The Players They Still Could Sign
CB| Desmond Trufant
Trufant has ties to current secondary coach Marquand Manuel, who were together in Atlanta. Familiarity isn’t the be-all, end-all in free agency, but the Eagles have preferred to bring in players that have some sort of understanding of their current scheme. Originally a first-round selection, Trufant would add some pedigree to the cornerback room. Despite some ups and downs, he is still an elite cover corner in the NFL.
CB| Logan Ryan
A once highly sought after free agent, Ryan won’t have as many callers this time around. His time in Tennessee was a mixed bag, but the man can still play. Experience is lacking on the Eagles current depth chart and Ryan would be a welcome addition to the locker room. Although he may not be a number one option anymore, he is still an upgrade over the options in-house.
CB| Jalen Mills
Why complicate matters? Mills knows the system and looked much improved coming back from injury last season. His price tag shouldn’t be as steep as some of the other candidates and he knows the system inside and out. With the hire of a new secondary coach, why not allow Mills the opportunity to improve on his up and down career in Philadelphia?
S| Will Parks
There are rumors that the Eagles have been doing their homework on the former Bronco. He’s a Philadelphia native, which may play in the Eagles’ favor. They love a hometown kid and Parks may lavish the opportunity to play for his childhood team. He’s a versatile secondary piece, able to play both safety spots and bump down to the dime or nickel. At 26, he may very well have his best football in front of him.
S| Nate Ebner
Perhaps a less exciting option than some other names on this list, Ebner would fill a position sorely needed for the Eagles. With Kamu Grugier-Hill bidding his farewell to Philly, the Birds are without their Special Teams captain of the last two years. Ebner was a special teams ace in New England and has some limited experience in a third safety role. The Eagles have a history of bringing in veteran safeties and Ebner could be another name to add to that list.
LB| Corey Littleton
Starting every single game over the last two seasons for the Rams, Littleton amassed over 250 tackles in that time. The Raiders and Packers were expected to be in the hunt, but both teams signed ‘backers on day one and the Eagles may have a chance to enter the race. With his age and upside, he may sneakily be the best free-agent linebacker of 2020.
LB| Neville Hewitt
With a list of injuries at the linebacker position, the 2019 New York Jets needed someone to step up. That someone was Hewitt. After playing mostly special teams in his five-year career, he was thrust into a starting role and responded with career highs in tackles, TFLs and sacks. He’s got a nose for the football but has some limitations in coverage. Nevertheless, he is a player on the up and the Eagles could look very savvy by betting on his upside.
LB| Mark Barron
Coming off an 82 tackle year with the Steelers, one in which he started just nine games, the 30-year-old Mark Barron is an incredibly efficient veteran on the downswing of his career. Still, he is a much better and more experienced option than some of the players the Eagles have in house. After some time with the Rams, Barron signed with Pittsburgh for $12M/ 2-years and should remain a relatively cheap veteran option.
WR| Emmanuel Sanders
Instead of taking a risk and leaving all their eggs in the basket of a rookie-dominant receiving corps, the Eagles could look to add a veteran pass-catcher to their roster. Sanders has the inside-outside versatility that Doug Pederson loves and can still take the top off a defense on occasion. After a Super Bowl appearance, his price tag may be too high for the Eagles to make a legitimate bid.
WR| Devin Funchess
We’re still not certain how the Alshon Jeffery situation will pan out, but it seems as if the Eagles will move on from him at some point before season start. While the team will likely use their first-round pick to find their pass catcher of the future, they may still need someone to fill the Alshon role if J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is not up to the task. Funchess missed almost all of last season with a clavicle injury. While he has yet to truly reach his potential, the 26-year-old is only three years removed from an 800 yard, 8 touchdown season.
WR| Demarcus Robinson
One of many KC speedsters lost in the shuffle, Robinson has been on the Eagles’ radar since he was drafted in 2016. There have already been rumors swirling about Philadelphia’s possible interest. Robinson was mostly used as a gadget player in Kansas City, but he also has value as a returner. If it’s speed the Eagles are after, Robinson has it.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
