Eagles

What the Eagles Should do with Every Player on the Team, Vol. 6: Linebackers

Andrew Abate   |  

Mar 2, 2022

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Reddit
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Here we will continue the series of what I would do with every player on the Philadelphia Eagles roster if I was Howie Roseman, this time looking at the linebackers.

Genard Avery

Avery had a promising rookie season with the Browns in 2018, and then Howie Roseman traded a future 4th-round pick for him in the middle of 2019. In his two and a half years in Philadelphia, Avery has been almost a complete non-factor. He was an awkward fit in Jim Schwartz’s scheme, and then when given the opportunity to play more to his skill set (as a pass-rusher) in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, he just never really produced consistently. I thought the dart throw was fine at the time, but for someone who is about to turn 27 and barely shown anything, it is probably best if they just move on.

What I would do: Let him walk in free agency.

T.J. Edwards

While it is a really low bar, Edwards was probably the Eagles’ best linebacker last season, racking up 130 tackles, a sack and an interception. He has received a bigger role in the defense in each of his three years as an Eagle and is well-regarded in the run game. Making less than a million dollars next year at age 26, he is definitely worth keeping around on a team where LB talent is scarce.

Oh, he also did this.

BLOCKED#PHIvsCAR | #FlyEaglesFly

?: FOX pic.twitter.com/Nu5h8JfTue

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 10, 2021

What I would do: Keep him.

Alex Singleton

I thought Singleton was a solid overall player last year, but he was much worse this year, as he got absolutely torched in pass coverage and missed a whopping 20 tackles despite playing fewer snaps than last season. Despite being 28 years old, Singleton is actually a restricted free agent this year, but I highly doubt he has any sort of competitive market. The Eagles have a lot of young linebackers in the pipeline that they want to develop, so I honestly think Singleton’s roster spot could be better used elsewhere.

What I would do: Do not tender, let him go in free agency.

Shaun Bradley

A 2020 6th-round pick out of Temple, Bradley did not have to travel far to get to his NFL team but has hardly played in his two years there. Still, he is a decent athlete and has been serviceable in his limited opportunities, so with two years left on his rookie contract there is no reason to let him go.

What I would do: Keep him.

Patrick Johnson

Johnson was a 7th-round rookie who played defensive end at Tulane, but the Eagles are trying to convert him to a linebacker. Johnson played 48 snaps over the first three games of the season, but then oddly only played 8 from Weeks 4-17 (he played a lot in the meaningless Week 18 game). He has only been here one year, and with the team thin at the position I would imagine he makes the team again as a project in progress.

What I would do: Keep him.

JaCoby Stevens

A 6th-round rookie, Stevens played safety at LSU, but the Eagles are, again, trying to convert him to linebacker (maybe just draft actual linebackers?). Stevens was on the practice squad until Week 17, and only played in Week 18. I would say to just continue to develop him, but with very little to go off of, he might have to fight for a roster spot this year.

What I would do: Keep at least during training camp/preseason, but he has to earn a roster spot.

Davion Taylor

Taylor was an interesting prospect during the 2020 draft out of Colorado. He did not start playing football until college, but was a phenomenal athlete, and the Eagles banked on his potential as a project player in the third round. So far, it has not really worked out, as he really has not flashed in any way so far through two years (though he is the one who forced this fumble). Given how stubborn Roseman is with his early-round draft selections, I would be surprised if he is not on the team next year, but personally I would want him to show something this summer in order for him to stick around.

What I would do: Keep into training camp and preseason, but he has to earn a roster spot.

Long-shot Training Camp Bodies

Joe Ostman and Christian Elliss.

Photo: Josh Tolentino/Philadelphia Inquirer

Categorized:Eagles