After making some big moves to start the free agency period, the Philadelphia Eagles have placed themselves in a great position to succeed. While no one wins a trophy for having the best offseason, Howie Roseman has continuously been as aggressive as promised. The Eagles GM is making moves as if his career depended on it.
With the signings of Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, Devin White, and even the trade for Kenny Pickett, the Eagles are creating competition at their premium positions but who is going to benefit from these moves or be negatively impacted? Let’s take a look at that now.
The benefiting Eagles
Nakobe Dean
While many are still on the fence about the signing of LB Devin White, the fact of the matter is that this was a very wise move. Howie Roseman may have brought in the former first-round pick in hopes of him covering a need but his presence will do more than that. With Nakobe Dean missing 12 games last season, it was evident that his presence was sorely missed. While Shaq Leonard and Zach Cunningham did their best to fill the void, the Eagles missed their former third-round pick.
At 23 years old, Nakobe Dean is on his way to possibly tapping into his potential but after how the last two seasons have gone for him, that is still a big question. With Devin White now there, Dean will have a proven linebacker who is still on the cusp of his prime to challenge him day in and day out. They grow together and possibly complement one another very well. White’s presence will motivate the former Georgia Bulldog and could unlock Dean’s potential.
Jalen Hurts
There’s no question that last season was a weird one for Jalen Hurts. Especially with the knee injury that no one has information about nor still does. Hurts had Swift in the backfield last season but they had moments where the two were not on the same page during the RPO plays and several others. Swift had a big season which led to a great payday for him.
The Eagles were fortunate to sign Saquon Barkley but it’s Jalen Hurts who won the Barkley sweepstakes. Saquon is levels above the current running back talent on the roster and he also brings something that Swift didn’t. He’s a good pass blocker which means the Eagles finally have their three-down back. Barkley’s presence will make it easier for Hurts to read defenses and keep them honest. As long as Kellen Moore is on the same page then this Eagles offense will be fun to watch.
The Cornerbacks
There’s no question that the Eagles’ safety play last season was a big issue. It felt like the cornerbacks and safeties were never on the same page last season. Top that with the fact that they had no true ball hawk back there and you have a recipe for disaster which is exactly what happened. With Sydney Brown recovering from a torn ACL and Reed Blankenship playing under his third DC in as many years, the Eagles needed to go out for and big-time playmaker and CJGJ was exactly that guy.
James Bradberry had an All-Pro season when CJGJ was behind him. Bradberry looked lost at times last season as if he was expecting help in certain situations but was all alone. Could’ve been his fault or the safety that was playing but one way or another, a player like CJGJ was greatly missed. Which is why the veteran and young cornerbacks will greatly benefit from his return. They’ll benefit from the entire safety group as well if the Eagles do add another veteran to the mix in the likes of Justin Simmons.
The not-so-lucky Eagles
Kenny Gainwell
Gainwell had an odd season last year. The Eagles wanted him to be the featured back over D’Andre Swift but an early injury derailed those plans which led to the Swift takeover. While Gainwell did eat into Swift’s snaps here and there, the former 5th-round pick was only able to tally 364 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in 16 games played.
There’s a strong chance that we will barely see Gainwell next season with Saquon Barkley getting a big contract to sign with the Eagles. While he may spell Barkley here and there, the Eagles’ offensive staff will have to be focused on putting Barkley in the best position to succeed. Moore has a very talented offense in the palm of his hand and it’s very likely that if the Eagles drafted a speedy running back then Gainwell may fall to RB3.
Quez Watkins
Watkins is still a free agent at the moment and while the signing of Devante Parker shouldn’t automatically rule out his return, it should at least make the chances slimmer. The Eagles need a productive slot receiver and maybe another speedster. While Watkins does have impressive speed, things just couldn’t click for him in Philly.
If the Eagles don’t make a move for a veteran wideout that can stretch the field then I would assume that they are targeting one in the draft. It may be time for both parties to move on from one another. I still think that Quez can flourish in this league but it may not be Philadelphia.
Haason Reddick
There’s a growing chance that Haason Reddick may not be an Eagle next season. I hate the thought of it due to him being their best pass rusher but the NFL is still a business. After signing Bryce Huff and restructuring Josh Sweats deal, the Eagles have put themselves in a position to move on from their elite pass rusher. Their extension talks have been far apart with Reddick wanting big money and the Eagles wanting to win now.
This doesn’t mean that Reddick doesn’t want to win but he does want to be paid fairly which is understandable. The Eagles are just not comfortable with paying the 29-year-old pass rusher over $20 million. There is still a chance of both sides coming to terms on a new deal since it seems like no other team is willing to meet Reddick’s asking price. If that’s the case then Reddick would be better off working with the Eagles on a deal that favors both parties.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
