We’re onto the next portion of our free agent targets and we travel across the country to the NFC West. We will look at one offensive and one defensive player from each team and see who the Eagles should be interested in. We’ll start with the cry babies.
San Francisco 49ers
Offense: Daniel Brunskill
A guard isn’t a sexy target, but Brunskill’s versatility will be appealing to Jeff Stoutland. With Seumalo set to hit free agency, and is probably moving on, the Eagles are in need of guard depth. Brunskill held his own against some of the more dominant interior pass rushers this season and has to ability to start when needed.
Defense: Hassan Ridgeway
Our old friend was a fan favorite during his time in Philadelphia and a reunion should be considered. Hassan Ridgeway is very good against the run and could possibly see reps as DT3 behind Jordan Davis and Milton Williams if both Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave leave.
Arizona Cardinals
Offense: None
There aren’t any free agents on the offensive side of the ball that sparks any intrigue.
Defense: Zach Allen and Byron Murphy
The Eagles value their defensive line rotations and Zach Allen is a perfect fit for it. Allen had 5.5 sacks and 35 pressures in 2022 in 13 games while lining up all over the defensive line. His arrow is pointing straight up and the Eagles could capitalize on another Arizona rusher finding his footing in Philadelphia.
Byron Murphy had his breakout season in 2021 with four interceptions before an injury plagued 2022 limited him to nine games. Only 25 years old, the Eagles could bet on the 2021 version of Murphy coming back. He will be coveted on the FA market.
Los Angeles Rams
Offense: None
Sorry if this is boring. But look at their free agent on offense and tell me that there’s someone you want. I’ll wait!
Defense: A’Shawn Robinson
It doesn’t seem likely that the Eagles would let one high priced DT walk (Hargrave) to let another one in. But for the same reason I gave Daron Payne, Robinson’s age is the appealing factor. He will be 28 in March (Hargrave is 30) and is an elite run defender. Pairing him with Jordan Davis would keep running backs from gashing up the middle of the defensive line.
Seattle Seahawks
Offense: Rashaad Penny
In five seasons, Penny has only played in 42 games and started 11, but when he’s healthy he is near unstoppable. In 10 games in 2021, Penny led the league with 6.3 yards per carry on 119 carries. In five games in 2022, he averaged 6.1 on 57 carries. If the Eagles could land him on a one year prove it deal, Penny could reestablish his value and see a career year behind the Eagles OL.
Defense: Poona Ford
He’s not Payne or Robinson, but Ford would be a great addition to a defensive line needing run defense support. Ford won’t be 28 until November and would be relatively cheap compared to his peers.
Other free agent targets: NFC East
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire
