The Philadelphia Eagles are on a four-game winning streak, as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars to improve to 6-2. Yet Eagles general manager opted against making a move at this year’s trade deadline, despite several other playoff contenders making deals.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss possible free agent additions, Zack Baun’s potential contract extension and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@Beardaknowledge asked, “Is there a free agent that the Eagles could sign to help the squad?”
While the Eagles failed to make an addition at this year’s trade deadline, there were plenty of moves made around the league. Therefore, a few intriguing veterans were released to make room for incoming players following a busy day in the NFL.
Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Phillips and Mike Edwards were three recently released players that made sense for the Eagles, but all three of them have reportedly signed with new teams.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, he expects teams looking for a veteran pass rusher to explore the possibility of signing Jason Pierre-Paul. If the Eagles want to add experience on the edge, Pierre-Paul played under Vic Fangio for the Miami Dolphins last season.
@thePHIspecial asked, “What kind of offer do you think would be comparable for Howie Roseman to get a Zack Baun deal done?”
Zack Baun spent the past several years in college and the NFL as an edge rusher. Yet Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved Baun to inside linebacker in 2024 and the 27-year-old has become one of Philadelphia’s best defensive players.
Therefore, many want the Eagles to sign Baun to a contract extension as soon as possible. While an in-season extension would be preferred, Baun likely wants to test his value on the open market in 2025.
There are two recent contract extensions that I would focus on as a starting point in negotiations with Baun.
- Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Vikings: Two-year, $20 million contract with $10 million guaranteed
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Browns: Three-year, $35 million contract with $24 million guaranteed
Van Ginkel might be the most comparable player to Baun, in terms of his success under Fangio leading to the biggest contract of his NFL career. It feels safe to say Van Ginkel’s contract would be a starting point in negotiations.
Owusu-Koramoah signed his contract extension in August, which is more recent than Van Ginkel. Therefore, Philadelphia signing Baun to a contract with an average annual value around $10-$12 million seems fair.
Although if Baun continues to play at an elite level and reaches free agency, his market could skyrocket even more.
@CMPXMV asked, “What do you think are the odds to win the division? Would we need to sweep the Commanders or would splitting it be enough? We still have some tougher opponents like the Ravens coming up.”
The winner of the NFC East will likely come down to both matchups between the Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Looking ahead to the second half of the regular season, the Eagles appear to have the tougher schedule overall.
Philadelphia’s remaining non-divisional matchups are against the Los Angeles Rams (4-4), Baltimore Ravens (6-3), Carolina Panthers (2-7) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2).
Meanwhile, Washington’s remaining non-divisional matchups are against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2), Tennessee Titans (2-6), New Orleans Saints (2-7) and Atlanta Falcons (6-3).
Given the relative easiness of Washington’s remaining schedule, it feels like the Eagles will have to win both head-to-head matchups to win the NFC East this season.
@JoshBernard asked, “Can our current d-line make a real push against the better team we will face in the playoffs?”
The Eagles have played three NFC teams this season that they could likely meet in the playoffs once again. Philadelphia recorded 48 total pressures against the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers combined, according to Pro Football Focus.
While those numbers aren’t the greatest, it’s worth noting that the Eagles played all three of those teams prior to Philadelphia’s transformative bye week. The Eagles’ defense has played at an elite level since then, as Fangio becomes more comfortable with the players.
Therefore, I truly believe the Eagles have enough talent along the defensive front to play well in the postseason. Fangio’s usage of blitzes, simulated pressure, and more will only continue to grow as the season progresses.
@Ricerealtygrp1 asked, “At what point do you think a a change at the head coach would happen? If we have a first round exit in playoffs or what would you say would be acceptable to keep his job.”
It feels crazy to discuss potentially firing a head coach with a career winning percentage of .678, but here we are. Nick Sirianni’s streak of poor in-game decision making has put the Eagles in tough situations, despite being 6-2 in 2024.
Sirianni was already on the hot seat heading into this year following last season’s embarrassing collapse. Which is why I felt anything short of at least one playoff win would result in Sirianni being fired.
I maintain that same stance despite the team’s hot streak since the bye week. If the Eagles fail to win a playoff game in back-to-back seasons, Philadelphia will have a new head coach in 2025.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
