Eagles Stay or Go 2025: Did Jake Elliott Earn Another Year?
The Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, finds itself at a crucial juncture as the 2025 season approaches. One of the most hotly debated topics among fans and analysts is the future of the Eagles’ specialists, particularly Jake Elliott, the team’s kicker. Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro, two seasoned NFL experts, have revisited their "Stay or Go" segment to analyze the roster and determine who will be back in green and who might be moving on.
Jake Elliott: A Redemption Arc
Reuben Frank’s Perspective:
Before the 2024 postseason, I was seriously considering whether Jake Elliott should "Go." His regular season performance was far from stellar, especially when it came to longer field goals. Making just 76 percent of his kicks in the 50-to-54 yard range is simply not good enough for a kicker in today’s NFL. However, the playoffs brought a different story. Elliott made 10 of 11 field goal attempts during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, including an unprecedented achievement: becoming the first kicker in history to make three field goals of at least 48 yards in a Super Bowl. If a kicker can perform like that under the brightest lights, all his regular-season struggles can be forgiven. Jake Elliott is, without a doubt, the greatest kicker in Eagles history, and his Super Bowl performance solidified his place in the team’s future.
Dave Zangaro’s Perspective:
One of the most memorable moments of the locker room celebration after Super Bowl LIX was seeing Jake Elliott joyfully celebrating. He earned it. Elliott was perfect in the biggest game of the year, and that performance matters. While there are still lingering questions about his consistency heading into the 2025 season, the Super Bowl heroics have erased any doubts about his value to the team. Elliott has already etched his name in the annals of Eagles history, and his recent success in the playoffs gives the team every reason to bring him back and allow him to overcome the 2024 regular season struggles.
Rick Lovato: The Unsung Hero
Reuben Frank’s Perspective:
Rick Lovato has been a constant presence in the Eagles’ lineup since the middle of the 2016 season, and his longevity speaks volumes about his reliability. Lovato has long-snapped in 135 consecutive games, placing him 8th on the Eagles’ all-time consecutive games list. The Eagles have a rich history of long snappers, including Mike Bartrum and Jon Dorenbos, and Lovato has seamlessly continued that tradition. While he might not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing the team’s Super Bowl victories, his role is crucial. The Eagles have no reason to let Lovato walk, especially after his consistent performance over the years.
Dave Zangaro’s Perspective:
Rick Lovato is one of the longest-tenured players on the Eagles roster, having joined the team during the 2016 season. As a free agent this offseason, the Eagles will need to re-sign him, and there’s no compelling reason not to. Lovato has maintained a high level of performance and has developed a strong rapport with both Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann. His consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset, and the Eagles would be wise to keep him around to maintain the integrity of their kicking game.
Braden Mann: Punter Par Excellence
Reuben Frank’s Perspective:
Braden Mann, the Eagles’ punter, had a slightly less impressive year in 2024 compared to 2023, with a higher number of touchbacks. However, his overall performance was still very strong, and his ability to excel in poor weather conditions makes him the ideal punter for an outdoor team in the Northeast. Statistically, Mann has been the best punter in Eagles history, averaging 49.2 yards per punt and 42.7 net yards. He was particularly effective during the playoffs, including the pivotal snow game against the Rams. The Eagles have a winning combination in their kicking game with Elliott, Lovato, and Mann, and there’s no reason to disrupt this successful unit.
Dave Zangaro’s Perspective:
The Eagles brought Braden Mann into the fold early in the 2023 season, replacing Arryn Siposs, and the decision has been a resounding success. Over the past two years, Mann has averaged 49.2 yards per punt and 42.7 net yards, and he has downed punts inside the 20 on 35.7% of his attempts. While Mann might not be among the top punters in the NFL, he is undoubtedly above average and has proven his worth. His handling of snaps and holds during the playoff run, especially in the challenging weather conditions, was exemplary. Mann is entering the final year of his contract in 2025, and given his consistent performance, he is a lock to stay with the team.
The Importance of Consistency
The special teams unit is often the unsung hero of any NFL team, and the Eagles’ specialists have consistently delivered. Jake Elliott’s regular-season struggles were a cause for concern, but his playoff performance, particularly in the Super Bowl, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. This kind of consistency under pressure is invaluable. Rick Lovato’s reliability and longevity have provided stability to the Eagles’ kicking unit, ensuring that the ball is always precisely placed. Braden Mann’s ability to perform in less-than-ideal conditions, coupled with his statistical excellence, makes him a perfect fit for the Eagles’ style of play. The team’s success in the 2024 postseason and the Super Bowl has only reinforced the importance of keeping this trio together.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, the question of whether to keep or replace their specialists is largely answered. Each player has demonstrated their value and consistency, and the team’s recent success in the playoffs and Super Bowl further solidifies their roles. Jake Elliott’s Super Bowl heroics have erased any doubts about his reliability, and his experience and track record make him a cornerstone of the kicking game. Rick Lovato’s long tenure and reliable performance ensure the continuity and cohesion of the special teams unit. Braden Mann’s above-average statistics and his ability to handle adverse weather conditions make him a vital asset, especially for a team that often plays outdoors in the Northeast. The Eagles have a solid foundation in their specialists, and it would be unwise to tamper with this successful formula.
Conclusion
In the end, the Eagles’ decision to retain Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato, and Braden Mann for the 2025 season is a no-brainer. Elliott’s redemption in the Super Bowl, Lovato’s unwavering reliability, and Mann’s exceptional performance in challenging conditions have all contributed to the team’s recent success. These players are not only key contributors on the field but also embody the resilience and determination that define the Eagles. As the team looks to build on its Super Bowl victory and maintain its competitive edge, keeping this seasoned and proven special teams unit intact is a smart move. The Eagles have found a winning combination, and they would be wise to stick with it.
