Eagles' biggest offensive loss isn't A.J. Brown

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Eagles' biggest offensive loss isn't A.J. Brown image

Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) waves to the fans after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles' most headline-grabbing departure this offseason was A.J. Brown.

They may actually miss someone else more on their offense, though.

ESPN's Ben Solak wrote on Tuesday that offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland leaving Philly might matter more than the loss of Brown.

Stoutland was the Eagles' offensive line coach since 2013, and he's been part of a very successful era for the franchise.

"He's a less evident absence, but perhaps a more impactful one," Solak writes. "The Eagles' offensive line was the best in the league during their championship runs, but last season's group suffered mightily with injury and will have a lot asked of them in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's under-center, play-action, motion-heavy system. This is the sort of modern offense that doesn't immediately and obviously gel with Hurts' strengths, as reporting has covered his commitment to more static offensive systems. Regardless of how highly Hurts ranks among league quarterbacks, there's no question that Brown and the O-line were massive factors to the Eagles' offensive success under Nick Sirianni."

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The Brown absence is most notable in how it impacts the WR depth chart.

DeVonta Smith becomes the No. 1 wideout by default, and there'll be a battle for the other targets.

But it's the offensive line that matters for Jalen Hurts' ability to stand back there and pick out his targets, and it's the offensive line that matters for Saquon Barkley's effectiveness.

Two seasons ago, the Eagles won the Super Bowl.

Last season, they were just a bit underwhelming.

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The offensive line is going to have to be good to get the Eagles where they want to go.

"There's a huge mystery right now in Philadelphia," Solak concludes.