The Eagles are rarely in on the most expensive free agents, but Howie has proven to be shrewd in targeting young ascending players while also signing a few unexpected ones. When he felt the team needed a big running back in 2017, he signed LeGarrette Blount. In 2022 the team needed a pass rusher and he struck quickly by signing Haason Reddick.
This year they could surprise by signing a free-agent safety, which also happens to be the deepest of any position in free agency. I know, many think Howie ignores the position, but I disagree. He signed Malcolm Jenkins, and Rodney McLeod, and most recently traded for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Kevin Byard. I believe he will invest in the position for the right player, and with Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield on the open market, the right player exists this season.
My picks are italicized.
Eagles Offensive Options:
(2) OL: Jack Driscoll, Connor Williams, Sua Opeta, Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler is PFF’s 2nd highest-blocking Guard with an 82.3 score. He only allowed 1 QB hit this past season. He also made his first Pro Bowl at age 33. He has been excellent in pass pro through much of his career and would be a great fill-in at Guard if Jason Kelce retires and the Eagles move Cam to Center.
The Eagles have a lot of confidence in Driscoll and he is uber familiar with the scheme and what they like to do. Offensive Line coach Jeff Stoutland likes him a lot, and it would seem likely that he’s back.
(2) RB: Boston Scott, D’Andre Swift, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley
I know Henry may be surprising to some, but he wants to play for a team that can win a Super Bowl, he seems willing to take less money to do so, and he would be a great complement to the smaller slash-style backs they have. Also, as I noted above, Howie has gone out to get RBs when needed. Ex: Ajayi, Blount, and just last year he dealt for Swift.
D’Andre will be an interesting decision for Howie. How high will the Eagles be willing to go, and does Swift want to come back? On one hand, he had career numbers, on the other he was underutilized.
Henry had his fifth 1,000-yard season and added double-digit TDs for the straight 6th season. He could take a lot off of Hurts in short-yardage situations and with the uncertainty of Kelce coming back, something other than the Brotherly Shove would be a welcomed weapon.
(1) WR: Jauan Jennings, Marquise Brown, and Darnell Mooney
The Eagles kept Quez around for his potential to take the top off of defenses, Brown offers the same ability, but with better results. He could be willing to take a 1-year prove-it deal to improve his value in the open market.
(1) TE: Colby Parkinson, Noah Fant, and Hunter Henry
Colby is an elite blocker at the position and an underrated receiver. In addition to being a younger, cheaper option at Tight End if the Eagles move on from Goedert in a year. At 6’7 Colby is also a big target in the red zone.
Eagles Defensive Options:
(2) Edge: Andrew Van Ginkel, Brandon Graham, Za’Darius Smith, Bryce Huff
Van Ginkel is coming off a great season and he owes a lot of that to the Eagle’s new DC Vic Fangio. The two are close and Fangio could play a role in recruiting the versatile edge rusher to Philadelphia.
B.G. wants to play one more season and has stated that it would be his “farewell tour”. While his snap count has decreased in the last 2 seasons, he has proven to be highly productive while on the field, even at age 35. He will not require a lot of money and my guess is Howie accommodates his first-ever draft pick with one last year.
(1) DT: Maurice Hurst, Fletcher Cox, Sheldon Rankins, Javon Kinlaw
If the Eagles do not pay Fletcher Cox and go the route of signing a free agent DT, Kinlaw should be on their list. He could be looking for an affordable 1 year prove-it deal and playing in a heavy rotation like the one the Eagles employ, would help him stay stronger throughout the season. Something he has struggled with.
(1) LB: Blake Cashman, Willie Gay, J Baker, Tyrel Dodson, Frankie Luvu, Drue Tranquill
Cashman has dealt with injuries and has primarily been a special teams player to start his career, but he showed there is a lot of untapped potential as a linebacker this season. In just 13 starts he had 106 tackles and should come at a price tag the Eagles will feel comfortable in paying. Blake is the type of player who seems to be ascending, and one that the Eagles usually try to sign.
(1) S: Xavier McKinney, Antoine Winfield (if he hits the market) Kyle Dugger, D Elliott, Kamren Curl, Jordan Fuller, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Xavier can play deep, in the box and has proven to do well in the slot. With Giants DC Wink Martindale no longer in NY, it will be interesting to see if the Giants want to keep McKinney. There was certainly no chance of him staying with Wink after he criticized the staff mid-season.
(1) CB: L’Jarius Sneed, Kenny Moore, Jaylon Johnson, Kendall Fuller
Sneed played the slot for much of his time in Kansas City but transitioned outside this year and displayed elite coverage skills while also showcasing that he is the type of player who mixes it up in the run game and does not mind being involved in tackles. If the Eagles want to upgrade the position in a big way, Sneed checks off all of the boxes.
Special Teams:
(1) P: Braden Mann
Mann had everyone in Philadelphia forget about the punter position, which is no easy task after the plethora of poor punting plays the city was used to.
(1) LS: Rick Lovato
Re-siging Lovato is ano brainer. The fact we never hear his name mentioned is a great thing. It means he always does his job to perfection.
As always, thank you for reading!
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AP Photo/Adam Hunger
