Offensive Guard, Brandon Fusco
The Eagles let Stefen Wisniewski and Chance Warmack walk this offseason, paving the way for Isaac Seumalo to step up and maybe the mauling Matt Pryor to emerge as a primary backup. But with Brandon Brooks anything but certain to be healthy enough for week one, the Eagles would be wise to being in a veteran presence, just in case.
The Falcons released 30-year old Brandon Fusco recently after an offseason of investment. James Carpenter, Adam Gettis and of course first-round selection Chris Lindstrom, all join the offensive line room. But that doesn’t mean Fusco doesn’t have value.
He started in seven games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Giants and played the right guard spot at an adequate level.
Fusco has a wealth of experience under his belt, after spending six years with the Vikings and a single season with the Niners prior to his stint with the Falcons.
Fusco would provide an emergency insurance policy as a player that has started every game he has been healthy for since 2012 and like Ansah, could be relatively inexpensive due to the season-ending injury sustained.
Wide Receiver, Jermaine Kearse
The Eagles did address the wide receiver position this offseason, heavily. DeSean Jackson and J.J Arcega-Whiteside headline the new additions, while AAF star and former NFL receiver Charles Johnson joins Greg Ward and a slew of undrafted free agents who will fight for depth spots. But the one spot they didn’t address, was the slot.
The Eagles seem intent on keeping Nelson Agholor this season, even with his $9.4M cap hit. However, while never cementing himself as an offensive focal point last year, Jermaine Kearse could be a name worth noting if the team does decide to move on from Agholor late into proceedings. We know this is a possibility, just ask Jordan Matthews and Ronald Darby.
Even if they don’t, adding a slot receiver behind Agholor would be a favorable move. He fits the ‘big slot’ mold that the Eagles seemingly prioritized in their pre-draft meetings (6’1 209 lbs) and at 29-years old, is coming off a career-low 371 yards. Conversely, he posted a career-high 810 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2017. After spending most of his career in Seattle, Kearse seemed to drop off just a tad in New York, but an ability to play the slot physically could benefit the Eagles and give Kearse the platform to make the case for a longer-term contract.
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