The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a critical juncture at the outside linebacker position, and it’s a situation that could define their season. With key players sidelined and Za’Darius Smith’s sudden retirement, the spotlight has shifted to Jalyx Hunt—a young talent who now has the chance to prove himself in a high-pressure role. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while Hunt is the focal point, the Eagles’ coaching staff is rallying behind him with unwavering confidence, even as questions linger about the depth of the position.
The Eagles’ outside linebacker room is undeniably thin. Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo are on injured reserve, and Za’Darius Smith’s unexpected departure after Week 6 left a significant void. That leaves Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Azeez Ojulari, and Joshua Uche to anchor the position. Each of these players brings something to the table, but their paths to this point have been far from identical. Patrick Johnson recently notched his first career sack, Ojulari missed the first four games and is still finding his rhythm, and Uche has been steady with 13 tackles in six games. Yet, it’s Hunt who carries the highest expectations to step into a larger role—a role he’s still growing into.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio aren’t just throwing Hunt into the fire; they’re doubling down on their belief in his potential. Sirianni’s confidence in Hunt is palpable, describing him as a young player who improves ‘each and every week.’ ‘I have so much confidence in Jalyx,’ Sirianni said. ‘He’s a guy who’s played, who’s continuing to get better, and I’m excited to see him grow within our schemes.’ Fangio echoed this sentiment, praising Hunt’s overall play and his consistent development. ‘He’s a good young player who’s improving all the time,’ Fangio noted. ‘We’re happy to have him.’
And this is the part most people miss: Hunt’s journey is still in its early stages. Despite making an impact during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run last year, he’s only in his second season after playing college football at Houston Christian University. His rookie development outpaced expectations, but he’s still refining his technique and mastering the nuances of his role. Through six games this season, Hunt has recorded 14 total tackles, including five quarterback hits, showcasing flashes of the player he’s becoming.
But here’s the controversial part: Is the Eagles’ current roster enough to sustain their defensive edge, or will they need to make a move before the trade deadline? With a few weeks left until the deadline, general manager Howie Roseman could still bring in reinforcements. Fangio even floated the idea of moving rookie Jihaad Campbell to the outside, adding another layer of intrigue. For now, though, the onus is on Hunt and his teammates to rise to the challenge.
The Eagles’ coaching staff is betting on Hunt’s potential, but the question remains: Can he—and the rest of the group—deliver under the pressure? What do you think? Is Jalyx Hunt ready to take on this expanded role, or should the Eagles look elsewhere for support? Let us know in the comments!
