It’s been a relatively quiet free agency for Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles after the signing of Haason Reddick. While they also made offers for Christian Kirk and Marcus Williams, the team has barely been rumored to be in on any of the remaining free agents. It’s understandable to a certain extent that Philly may not be the most attractive place for offensive players to come, but should that result in a conservative approach?
If Howie Roseman is banking on filling the team’s needs through this year’s draft then many should be more worried than satisfied. While the Eagles ended up with an outstanding draft class last year, the likelihood of lightning striking twice is very slim for several reasons.
The First-round picks
First, there’s the issue of having three first-round picks. If you’re truly trying to build a better roster then the Eagles need to use all three picks this season and give up the idea of trading out for more picks next season. Howie’s mentioned the idea of trading out of the first round for future assets and it’s been a heavy rumor this offseason. The Eagles have too many glaring holes for them to get cute with moving their pieces around unless it’s for a talented player at a position of need like DK Metcalf.
If Howie trades any of the first-round picks of this year’s draft for more capital next year, what are you telling your fans? More importantly, what are you telling the team’s franchise QB? Are you proudly establishing an exit out of the relationship for the world to see?
The Needs
The Eagles are filled with more needs this season than any season I can remember in recent times. The secondary has no established CB2 to line up with Darius Slay while Avonte Maddox remains in the slot. The Free Safety position is currently occupied by Marcus Epps and Anthony Harris, which is fine…but nothing more.
Then there’s the linebacker position. While Haason Reddick will be a versatile piece playing the SAM/ EDGE role, there’s still a need for a middle linebacker and another outside linebacker. Davion Taylor’s development is running slower than expected due to his injuries and T.J. Edwards is great against the run but he lacks in pass coverage.
Last but not least, the wide receiver group. A report came out earlier this offseason stating that the Eagles brass view Watkins as a solid #2 receiver. While Watkins has been ahead of the curve in his development, the team can’t be in a place of comfortability with this group. Reagor has yet to show up at the NFL level while JJAW is still just a ghost that haunts the halls of the Linc. You can make the argument for Greg Ward Jr, but you really shouldn’t. While Ward has been reliable for the team, he’s nowhere near being a difference-maker.
Howie Roseman is under a lot of pressure
For the last several years, Howie Roseman has operated from a position of power which has led to several draft failures along with a couple of wins. Those years are long gone and the sooner that Howie realizes that the better off he’ll be. Whether the tenured Eagles GM wants to admit it or not, this offseason is going to have an avalanche of pressure weighing on his shoulders. He can’t get cute with picks like Reagor and JJAW anymore. He has to be efficient and smart with the heavy thought in his mind; Howie Roseman could be one move away from being the biggest villain in Philly.
Imagine an entire fanbase criticizing your every move. Imagine that same fanbase being right about their criticism. They banged the table for Justin Jefferson and received Jalen Reagor instead. They wanted DK Metcalf and got JJ Arcega-Whiteside. You’re no longer the smartest person in the city, let alone in your building.
While Howie Roseman has the tools needed to have an incredible draft, the idea of Howie being Howie may not work in his favor if it isn’t done with the team’s best interest at heart. So now that free agency has gone sideways, the ball is in your hands with more than just the game on the line Mr. Roseman.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
