Reporter Derrick Gunn kicked up the storm when he proclaimed “it would only be a matter of time” until the Philadelphia Eagles made another move. Time will tell, although Howie Roseman’s track record lends credence to something happening. Safety and linebacker are two positions of need, with DeAndre Hopkins lingering out there as the ultimate trump card.
The NFL’s dead period is a depressing time for fans anxious for practice notes and analysis. Players are off golfing or singing at country music concerts, doing whatever they need to do to unwind before training camp begins on July 25. Luckily, the rumor mill hasn’t slowed down.
Let’s take a look at a few outside-the-box options for the Eagles to pursue in the coming weeks, via free agency or in a trade scenario.
Scooby Wright, LB:
The reigning USFL Defensive Player of the Year is one of the more colorful characters in professional football as evidenced by his WWE tryout. So, yes, Wright likes to have fun and let his personality shine. He’s also really good at football: 52 tackles and 3 sacks in 2022, including a crucial pick-six for Birmingham in the championship game. Wright missed the majority of the 2023 USFL season while dealing with a calf injury. Two things: Wright has been cleared to play; Wright has NFL experience (13 games). He sure looks like a great camp body and depth signing for Philly.
Kwon Alexander, LB:
The 6-foot-1, 227-pounder has been lurking in free agency for months with heavy interest coming from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet he remains unsigned which is a bit perplexing. Alexander enjoyed a solid 2022 campaign where he started all 17 regular-season games for the New York Jets and finished with 69 total tackles (6 for loss). More impressively, the former fourth-round pick has fixed the issues that haunted him in coverage early in his career. He hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage since 2020.
Jarvis Landry, WR:
With everyone fixated on DeAndre Hopkins and trying to massage his $15 million-a-year asking price, there is another accomplished receiver sitting out there. Landry, a five-time Pro Bowler, might be nearing his 31st birthday but he has always been a reliable option in the slot. Olamide Zaccheaus and Quez Watkins will be vying for the starting job at training camp, but adding Landry to the competition could be fun. His veteran leadership alone could stabilize a receiver room devoid of depth and experience.
Jeremy Chinn, S:
The rumor mill has been focused solely on acquiring Budda Baker. He stirred the conversation in the Eagles’ direction through his words and actions after formally requesting a trade out of Arizona. However, Chinn might be the better player who has a huge opportunity to cash in.
The former second-round pick is coming off a hamstring injury which limited his production (70 tackles, 0 interceptions) in 2022. Would Carolina trade him for Round 4 pick? Remember, the Eagles have two Round 5 picks in 2024 and one of them could convert to a fourth-rounder if conditions are met.
The Panthers are in the middle of a rebuild, including a defensive scheme switch under new coordinator Ejiro Evero. Chinn could be the odd man out as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
D.J. Fluker, OT:
The Eagles already worked him out and he’s an Alabama guy. Throw in the franchise’s long-running obsession with offensive line help and it seems absurd to think they wouldn’t sign him. Fluker dropped 40 pounds from his previous playing weight of 342 pounds and appears to be in tremendous shape. He could be the perfect insurance policy behind Lane Johnson at right tackle. He also has versatility at right guard.
