Eagles news: Birds trade for Steelers QB Kenny Pickett; Josh Sweat staying in Philly; best remaining NFL free agents

According to multiple reports, the arrival of Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh played a role in the Steelers' decision to trade quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Eagles.

Prior to the Wilson signing, Pickett reportedly told the Steelers that he was willing to compete for a job, only to change course when the team added Wilson.

Kenny Pickett, the Eagles’ newest backup quarterback, might be coming from the Steelers, but he grew up rooting for the Birds.

The Ocean Township, N.J. native went to Pitt and spent the first two years of his career in Pittsburgh. But before Pickett got to the NFL, he was an Eagles fan, and he was on X live tweeting games just like you.

During his first stint with the Eagles, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson wore No. 23. Last season, he sported No. 2 for the Detroit Lions.

This year, he’s switching things up again and will wear No. 8 in honor of late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

After news broke he was signing with the Eagles, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson apologized to Birds fans on social media.

Gardner-Johnson didn't specific what he was apologizing for, but during a Twitch stream in July, he said people in the city were his least favorite thing about Philadelphia, calling them “[bleeping] obnoxious.”

Josh Sweat has agreed to a contract restructure Friday that will keep him with the Eagles through the 2024 season, according to a league source.

The Eagles were previously fielding trade calls for Sweat along with edge rusher Haason Reddick, but reworked the final year of Sweat’s contract, which now has a max value of $13 million with $10 million guaranteed according to a league source. Sweat’s previous deal, an extension he signed in 2021, had no money guaranteed for next season and left his future in question with trade speculation.

After four days of free agency, 13 former Eagles players have yet to be signed by other teams.

Among those yet to sign are Julio Jones, the seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro the Eagles added to the team in October. Jones, 35, had just 11 catches in 10 games last season, but did manage to haul in three touchdowns.

Help at linebacker is on the way for the Eagles.

Linebacker Devin White is signing with the team, a league source confirmed to The Inquirer on Thursday night. ESPN reported that the length of the deal is for one year and it’s worth up to $7.5 million.

The Eagles entered the NFL’s free agency period several holes to fill and more than 20 players set to hit the market.

Here are the players the Eagles have added or plan to add:

We’re on day five of free agency, and while the well has significantly dried up, there are still a number of top NFL players available.

Former Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who has experiencing playing in new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system, has yet to sign with another team.