs, he combines a 4.59 40-yard dash with a 34.5” arm length—ideal for the wide-9. His 2023 season at Florida State (9 sacks, 17.5 TFLs) showcased a relentless motor and refined hand technique.

Garrett Comparison:

• Similar athletic profile (Verse’s RAS score: 9.72 vs. Garrett’s 9.94).
• Elite bend around the edge—critical for wide-9 ends.
• High football IQ; diagnoses plays quickly (see his game vs. LSU).

Red Flags: Needs to add functional strength to hold up against NFL tackles. His pass-rush plan is still developing (over-relies on speed).

How the Eagles Could Land Him: Verse is a top-10 talent, but if the Eagles trade back from their late-first-round pick (acquired in the 2023 draft), they could snag him at ~12–15. Cost: A future first or second-rounder.

2. Brian Burns (Trade/Free Agency Target)

Why He Fits: Burns is the realistic Garrett clone already in the NFL. At 25, he’s coming off a 10-sack season with the Panthers and has elite bend (ranked top 5 in pass-rush win rate among edges in 2023). His 6’5”, 250-lb frame is nearly identical to Garrett’s, and he’s proven he can dominate without elite help around him (unlike, say, T.J. Watt).

Garrett Comparison:

• Career 46 sacks in 5 seasons (Garrett: 83.5 in 7, but Burns plays for worse teams).
• Top-3 in pressure rate among edges since 2020 (PFF).
• Versatile aligner—can play LDE or RDE in Philly’s system.

Red Flags: Burns is under contract through 2024 ($16M cap hit), but Carolina’s rebuild could make him available. Cost: Likely a first-round pick + extension (~$25M/year).

How the Eagles Could Land Him: Trade for him now (before the 2024 deadline) or pursue him in 2025 free agency. The Panthers may prefer draft capital over losing him for nothing.

3. Nolan Smith (2023 Draft Sleeper)

Why He Fits: Already on the roster! Smith, the Eagles’ 2023 first-rounder, flashed Garrett-level athleticism at Georgia (4.39 40-yard dash, 41.5” vertical). While he played mostly off-ball linebacker in college, his pass-rush reps showed explosive first-step quickness and bend.

Garrett Comparison:

• Freakish testing numbers (9.99 RAS—higher than Garrett).
• Untapped potential as a full-time edge (only 100 college pass-rush snaps).
• High-character leader—Garrett’s intangibles are underrated.

Red Flags: Raw technique; needs to develop counters. At 235 lbs, he’s undersized for a full-time DE role (would need to bulk up).

Path to Stardom: If the Eagles use Smith as a situational rusher in 2024 (like they did with Haason Reddick early), he could explode in Year 2. Think Micah Parsons’ trajectory.

4. Danielle Hunter (Free Agency Stopgap)

Why He Fits: Not a long-term answer, but Hunter is the best available veteran who could bridge the gap. At 29, he’s coming off a 16.5-sack season and has consistent production (6+ sacks every year since 2016). His 6’5”, 252-lb frame and 34.5” arms fit the wide-9 mold.

Garrett Comparison:

• Similar length and power profile.
• Elite against the run (critical for Philly’s scheme).
• Durability concerns (missed 2020 with a neck injury).

Cost: ~$18M/year on a 2–3 year deal. Cheaper than Burns but riskier long-term.

How the Eagles Should Approach the Search

Not all pass rushers are created equal—especially in Jim Schwartz’s wide-9 system. Here’s the blueprint for finding (or developing) the next Garrett:

1. Prioritize Athletic Traits

The wide-9 demands explosive get-off and flexibility. Target players with:

• Sub-1.6-second 10-yard splits.
• 34”+ arm length (to keep OTs at bay).
• Elite bend (watch their hip fluidity on film).

2. Scheme Versatility

Garrett thrives because he’s not one-dimensional. The Eagles need a rusher who can:

• Win with speed and power (see: Fletcher Cox’s prime).
• Drop into coverage occasionally (Schwartz loves disguised blitzes).
• Set the edge against the run (critical in Philly’s aggressive front).

3. Development Plan

Even Garrett wasn’t Garrett on Day 1. The Eagles must:

• Pair the prospect with Brandon Graham for mentorship (like Reddick learned from Cox).
• Use situational snaps early (see: Travis Kelce’s rookie year).
• Invest in pass-rush coaching (hiring a specialist like Chuck Smith could pay dividends).

4. Analytical Edge

Don’t just trust the eye test. Leverage:

• Pass-rush win rate (Garrett’s 2023: 25.1%, per ESPN).
• Pressure rate per snap (Burns led edges in 2023 at 16.8%).
• Tackle-for-loss percentage (shows disruption, not just sacks).

Potential Roadblocks and Risks

Chasing a Garrett-level player isn’t without pitfalls. Here’s what could go wrong—and how to mitigate it:

1. Overpaying in Trade/Free Agency

The Broncos’ Bradley Chubb trade (1st + 4th rounder for 11.5 sacks in 1.5 seasons) is a cautionary tale. Solution: Structure deals with team-friendly outs (e.g., Burns’ contract has minimal dead cap after 2025).

2. Draft Busts

For every Garrett (No. 1 overall), there’s a Dion Jordan (No. 3 overall, 9.5 career sacks). Solution: Double-down on medical evaluations (Garrett’s durability is rare) and character checks.

3. Scheme Misfits

Not every edge thrives in the wide-9. Jadeveon Clowney (a 4-3 DE) struggled in Schwartz’s system. Solution: Prioritize players with wide-9 experience (e.g., Burns, Verse) or proven versatility.

4. Opportunity Cost

Allocating $25M/year to an edge rusher means less for, say, Darius Slay’s replacement or o-line depth. Solution: Build through the draft (like the 49ers with Nick Bosa) and supplement with mid-tier free agents.

What’s Next? A Timeline for the Eagles’ Pass Rush

Here’s how this could play out over the next 12 months:

2024 Offseason (Now–April)

• Explore Burns trade: If Carolina’s asking price drops post-draft, pounce.
• Sign Hunter: A short-term fix while Smith/Verse develop.
• Draft Verse: If he’s there at No. 22, it’s a no-brainer.

2024 Season

• Develop Smith: Give him 300+ pass-rush snaps (like Reddick in 2017).
• Evaluate Reddick’s future: If he declines, prioritize edge in 2025.
• Monitor Burns’ situation: If Carolina struggles, revisit trade talks.

2025 Offseason

• Go all-in on a top edge: If Verse/Smith aren’t ready, target Dallas Turner (Alabama) or JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State).
• Extend Burns: If traded for in 2024, lock him up long-term.

Conclusion: The Eagles’ Pass Rush Crossroads

The search for a Myles Garrett-level player isn’t about replacing Garrett—it’s about finding the next piece of a championship puzzle. The Eagles have the cap space ($20M+ in 2024), the draft capital (two first-rounders in 2024), and the scheme to make this work. The question is whether they’ll be bold enough to pull the trigger.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Best realistic target: Brian Burns (trade).
• Best long-term bet: Jared Verse (draft).
• Best wild card: Nolan Smith (internal development).

Whichever path they choose, one thing is clear: The Eagles’ Super Bowl window is open, but it won’t stay that way forever. A dominant pass rusher could be the difference between a good defense and a historic one. The time to act is now.

What do you think? Should the Eagles mortgage the future for Burns, or roll the dice on Verse? Drop your take in the comments—and if you’re a film junkie, check out our breakdown of Verse’s tape vs. Miami.

🚀 Ready for More Eagles Insights?

Subscribe to our newsletter for deep dives on draft prospects, free agency rumors, and scheme fits. And if you’re craving more pass-rush analysis, don’t miss our 2024 Edge Rusher Big Board.