Philadelphia, PA – May 1, 2025 – The Philadelphia Eagles, basking in Super Bowl LIX glory, faced a stunning setback. Two undrafted free agents snubbed rookie minicamp invites, citing fierce loyalty to the rival Dallas Cowboys, igniting fury among Eagles Nation.
J.J. Jones and Jah Joyner, touted prospects, rejected Philly’s call. Jones, a 1,014-yard receiver, and Joyner, a 4,5-sack edge rusher, declared, “We’re Cowboys fans. Dallas is home.” Their refusal stunned GM Howie Roseman’s scouting team.
Jones, a 6’2” North Carolina star, boasts 4.49-second 40-yard dash speed. Joyner, Minnesota’s 6’5” pass rusher, brings relentless energy. Both were eyed to bolster depth behind A.J. Brown and Nolan Smith, but their Cowboys allegiance halted talks.
“It’s a betrayal,” coach Nick Sirianni fumed. Philly fans, still reeling from Carson Wentz’s Dallas move, erupted in outrage. The NFC East rivalry, fueled by Saquon Barkley’s 2,005-yard season, now burns hotter with this snub.
The Eagles, with Jalen Hurts’ 4,028 yards leading the charge, sought minicamp spark. Kaimon Rucker’s invite softened the blow, but Jones and Joyner’s rejection stings, especially with Rasul Douglas and Breece Hall bolstering Dallas’ roster.
Roseman’s $60 million cap and draft haul—Jihaad Campbell, Andrew Mukuba, Sai’Vion Jones—keep Philly elite. Cutting Mekhi Becton saved $5.7 million, but losing Jones and Joyner to Cowboys fandom tests Eagles’ depth at receiver and edge.
Fan fury echoes past rivalries, like DeMarcus Ware’s battles. With Dallas Goedert’s trade rumors swirling, Philly’s resolve strengthens. Jalin Conyers’ $125,000 signing offers hope, but the Cowboys’ pull on prospects fuels disdain.
As Philly eyes another title, Jones and Joyner’s loyalty to Dallas galvanizes Eagles Nation. The rejection, a slap to Roseman’s vision, sets the stage for fiery NFC East clashes, with Hurts poised to silence Cowboys’ dreams.
