We are now a couple days past the new league year and many questions of the Eagles roster has been answered. But some rather large free agents are still looming. Let’s take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles roster after the first week of free agency.
Quarterbacks A+
Depth Chart: Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Ian Book
The Eagles made somewhat of a surprise pick-up with former Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota. The duel threat quarterback signed with Philadelphia on a one-year $5 million contract in which he will serve as a reliable backup to Jalen Hurts.
The former backup Gardner Minshew signed with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week forcing the Eagles to weigh their options at QB2. Mariota will serve as a great veteran backup who posses many of the same skills as Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles offense struggled at times this season with Minshew in the game largely due to his lack of mobility. If Mariota is thrusted into action this year the offense will not have to adapt as much as it used to.
Running Back: C+
Depth Chart: Rashaad Penny, Kenny Gainewell, Boston Scott
It was inevitable that Miles Sanders would move on elsewhere as a free agent. But before Sanders made his move Howie Roseman brought in former Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny.
Penny shows glimpses of excellence but that is often shadowed by being injury prone. He will likely split snaps with Kenny Gainwell who played extremely well in the postseason.
While signing Penny wasn’t a flashy move it was a cheap one. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.35 million. The Eagles also resigned Giant-killer Boston Scott to a one-year $2 million deal.
The entirety of the Eagles running back room cost less than Miles Sander new contract and that is a win.
Offensive Line A
Projected Starters: Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Jason Kelce, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata
Howie Roseman took victory shots with Jason Kelce after he convinced him to stick around for one more year. Kelce is an all-time great center and will be huge boost to the Eagles run-game this season.
The Eagles are expected to lose right guard Isaac Seumalo to free agency this year. Second-year man Cam Jurgens is expected to fill in his role but will have to switch positions after being listed as a center.
Even if Jurgens doesn’t pan out the Eagles will still have a top offensive line for the 2023 season with all of their big names staying put.
Defensive Line B-
Projected Starters: Brandon Graham, Jordan Davis, Fletcher Cox, Josh Sweat
The defensive line took a big hit this offseason by losing Javon Hargrave to the San Fransisco 49ers. Hargrave outshined Cox this year and earned a large contract this offseason in which the Eagles could not afford.
But the Eagles made Cox and Graham one year closer to becoming Eagles for life as Cox signed a one-year $10 million deal and signing Graham to a one-year $6 million contract.
With the loss of Hargrave former first round pick Jordan Davis will have to step up as the starter this season. He will be the key run defender for the team that is one year away from getting gashed by the run in the Super Bowl. Time will tell if Davis will pan out or if the Eagles will be missing Hargrave.
Linebackers D+
Projected Starters: Haason Reddick, Nakobe Dean, Shaun Bradley
The Linebacker unit took the biggest hit this offseason. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White left for more money leaving two spots open on the Eagles roster.
Haason Reddick should be able to replicate his great 2022 campaign. Dean looked great is short playing stints but we never got an extended look at his play. Many speculate that Dean will be a great starter heading forward but Shaun Bradley on the other hand will be a weak link. The Eagles may want to look for a replacement later in free agency or in the draft.
Defensive Backs: B+
Projected Starters: Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Tristian McCollum, Reed Blankenship
What looked to be a pending disaster in free agency turned to be a joyful moment for all Eagles fans.
Prior to free agency many expected the Eagles to let Bradberry go in hopes to retain C.J. Gardner Johnson. But all of that went aside when Darius Slay’s agent was permitted to seek a trade and later was announced cut from the team.
Eagles plan to cut 5x Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay, per @jeffphowe pic.twitter.com/gsilGg2rmn
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 15, 2023
During this time the Eagles happily paid Bradberry with a three-year $38 million contract. And later to everyone’s surprise Slay was back like he never left extending his contract with the Birds for two years.
The Eagles also signed former Cleveland Brown Greedy Williams to a contract. He will serve as a key outside corner backing up the two starters.
This was a huge win for the Eagles defense and as of now Roseman is reportedly aggressively negotiating with Gardner-Johnson.
If Gardner-Johnson goes elsewhere the Eagles will have to look at safety options in the draft to keep the secondary strong. Reed Blankenship showed that he can be a starter in the NFL but Tristian McCollum much like Shaun Bradley may not be ready for that role.
Go Birds!
