For the first time in many seasons in Philadelphia, the top priority in free agency might be to resign their own.
After the 2022 season, the Eagles will have some tough decisions to make regarding the 2023 roster construction. Some Eagle legends may be playing their last downs with Philadelphia.
The team currently has 20 players who will be free agents. Three are Eagle legends and the last holdouts from their Super Bowl victory almost five years ago.
Defensive Line:
The free agents on the defensive line, a position that is highly prioritized by Howie and the Eagles, include two of the best who has ever worn an Eagles jersey. They need to add to the line, especially at the defensive end. A trade (which they did as I was writing this. The Eagles acquired Robert Quinn from the Bears), a high draft pick in 2023, and resigning one of the below is probable.
Fletcher Cox DT 32
It was not much of a surprise when Fletch returned on a one-year deal. To see him return to the team in 2023 would be very surprising. It would require Cox to take way less money than he could probably get on the open market, and significantly less playing time.
Brandon Graham DE 35
B.G. has been a big-time contributor, leader, and fan/locker room favorite for most of his career. This season, he has shown the value he brings to the team by playing at a high level while returning from a serious injury. He’s expressed his desire to play 2 more seasons and his choice would be to finish his career in Philadelphia. Losing 3 starters on the D-line would be a lot to come back from and Brandon would probably accept a 1-year deal with a 2nd yr option to return. I believe he stays.
Javon Hargrave DT 30
Javon has been solid since arriving and has really been good down the stretch. He is making it hard to imagine him not being here for a couple more years. Nobody values the lines as much as Howie, and the Eagles are already on the hook for 11 million in 2023 with Javon. It would make sense to extend him on a 2-3 year pact.
Janarius Robinson DE 24
Janarius was signed by the Eagles in September from the Vikings practice squad. He was placed on I.R. a month later. This is the second season in a row that his season has ended prematurely.
Robert Quinn DE 32
The trade for Robert Quinn gives the Birds another pass-rushing weapon off the edge, and a chance to watch him for the remainder of the season to see if they would like to try and extend him for another year. With the Eagles trying to load up for a possible Super Bowl run, this was a good trade.
Offensive Line:
Jason Kelce C 34
The Eagles seemingly drafted Kelce’s replacement with Cam Jurgens in the 2022 draft, but losing Jason’s play, experience, and leadership will not be easily duplicated. Kelce retiring would be a big loss if he hangs them up at the season’s end. Howie and the Eagles will keep signing Kelce to one-year deals as long as he wants to lace them up.
Other OL who could be playing their final season in Philadelphia:
Isaac Seumalo G 29
With a 7.7 million hit this season, I do not see him on the team in 2023. I thought he would be a trade candidate this season.
Andre Dillard T 27
The Eagles may be inclined to trade him in the next week knowing he is not going to be part of their future. He is a decent backup, but so are many others on their current roster.
Sua Opeta G 26
Opeta has done well since arriving in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, playing in 24 games and starting 4. They will likely find another player with more upside for Stoutland to coach, but depth issues could buy another season for Sua in Philadelphia.
Outlook: If they are not willing or able to retain a couple of these guys, their depth may be challenged for the first time in many years. Stoutland is the best in the business and the team is confident he will keep churning out top-tier starters, but replacing 4 players from the O-line room will be a tall order.
Defensive Backs:
The play of the DBs may pose harder decisions than the defensive line.
James Bradberry CB 29
James has played better than most anyone expected and, paired with Slay, has solidified the back end of this defense. DC J Gannon has the corners that allow him to play the scheme he envisioned when he arrived in Philly. Deciding on Bradberry’s future will be one of the hardest decisions the Eagles will have to make. His market could reach heights that make it very difficult for them to retain him, but he is the same age as Slay was when Howie handed him a big contract. Bradberry’s age is a concern, but the Eagles have shown they are risk-averse to this in some instances.
Chauncey Gardner- Johnson S 24.8
A late pre-season trade brought CJ GJ over from the Saints, and much like Bradberry, GJ has been playing better than advertised. His attitude, aggression, and style of play are perfect for this defense and were traits that have been sorely missed. The Eagles will want to extend his stay. A three-year pact would make a lot of sense.
Marcus Epps S 27
Epps has been an unsung hero in the backfield so far this season. He finished 2021 off on a high note and has kept rolling. He seems to have found a role on this team, and he has gained the confidence of the coaches and players. He is another player I expect them to find a way to keep.
The people have spoken and their voting would suggest we have all been indoctrinated into prioritizing the positional value the same as Howie and the Eagles brass. Which is probably the correct approach.
Linebackers:
T.J. Edwards LB 26
The Eagles love Edwards in the middle, and he has played very well. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t get an extension. Which leads to the other free-agent LB.
Kyzir White OLB, WIL 26
Kyzir has done everything the Eagles had hoped for and more, but it’s probably not going to make a difference as far as him remaining in Philly. Nakobe is lurking, can play the WIL, while being cheaper, and under control for 3 more seasons.
Running Backs:
If the Eagles let both Miles and Boston move on, the RB room will look very different than it has in 4 seasons.
Miles Sanders RB 25.4
It’s ironic how players usually are at their best during a contract season. Miles has been healthy and playing some of the best football since arriving. The Eagles don’t usually break the bank for a running back, and I don’t see them doing that with Miles either. Unless he is willing to accept a hometown discount he will probably find that the grass ($) is greener on another field.
Boston Scott RB 27.4
The Eagles may want to retain Boston for the 2023 season, especially if Miles leaves, but he will likely not be a priority nor warrant a large contract. He is a solid player and has excelled as a rotational backup. It would not be surprising to see him back on a one-year deal.
Wide Receiver:
Zach Pascal WR 27.8
Was Zach a hired gun to help teach the Sirianni system, or has he found a niche in this offense as the 5th wideout and made himself worthy of another year or two in Philly? That decision may come down to being a financial one.
Tight End:
Tyree Jackson TE 25
Tyree recently had his 21-day practice window activated, so his return is near. The Eagles love his intangibles but he has to prove he can stay healthy. I’d expect him back on a one-year team-friendly prove-it deal.
Quarterback:
Gardner Minshew QB 26
Gardner has expressed an interest to start but has never been a distraction. He was called to duty when Hurts was injured last year and was able to do what the Eagles asked and win a game. They will likely try to find another player to fill his shoes this off-season.
Special Teams:
Even the special teams are not safe from free-agent loss this year.
Rick Lovato– LS 30
The fact we never hear his name mentioned is a great thing. The only time you ever hear anything about a long snapper is when they make a mistake. Lovato has been as solid as they come. The Eagles have had a very long run of excellent LS since Jon Dorenbos was here. They should keep that going even longer and sign Rick to a 3-year extension.
2023
Howie is seeing the ball as well as Bryce Harper right now and is the likely NFL executive of the year. I trust he has a plan in place. My best guess is that 12 leave and 8 stay.
Stay:(8)
Brandon Graham
Javon Hargrave
Chauncey Gardner- Johnson
Marcus Epps
T.J Edwards
Boston Scott
Tyree Jackson
Rick Lovato
(9) If Jason Kelce wants to play another season