The Eagles were never going to be splashing the cash this offseason, at least, not on free agents. Howie Roseman carefully navigated the waters of the offseason knowing that he was going to soon be giving Jalen Hurts the keys to the Castle, but that’s not the only task remaining on his to-do list.
Forecast the year ahead
Howie Roseman’s greatest decision of all was a subtle one. In the 2022 offseason, the Eagles GM foresaw a light schedule and a chance to go all-in on some premier talents who were suddenly available very cheaply. Names like A.J Brown, James Bradberry, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson strengthened the roster and gave Jalen Hurts every chance to break out…and he did exactly that.
The results of this aggressive flick of the switch yielded a Super Bowl run for Philadelphia. But with a big contract extension for his QB1 looming, Roseman has been unable to be as aggressive as he was in 2022. The good news is, he didn’t have to be, but there is still work to be done.
A focus on defense
Roseman has done a great job of finding young cornerstones to build around on offense. From Dallas Goedert and Jalen Hurts to two of the most electric receivers in all of Football, the Eagles offense isn’t going anywhere any time soon and is only going to get better. The defense on the other hand, could use some work.
With a new Sheriff in town in Sean Desai, Philly needs to infuse some youth into a group that’s getting old quickly. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Darius Slay have all become constants on this team, but the depth at each spot could use some future heirs to the thrones. Linebacker is a position that feels like a consistent need in Philadelphia, and the Safety spot needs some long-term stability.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Eagles go all-in on defense this year.
Capitalize on a unique position
The Eagles are in a very enviable position in this year’s NFL Draft. Owning two first-round picks, one of which is inside the top 10, is one thing. Doing so coming off of a Super Bowl appearance is something all teams would give up the farm for.
Howie Roseman could do a lot from this spot, but what will he decide to do? He’s been aggressive in first-round trade-ups over the last few years, but with a second pick at #31, there’s a chance he may opt to drop back into the late teens and pick up some more ammunition.
Whatever he decides to do, it’s bound to cause some explosive reactions. The main thing is that the astute GM is able to make the most of this position. Whether he leverages #31 into an aggressive surge for a premier pass-rusher, sticks at 10, or drops back to safely sweep up a player in the teens, the Eagles cannot afford to whiff here.
Recent draft history has been incredibly strong, but the bigger picture hasn’t always been as pretty. If there is ever a Draft that the Eagles need to nail, it’s this one.
Pay Jalen Hurts…at the right time
It goes without saying, but Jalen Hurts is going to get his bag. The only question remaining is ‘when?’. There are several other big-name QB’s in search of a payday. Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson are all in-line for huge extensions, but nobody wants to make the first move, knowing that their deal will be the benchmark for the remaining QB’s to use and likely expand on.
Howie Roseman was aggressive in signing Carson Wentz to his long-term extension prior to his downfall, jumping the Cowboys in the process and forcing their hand. Will he do the same with Jalen Hurts or instead let the market dictate his value?
AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez
