The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to buck a trend that has been going on for nearly two full decades. There has not been a single repeat NFC East champion since 2004, when the Philadelphia Eagles successfully defended their crown.

Interestingly enough, the division title will very likely come down to those two franchises next season.

Dallas is the reigning champion, while Philadelphia has made notable offseason acquisitions that have made them the biggest threat to knock the Cowboys off. The two appear to be on a collision course.

Dallas has, very arguably, become worst since the end of the 2021 season. The Cowboys have traded away Amari Cooper, released La'el Collins, and created multiple holes all over the roster.

On the other hand, the Eagles have made major moves. From trading for Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown to drafting massive defensive lineman Jordan Davis, Philadelphia has upgraded key areas.

Eagles sign former Pro Bowl defensive back

Now, the Eagles have made another move this offseason that has bolstered an important part of the roster. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Eagles have signed former New York Giants corner James Bradberry.

Sources: Former #Giants Pro Bowl CB James Bradberry has agreed to terms with the #Eagles on a 1-year deal for $10M. A big-time post-draft addition, as Bradberry lands in a perfect spot.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2022

Bradberry gets to stay in the division, and the Eagles get to add a talented defensive back to the roster. The veteran defender is not what he used to be, but he forms a quality tandem with Darius Slay in the secondary.

Philadelphia has used the offseason to get better at positions of need. The team has given Jalen Hurts a legitimate go-to option, while the Eagles have also given the defensive side of the ball a boost.

Player acquisition in full form

Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones has said on multiple occasions that player acquisition is a year-round process. However, based on offseason moves thus far, it is difficult to argue against the Eagles being much better than the Cowboys in that department.

Hmm. Apparently quality player acquisition really is a 24/7 business for one NFC East team, just not the one that likes to talk about it so much. https://t.co/uyu3VBEwTH

— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) May 18, 2022

As a result, the gap in the division between the top two teams is considerably smaller than what it was following last season. Dallas is getting worse — on paper — and Philadelphia is getting better — on paper.

The Eagles have had a pretty solid offseason.

Still second-best in the division, but they have closed the gap.

Of course the Cowboys have also done a lot of work to close the gap, too. https://t.co/XL3FKlCpXS

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) May 18, 2022

Jones noted that the Dallas Cowboys are not done adding players in free agency. There are still some veterans on the market that the team can sign to team-friendly deals. That said, the Eagles have certainly taken more of a proactive approach.

Dallas should still be the favorite to win the NFC East. Dak Prescott is by far the best quarterback in the division, and the Cowboys still have a solid amount of talent on the roster. Philadelphia, however, is going to make Dallas sweat.

The latest move is the latest evidence of that.

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