General manager Howie Roseman was in a New York state of mind on Monday as he chunked two elite players out of the Big Apple. Running back Saquon Barkley and edge rusher Bryce Huff will be suiting up for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, according to multiple reports. May wonders never cease.
Saquon Barkley joins the Eagles
First, in an unprecedented commitment to the backfield, Roseman outbid Houston to land Saquon’s immensely talented services. The two-time Pro Bowler will ink a three-year, $37.75 million which includes $26 million in fully guaranteed money (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Barkley is expected to be a three-down back in Philly, making him the first to lock down that role since LeSean McCoy set the franchise record for rushing yards.
The move is a middle finger of sorts as it cripples a hated divisional rival. Yes, Barkley — 5,211 yards on 1,201 carries since 2018, No. 10 during that span — will be seeking vengeance on the Giants.
Bryce Huff joins the Eagles
Meanwhile, the Eagles will add defensive end Bryce Huff after he reportedly agreed to a three-year, $51.1 million deal. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder enjoyed a breakout 2023 campaign for the Jets after recording 10 sacks and 68 quarterback pressures on 312 pass-rushing snaps. Huff will become the highest-paid non-quarterback undrafted free agent in NFL history, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
He’ll morph from a rotational pass rusher over his first four seasons in New York to a full-time starter in Philly as the organization looks to rebuild their defensive line. The Eagles have given versatile linebacker Haason Reddick permission to seek a trade while the team continues to field calls on defensive end Josh Sweat. Upheaval in the trenches might be the biggest storyline of the offseason.
Under the radar
The Eagles also intend to sign linebacker Zack Braun to a one-year deal. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder racked up 88 total tackles, plus two sacks and an interception, in 62 games for New Orleans. Most of his snaps came on special teams, although he set a career high with 301 defensive snaps in 2023. He joins an inexperienced linebackers room in Philly where he’ll certainly get the chance to compete for a starting job.
Landon Dickerson Gets Paid: Watch Out for DeVonta Smith
The Eagles started free agency by announcing a contract extension for Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson. The 25-year-old received a four-year deal worth up to $87 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Dickerson, a second-round pick in 2021 (No. 37 overall), will become the highest-paid guard in football, forming a Berlin Wall next to tackle Jordan Mailata on the left side of the Eagles’ vaunted offensive line.
All eyes now turn to star receiver DeVonta Smith who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Eagles could choose to exercise their option for a fifth year which would pay Smith roughly $15 million in 2025.
Smith, a first-round pick in 2021 (No. 10 overall) could earn as much as $22 million per year as the wide receiver market continues to boom. Remember, star teammate A.J. Brown is earning an average annual salary of $25 million.
Xavier McKinney Heads to Green Bay: Who’s Left?
Philadelphia was hot on the trail of Xavier McKinney in free agency but the long-time Giants safety will head to Green Bay on a four-year deal worth $68 million. Howie Roseman made a serious push for Jalen Hurts’ college teammate but bowed out when the bidding war got nuclear.
Safety remains the biggest need for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in a scheme that relies on two-high shells and heavy zone coverage. The Eagles don’t have much seasoning on the backend with Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown topping the depth chart right now. Losing nickel cornerback Avonte Maddox only exacerbates the issue.
According to Derrick Gunn, the Eagles have a “lot of interest” in C.J. Gardner-Johnson despite how things ended after the 2022 season. The hybrid defensive back talked his fair share of junk on social media, although there’s no denying what he brings to the tabkle. Gardner-Johnson is a turnover machine who oozes swagger. Other players they should be checking in on include Justin Simmons, Kam Curl, Jordan Fuller, Jeremy Chinn, Eddie Jackson, and Kyle Duggar.
AP Photo/Rich Schultz, File
