We are just a few weeks away from the beginning of free agency and see where Howie will allocate the cap to available players to upgrade the roster prior to the draft. Let’s take a look at options at every position that would “break the bank”, be affordable, or could be had for a bargain deal when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Quarterback
Expensive – Jameis Winston
Winston is benefitting from a very weak free agent class at quarterback. He could get a much larger pay out this offseason that he could get in any other year. The Eagles should stay away.
Affordable – Jacoby Brissett
Brissett has familiarity under Sirianni and would make for an affordable back up option if the Eagles trade Minshew.
Bargain – Tyrod Taylor
An 11 year veteran, Taylor could be looking at one year deals from now until he retires. He’d serve as a very good mentor for Hurts (or serviceable back up to Wils…)
Running Back
Expensive – Melvin Gordon
Miles Sanders is still on the team and the Eagles haven’t paid a RB since Demarco Murray. Eagles are more likely to get another RB1, if needed, in the draf.
Affordable – Raheem Mostert
Former Eagles PS legend comes home? Mostert hasn’t been healthy much over the past two seasons, but he showed his talent in 2019 and parts of 2020. If the Eagles move on from Sanders, Mostert can be the big, affordable back the Eagles need.
Bargain – Latavius Murray
A 32 year old back may not have much value, but it’s worth exploring when that back has a career 4.2 YPC average and is 230 lbs.
Wide Receiver
Expensive – Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, & Mike Williams
The Eagles need another alpha at WR to compliment DeVonta Smith. Adams will surely look to be the highest paid WR in history, Godwin may want a one year deal to prove his worth, and Williams will also command close to a $17 million a year salary.
Affordable – Allen Robinson & DJ Chark
Allen Robinson is a very popular name in Eagles rumors. He’ll be 29 in August and is coming off a very underwhelming year. The case can be made that the Eagles will be paying for what his career is been over what his 2021 was, but a 2 or 3 year deal is more likely with a possible extension.
DJ Chark only lasted four games in 2021 before landing on the IR, but the talent is unquestionable. With his youth and only one 1k year, he could only command a $10-$12 million a year deal
Bargain – Zach Pascal & Auden Tate
Out goes JJAW and in comes Pascal? JJAW’s ineptitude and Pascal’s familiarity with Sirianni makes it very likely.
Tate played in seven games this season and was placed on IR in December. During those seven games, he only had three receptions on four targets. He had a very promising sophomore season in 2019 but has fallen out of favor since. He could be a very cheap option and give the Eagles a 6’5″ red zone target.
Tight End
Expensive – Mike Gesicki
If the Eagles didn’t want to pay both Ertz and Goedert, they won’t pay another top TE.
Affordable – Jared Cook
Cook will be 35 in April and could serve the Richard Rodgers role. There’s a smidge of overlap between Cook and the Eagles: Gannon was on the Titans’ staff in 2012.
Bargain – Mo Alie-Cox
Another Sirianni connection and young. He could be on the verge of a breakout after four underwhelming years in Indianapolis.
Offensive Line
Expensive – Terron Armstead (LT), Ryan Jensen (C), Laken Tomlinson (G)
Armstead and Jensen aren’t needed. Tomlinson is an intriguing name seeing as RG is unsettled but he’s only played LG in his career. He’s coming off his first Pro Bowl season and is only 30.
Affordable – Trent Brown (RT), Ben Jones (C), Andrew Norwell (G)
Brown has been an above average tackle, yet a bit overrated. He won’t come as a back up, so he’s out. Same with Jones.
Norwell, however, could look to revitalize his career with a coach like Stoutland. After signing a mega deal with Jacksonville, he has underwhelmed. If the Eagles aren’t happy with their RG options, they could look for a veteran presence with Norwell’s pedigree. Norwell has only played LG, however.
Bargain – Riley Rieff (T), Bradley Bozeman (C/G), Trai Turner (G)
Rieff was once considered a very good left tackle and now he’s a decent swing. Bozeman could provide decent depth at center and guard.
Turner was once an incredible guard, as evident by his five Pro Bowls in Carolina. However, once he was traded to the Chargers for Russell Okung, his play has gone down hill. He had a bit of a rebound year last year with the Steelers, but his elite days are long gone. Stoutland could resurrect his career.
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
