Superbowl LI is just under one week away and mirrors an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. The high flying Falcons will match their #1 scoring offense against the Patriots stifling #1 scoring defense. Everything seems to be in place for this to be a classic SB clash, but my attention is already on SB LII. The Eagles, despite their 7-9 record this season, are closer to SB contenders than the subpar team they were at times this year. Here are five moves that would propel the Eagles to elite, SB contending status next season.
1. Sign Alshon Jeffery
The Eagles WR woes have been raved about by just about every person that watched a game last season. Alshon Jeffery is the consensus top free agent receiver and is sure to get a long look from the Eagles brass. Jeffery, despite inconsistent QB play and a four game PED suspension, finished the year with 52 receptions for 821 yards. The Eagles also recently hired Mike Groh as their WR coach- whom Jeffery had his best season under. Needless to say, Jeffery would fill a huge need as Wentz’s #1 receiver. The former second rounder, however, won’t come cheap. Jimmy Kempski reported that the Eagles are expected to clear ‘significant’ cap space this offseason.
Roseman could free up roughly $21M with the release/trade of Ryan Mathews, Mychal Kendricks, Allen Barbre, Leodis McKelvin, and Ron Brooks- all of whom underperformed for one reason or another this season. The aforementioned increase in cap space, in addition to the $7.9M rollover from last season, would give the Eagles more than enough money to sign Jeffery to a lucrative deal.
2. Draft a CB in the 1st round
The Eagles have been held back by inconsistent and poor cornerback play for years and if they want to reach elite status they must find stability at that position. The addition of Jeffery allows the Eagles to lock in and draft one of the top CBs out of an incredibly talented crop. An elite corner would alleviate some of the pressure on the d-line to carry the defense every game and lower the number of ‘X-plays’ the Eagles allow. A combination of Mills and one of the consensus top CB prospects, along with the safety tandem of McLeod and Jenkins, would truly make Philly’s secondary a “No Phly Zone.”
3. Draft a lead running back
This upcoming running back draft class is historically good and the Eagles shouldn’t have trouble finding a productive one to be their lead back next season.
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Acquiring an efficient running back would put the Eagles in a more manageable situation on second and third down and would ultimately extend drives, which would ideally lead to more points. The Eagles were 7-3 in games in which they rushed for 100+ yards. Philly’s offense desperately needs balance and drafting a RB like D’Onta Foreman or Christian McCaffrey would do the trick.
4. Re-sign Bennie Logan
This one shouldn’t take too much explaining. Bennie Logan has really grown alongside Fletcher Cox and is an integral part of the Eagles rush defense. Roseman values this and I believe he will give him a well deserved extension.
5. Trade for Brandin Cooks
Even if the Eagles acquire Jeffery there is still room for improvement in the WR department. Jordan Matthews is the only WR currently on the roster who has performed admirably enough to warrant playing time. Cooks would not only be an improvement over many of the current wideouts, but would give Wentz a consistent deep threat that the team were desperate to find this season. Cooks finished the season with 1,173 receiving yards in just 12 games. The speedy wideout had a catch of 37+ in 5 of those contests and a catch of 20+ in all but 3 starts. There’s no doubt that Cooks is a special player, and the only reason he is available is the Saints’ abundance of talented receivers. If the price isn’t too high this is type of move Roseman wouldn’t hesitate to make and one that would not only give Wentz another weapon, but elevate the Eagles offense to an elite level.
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
