As the Eagles prepare for a clash with what remains of the Dallas Cowboys, our vision with it. The Bye week is behind us and all eyes are on a crucial eight game stretch and what may well lie beyond it. But one step further than the Super Bowl champions’ potential playoff run is the offseason. Where do the team need to focus their resources? Here’s a midseason look at Roseman’s shopping list for the offseason ahead.
Defensive tackle:
The pending return of Timmy Jernigan is fantastic news for this Eagles franchise, but let’s not forget the bigger picture. With the former Ravens behemoth sidelined, the Eagles have had next to no production from his substitutes. Haloti Ngata, the one player who has played very well and been a key cog in the run defense machine, has battled durability throughout the year as expected and as a result, it’s left Fletcher Cox playing the majority of defensive snaps alongside a flurry of undrafted free agents who are really unable to do much to take the weight off of the elite defensive tackle’s shoulders. If you can remember how 2016 was for Fletcher Cox, imagine that but without Beau Allen.
What’s more worrying is that Jernigan’s final three years are now option years, a clause he agreed to after suffering a herniated disc following a monumental contract extension. If Jernigan is unable to stay healthy or get back up to speed quickly, the Eagles have an ‘easy out’, which could leave an even bigger hole at the position.
Run defense has been the name of the game for this defense and Jernigan’s return should hypothetically only elevate that further. But what if it doesn’t? Either way, the Eagles are at the very least going to need some talent to groom after the Elijah Qualls and Destiny Vaeao experiments both failed. At most, it could be a free agent ready to be plugged in as a starter.
Cornerback:
Ronald Darby is in his contract year and at this stage, there has to be a level of concern surrounding the long-term future of Jalen Mills. Sidney Jones is still battling injury concerns and while Avonte Maddox would be a perfect developmental nickel corner, he’s already found a new home at Safety. That leaves Rasul Douglas, the forgotten child of this family who punches in good performances time after time. What was once a deep position when it comes to talent, is now one without a long-term future solidified.
The Eagles would be wise to draft another corner this offseason, potential even a 1st/2nd round pick in the way that the Packers recently built their secondary with Josh Jackson, Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. But will any of the names in the first paragraph return? It all comes down to a big second half showing, that’s for sure.
Wide receiver:
O, deep threat, my deep threat. The one void Pederson has been aching to fill for three years now remains empty and while Golden Tate brings a slightly different element to the receiving corps, the Head Coach is still pining for a wideout who can take the top off a defense, despite numerous experiments. Expect a heavy focus of trying to find the team’s ‘road-runner’ this offseason, with some surprising moves along the way. Nelson Agholor could be facing a $9M payday that the Eagles may struggle to afford and who knows what the future holds for Golden Tate and Jordan Matthews. This may be the year the Eagles invest heavily in the wideout position with draft capital.
Offensive tackle:
The last few weeks have shown Eagles fans a worrying reality. Jason Peters doesn’t quite have age or durability on his side and if Lane Johnson goes down too, the alarm bells ring. If Peters does retire after this year, the Eagles would naturally elevate Vaitai to the starting spot opposite Johnson. That leaves a backup vacancy and while the likes of the versatile Isaac Seumalo and Matt Pryor could fill it, they will want stability. Mailata will be the name on everyone’s lips, but will he be ready to make the jump? A free agent acquisition could at least by him some more time and give him some offseason competition.
Running back:
We all knew this was coming. The Eagles are down to bare bones at running back right now and even though they rank 12th in rushing yards this season, the performances have been so sporadic, it’s hard to imagine Roseman willingly walking into another season without bringing in another name. Ajayi’s injury may lower the price tag to retain his services, but the risk vs reward at this stage is another debate entirely. There’s a strong running back class on the horizon and the Eagles would be wise to find a lateral rusher who can take full advantage of some supreme offensive line blocking, as opposed to lacking agility or blindly hoping for the best.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
