Eagles may need an underrated defensive piece to become much more important than anyone expected
Edge defender Jalyx Hunt needs to become a double-digit sack guy with Jonathan Greenard out.
Jalyx Hunt might be the most important defensive player on the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster heading into 2026, and it’s time for him to prove it.
We know Jonathan Greenard is out, we know Nolan Smith has to bounce back. That means the pressure falls squarely on Hunt’s shoulders to take that next step as a pass rusher this season. I’ll be paying close attention to him throughout the preseason and into the regular season because this is where the Eagles’ defense either holds up or takes a hit.
The foundation is already there
Hunt had 6.5 sacks last year, and he built on that during the Eagles’ incredible 2024 playoff run as a rookie, performing at a high level in both the playoffs and the Super Bowl. The tools have been there. The flashes have been there. Now it’s about consistency and production over a full season.
ESPN’s Tim McManus noted that Hunt has physically filled out to the point where you look at him and say he looks like a star defensive end. There has been a lot of hype surrounding Hunt this offseason, and for good reason. But hype doesn’t win games. Production does.
Still learning the position
Keep in mind, Hunt didn’t even play this position in college. Edge rusher is still relatively new to him over the past couple years, which makes what he’s already accomplished even more impressive. But it also means there’s a significant ceiling he hasn’t reached yet. If he can continue refining his pass rush moves and understanding of the position, the sky is the limit.
I think if Hunt can become a double-digit sack guy, the Eagles are going to be in great shape defensively. And I think he has the capability to do it. Philadelphia’s defense has the talent across the board with Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and the rest of that young core. But the edge rush has to hold up its end of the bargain, and right now, Hunt is the guy who needs to carry that load.
Hunt stepping up from a promising young player to a legitimate difference-maker on the edge is what separates this defense from being good and being dominant. The Greenard situation isn’t changing, and Smith’s bounce-back is far from guaranteed. So Hunt is the variable this defense can actually control.
