NFL Free Agency: What options do the Eagles have left?

The Eagles splashed out on the opening surge of free agency but it’s been uncharacteristically quiet ever since. This may have something to do with the fact that they’re loaded with draft capital and clearly want to get both younger and cheaper. But if they were to explore the free-agent markets, is there still value to be found?

Here are the top names left at each position of need:

Cornerback:

Patrick Peterson, Stephon Gilmore, Rasul Douglas, Donte Jackson, Steven Nelson, Xavier Rhodes

The Eagles need a CB2 and if it’s a veteran they want, then there are plenty of appealing names left. Steven Nelson probably played his way out of Philadelphia, but reuniting with Rasul Douglas would be the perfect bridge between 2022 and whenever their 100% definite first-round selection develops.

Patrick Peterson and Darius Slay would’ve been a dream pairing five years ago. It would still be very good now. However, at that age, Xavier Rhodes would be the better option due to how well he’s historically performed under Jonathan Gannon.

Safety:

Tyrann Mathieu Landon Collins, Terrell Edmunds, Jayron Kearse, Anthony Harris

There are some big-name players out there in the secondary. Kearse might be a write-off because of his Dallas history, and Mathieu might want a big bag. Terrell Edmunds would be a really snug fit and certainly tick the boxes that Howie wants.

However, it’s probably more than likely that Anthony Harris returns and the Eagles draft someone to learn beneath Marcus Epps, who has arguably deserved a boost up the depth chart.

Linebacker:

Bobby Wagner, Za’Darius Smith, Dont’a Hightower, Cory Littleton,

Plenty of ILB talent is still on the board here, but the Eagles want to get younger and faster. We can assume Davion Taylor is going to be a key piece of the puzzle next season, while T.J Edwards had his ‘Singleton season’. It all comes down to how the Eagles want to deploy that third LB and in certain packages, one Haasan Reddick is already the dream candidate to rush the passer.

Defensive end:

Jadeveon Clowney, Calais Campbell, Melvin Ingram

A little light here. You know it’s bad when Derek Barnett is among the better options left. This is definitely an area to be explored via the NFL Draft.

Wide receiver:

Jarvis Landry, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Odell Beckham JR, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jamison Crowder

This is the most densely populated group and that’s either going to be a blessing or a curse. Either A) the ridiculous overpayments are going to pump up the prices for these players or B), there are so many left that their value drops and allow Howie to swoop in.

Realistically, the Eagles don’t need a premier name. They either turn to a slot option and move Quez Watkins outside, or find a Z-receiver to replace Jalen Reagor. Someone like Landry would be a huge get, but is it realistic? Probably not.

Beleive it or not, as lovely as a strong outside receiver would be, the Eagles aren’t in desperate need…especially not enough to run to the bank and throw money at any of these players…