Former Eagles Shine in Week 1: Wentz, Swift, Dean Dominate

The NFL season is underway, and as the Philadelphia Eagles sit at 1-0 heading into Week 2, the spotlight also shines on those who once wore the midnight green. From clutch performances to new contracts, several former Eagles made their mark across the league in Week 1. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, here’s a comprehensive recap of how Philly alumni fared in their season openers.

Carson Wentz Steals the Show in Minnesota

Carson Wentz, the former No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles, found himself thrust into action earlier than expected. After Vikings starter Kyler Murray suffered a head injury in the first quarter, Wentz stepped in and delivered a performance reminiscent of his Pro Bowl days. He finished 12-of-19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns, leading Minnesota to a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. As ESPN Insights noted, Wentz became the first reserve quarterback to throw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a season-opening win since Fran Tarkenton in 1961—a remarkable feat that has Vikings fans buzzing.

D’Andre Swift Cashes In with Bears

D’Andre Swift, who spent a season with the Eagles in 2023, secured his future with the Chicago Bears, signing a lucrative 3-year, $33.75 million contract extension with $27.5 million guaranteed. He celebrated by torching the Carolina Panthers for 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Swift’s explosive performance underscored why the Bears invested in him, and he’s quickly become a centerpiece of their offense. As highlighted on Vulius, Swift’s ability to break tackles and hit the second level makes him a nightmare for defenses.

Nakobe Dean Proves His Worth with Raiders

One of the Eagles’ biggest offseason losses, linebacker Nakobe Dean, is already making waves with the Las Vegas Raiders. In his debut, Dean recorded six tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble, showcasing the sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts that made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia. His sack of Malik Willis—complete with a shoe flying off—went viral, and his Superman punch forced a fumble that unfortunately went out of bounds. Dean’s performance serves as a reminder of the playmaking ability the Eagles let walk.

Za’Darius Smith Returns with a Vengeance

After retiring early in the 2025 season due to personal grief, Za’Darius Smith made a triumphant return to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. The former Eagle, who played for Philadelphia in 2024, notched two sacks, two quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss in his Falcons debut. Smith’s emotional journey back to the field has been inspiring, and his dominant play suggests he has plenty left in the tank. The Falcons’ defense looks significantly improved with him in the fold.

Other Notable Performances

Several other former Eagles contributed in Week 1. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Bills) and Reed Blankenship (Texans) each recorded seven or more tackles, while cornerback Avonte Maddox (Lions) and safety Sydney Brown (Falcons) also reached that mark. Josh Jobe sealed the Seahawks’ win over the Patriots with a game-winning interception off Drake Maye, stepping in front of fellow ex-Eagle Mack Hollins. Running back Kenny Gainwell had five carries for 15 yards for the Buccaneers, and cornerback Tremon Smith returned two kicks for 54 yards for the Texans. Fullback Ben VanSumeren was activated from the practice squad for the Chiefs’ Monday night game, and the Falcons leaned on Olamide Zaccheaus as an emergency QB/RB due to injuries, though he finished with just one catch for five yards. Jahan Dotson (Falcons) had one catch for 19 yards, while Kentavious Street (Falcons) recorded two tackles and a sack. For the Panthers, Kenny Pickett had a 24-yard run, A.J. Dillon rushed for 28 yards, and Jaelan Phillips notched a sack.

As the season progresses, these former Eagles will continue to make their presence felt across the league. For more NFL analysis and to gear up with custom merchandise, visit Vulius.com.