The NFC East has seen its fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. What was once a very competitive division has now become one of the worst divisions in football. Even with the over-glorified and so-called “America’s Team” being a part of the division due to its historic rivalry with the other three teams, the division has not provided a spark or excitement in quite some time.
For years, it’s been about the Eagles and Cowboys, while the Giants have snuck in through their wild card appearances and the Washington Commanders have struggled with an identity internally and externally. This offseason could shape the image of the division for years to come but how is it looking right now?
Let’s take a look at where each team stands right now before the free agency frenzy and NFL Draft arrive.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles continue to have their cake on the side while picking it at it consistently. Howie Roseman has outspokenly committed to Jalen Hurts for 2022 but still has made some trade offers for the available QBs out there. As the world has learned, the Eagles made their pitch for Russell Wilson, but Russ refused to go to Philly, as well as NY and Washington… which is bittersweet.
There are also reports that the team was close to acquiring Calvin Ridley until the Falcons backed out due to Ridley getting caught with placing bets on his team while he was away. It was $1500 to be exact, according to a source close to the situation. The source was Ridley himself, it doesn’t get any better than that.
The good news is that the Eagles are desperate to get better and their shopping for a wide receiver to pair with DeVonta Smith.
Reigning NFC East Champs- Dallas Cowboys
Oh, Dallas, what a beautiful city. What a wonderful state to reside in, where the Cowboys have more bad press than their local government.
The Cowboys seem to be cleaning house, while trying to figure out why they can’t finish. Amari Cooper could be released soon, and the idea of him daunting midnight green is swirling around the Internet. Michael Gallup may be returning to take his spot, while Jerry Jones is being sued by the daughter he’s been trying to hide from the public spotlight.
They’ve also franchise-tagged Dalton Schultz, who’s one of the better tight ends in the league according to no one outside of Dallas. This ultimately means that they may be allowing Randy Gregory and others to walk and find a new home.
The Cowboys will obviously enter next season as the favorites to win the division, but only because they’ve stayed relevant in the news due to their extracurricular activities.
New York Giants
The Giants started their offseason with a bang, as Dave Gettleman has finally stepped down and Joe Schoen has been knighted as the new GM. The Giants then hired Brian Daboll, who denied interviewing with the Eagles last season but is also somehow more qualified than Brian Flores. Speaking of Flores, let’s give a round of applause to Bill Belichick who “mistakenly” outed the Giants to Flores as he texted the wrong Brian a congratulations message.
The Giants seem to have the right pieces in place but their roster is far from done. They have to fight to get under the cap, while also nailing their draft, and also figuring out what to do with Saquon Barkley.
It’s going to be a fun ride, as they may have to let go more talent than they want to, but hey, that’s the business.
Washington Commanders
Well first off, congratulations to the Washington Commanders as they finally have a new name. Also, congratulations to Dan Snyder, who’s been under the radar, due to the infidelity of Jerry Jones.
The Commanders have been desperately searching for a QB to dub as their franchise guy over the next couple of years so they went ahead and overpaid for the Eagles ex QB, Carson Wentz.
The Commanders gave up two third-round picks with the potential of one of them becoming a second-round pick. Meanwhile, Wentz helped the Eagles solidify their third first-round pick last season.
The Commanders could be in a good position to be a decent team if they can figure out what’s wrong with Wentz. However, if Pederson and Reich couldn’t, then what makes anyone think that Ron Rivera can?
Get ready, Eagles fans. This offseason and free agency period should be as fun as you could imagine.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
