The Philadelphia Eagles have signed eight external free agents and traded for two additional players this offseason. While many are concerned about Philadelphia’s losses in free agency, the Eagles are clearly focused on playing the compensatory pick game for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has certainly targeted a specific type of free agent this offseason. Five of Philadelphia’s eight external free agent signings are currently 26-years-old.
Each external free agent that the Eagles have signed is on a one-year deal. It’s clear that Roseman believes in the culture in Philadelphia and that the franchise can help maximize the talent of these young players that have struggled to do so elsewhere around the NFL.
The Eagles were able to do exactly that with both Zack Baun and Mekhi Becton last season. Philadelphia also helped Isaiah Rodgers rebuild his value after his suspension as well. While the Eagles prioritized re-signing Baun, they will gain two compensatory picks for the departure of both Becton and Rodgers.
While the first wave of free agency is essentially over, there are still plenty of intriguing targets remaining on the open market.
Here are five free agents that could fit the mold that Roseman and the Eagles are prioritizing in 2025.
Julian Blackmon, S
Julian Blackmon is 26-years-old and was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft when several members of Philadelphia’s current coaching staff were in Indianapolis. While Nick Sirianni, Kevin Patullo and Jason Michael were offensive coaches, they surely watched Blackmon during practice and in games.
Blackmon was forced to sign a one-year, $3.7 million contract last offseason after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. He played over 1,000 snaps for the Colts last season but has yet to sign a new deal in free agency. Given the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Blackmon would help fill a massive void at safety in Philadelphia.
Isaiah Simmons, LB
Isaiah Simmons is 26-years-old and has spent the last two seasons in the NFC East with the New York Giants. While Simmons has failed to live up to expectations of being the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he still brings a ton of versatility with his skillset.
Despite being 6’4” and 238 lbs., Simmons has played edge rusher, inside linebacker, safety and in the slot during his NFL career. After Baun exceeded expectations last season, Simmons could view Philadelphia as the perfect landing spot to finally maximize his potential in the NFL.
Dillon Radunz, OL
Dillon Radunz is 26-years-old and played all over the offensive line after being drafted by the Titans in the second round second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Radunz started 15 games at right guard last season, which conveniently lines up with Philadelphia’s new void along the offensive line following Becton’s departure.
Although it’s also worth noting that Radunz has played over 150 snaps at every position along the offensive line except center in the NFL. Therefore, Radunz could serve as a versatile depth option in Philadelphia and would benefit from enrolling at Stoutland University.
Jack Gibbens, LB
Jack Gibbens is 26-years-old and surprisingly wanted tendered by the Titans this offseason. Now Gibbens is an unrestricted free agent, despite registering 167 total tackles and five tackles for loss in 29 games over his first three seasons in Tennessee.
Eagles linebacker coach Bobby King was Gibbens’ position coach for his first two seasons with the Titans. Gibbens started 13 games under King’s tutelage in 2023 and recorded 95 total tackles, three pass breakups and a sack. Given Nakobe Dean’s injury and the departure of Oren Burks, Gibbens could reunite with King in 2025.
James Lynch, IDL
James Lynch is 26-years-old and actually had a top 30 visit with the Eagles ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. Philadelphia has prioritized adding players that they’ve hosted on pre-draft visits in the past and Lynch could be the next player in line to meet that requirement.
After suffering a torn ACL in 2023, Lynch worked his way onto the Titans active roster and appeared in all 17 games last season. With Moro Ojomo expected to fill the void created by the departure of Milton Williams, Lynch could help add depth along the defensive line in Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
