I have to credit Justin David (@jdtbirds17.bsky.social) for this idea when he made a point that yes, Washington hit on a QB but they have work to do before they’re anointed an NFC powerhouse of the future (if you don’t follow him, he’s a great follow on Blue Sky).
The NFC East now goes through Philadelphia and while the NFL is so unpredictable, the Eagles look to be as set as any NFL team ever can be with a young and talented roster.
Here’s what I would do as each NFC East team’s GM to try and compete with the Eagles – my strategy and who I’m signing and drafting. And lastly, what I’m doing as the Eagles to stay on top.
Washington Commanders
“Build the core”
Don’t allow making the NFC Championship game let you be overconfident…
I don’t bet, but if I did I’d take the “under” on whatever Washington’s win line is for 2025.
They should be really excited for what they have… a new owner, a franchise QB, and getting so close to the Super Bowl. But they aren’t built to sustain and need to understand 2024 will be hard to repeat without building a core on both sides of the ball.
Current situation
Positives:
- You have your franchise QB
- Ton of cap space the next 3 years (top 10 in the league in free space)
Negatives:
- They succeeded on the back of Jayden and a hodge-podge of signings with few long-term core players besides Cosmi and maybe Dyami Brown and Sainristil
- 8th oldest roster in the league (27.4 snap-weighted age)
- Losing a lot in free agency – 5 of 7 WRs, 2 TEs, both backup QBs, 2 OL, 3 CBs and a SAF, 3 LBs, 4 DL, and the entire special teams unit except the long snapper
- 23rd ranked defense
- Have not drafted well the past 3 years with 4 of 24 picks being hits
Strategy for the off-season: “Build a core”
The Commanders need a lot and I’m trying to do a few things:
- For the big free agency moves, sign guys that can be here as part of a multi-year core
- Add talent around Jayden
- Look for hard to get positions (DT, EDGE, WR, CB) in the draft
Free agency and the draft
Free agency priorities:
Both of these guys are young and can serve as a multi-year core which is our goal. McLaurin is likely done after the 2025 season and they now could join the top teams with two WR1s by adding Tee. Adebo is a solid CB that also allows them to move Sainristil to the slot if needed.
| Free Agent | Contract |
|---|---|
| WR Tee Higgins | 4 yr / $120M, $70M gtd |
| CB Paulson Adebo | 3 yr / $35M, $20M gtd |
Draft:
With their top three picks (WAS doesn’t have a 4th round pick), I’m taking another top end WR, a DT to add run-defense value, and a much-needed CB.
| Pick | Player | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| R1-29 | WR Matthew Golden | This gives you Golden and Tee Higgins for 4 years along with McLaurin in 2025 |
| R2-61 | DT Alfred Collins | They don’t have a single plus run defender and need several guys on the DL |
| R3-79 | CB Maxwell Hairston | They almost have to take one or more CBs with the entire secondary hitting free agency |
| R4 | No pick |
Dallas Cowboys
“Soft re-build around Dak”
We can’t fix the real problem, they’re committed to Dak, and a full blow-up isn’t possible
They are locked into Dak for several years so no matter how much their fans what to “blow it up”, it makes no sense. I’m going to lean into trying to make this soft rebuild work by going after a top offense and a defense that can do enough.
They’ll still get whacked by Philly and probably Washington, but hey, we tried.
Current situation
Positives:
- A bad 2025 cap situation ($7M over) improves with plenty of space in 2026-27
- Cornerstone players in CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons
Negatives:
- Jerry Jones as GM
- Locked into Dak Prescott, good or bad, until the 2027 season
- Historically a very good drafting team, their last 2 drafts have been really bad (only 1 of 16 picks are even an average value player)
- Losing a lot of key players in free agency including 5 on the DL, 2 on the OL, WR2, and both backup QBs
- Overpaid on contract extensions by waiting too long, now with the most expensive QB and 2nd most expensive WR in the league
- Projected to have 5th hardest 2025 schedule
Strategy for the off-season: “Win with offense”
“Blowing it up” and trading CeeDee or Micah or Dak is trendy among Cowboys fans but I’m going the other way – you are locked into Dak for several years and aren’t fully re-building, so you don’t get rid of top pass rushers or receivers. Ever.
- Get to $20M free cap space by restructuring Dak, hope he stays healthy
- Extend Micah (4 yr / $140M) as soon as possible to get ahead of TJ Watt, Danielle Hunter, and Trey Hendrickson setting the market
- Go all in on offense – add offensive weapons and depth on the OL
- Add a couple of guys to the DL to improve the run defense, trust in the secondary pieces you have
Free agency priorities:
We are focusing on replacing Osa Odighizuwa (expensive) and DeMarcus Lawrence (old) and adding guys that aren’t complete liabilities in the run game.
| Free Agent | Contract |
|---|---|
| RG Kevin Zeitler | 1 yr / $6M |
| DT Calais Campbell | 1 yr / $3M |
| ED Derek Barnett | 2 yr / $4M |
Draft:
Going heavy offense with one of the most solid WRs in this class and a 3-down RB that adds to the pass game.
| Pick | Player | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| R1-12 | WR Emeka Egbuka | They have nice pieces but no real receiving option past CeeDee – we change that |
| R2-44 | RB Kaleb Johnson | Forget Jeanty in R1 which is a terrible use of draft capital – Kaleb is better value here |
| R3-76 | DT JJ Pegues | A big interior defender that can take snaps away from Mazi who they need to admit was probably a miss |
| R4 | No pick |
New York Giants
“Create multiple paths to a QB”
Until they have their QB, nothing matters – we put multiple chips on the table
Like Dallas, the Giants real issues are ownership and GM and while they aren’t changing that in the real-world, since I’m writing this as their GM, I get to do what I want…
But when I look at them, if they get a QB and make a couple of good decisions, they could turn around quicker than most give them credit for. So here goes.
Current situation
Positives:
- 2nd youngest roster
- Top 10 in free cap space the next two years
- Limited 2025 free agent losses (RG, one WR, a SAF)
- Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas, Brian Burns, Kayvon, Tyler Nubin, and Andru Phillips are guys to build around
Negatives:
- They don’t pick high enough in this draft to ensure their QB choice
- Have invested poorly – where they have spent, it’s been on a bad QB, non-premium positions, and overspends on the OL
- Projected to have the hardest 2025 schedule
Strategy for the off-season: “Multiple paths to finding a QB”
The Giants have no 2025 signed QBs so you have to take a shot at a QB in the draft, but picking third, I’m not forcing a pick in the 1st with the only QB I like (Cam Ward) going 1st. We’ll set ourselves up with multiple options at a QB, including two lost-cost options this year and a potential big play in 2026:
- Trade for QB Kenny Pickett (send R4-134 to PHI)
- Put their 1st round pick for sale to get a 2026 1st – here I’m mocking a trade with the Raiders, getting their R1-7 and a 2026 1st
- Draft a low risk QB option this year
- Plan to re-tool their awful OL
Free agency priorities:
Enough with half-baked swings at improving the OL, go sign one of the top FAs to take over a guard spot. Add Chris Godwin who I think is the best FA pass catcher for the value this year and makes Malik Nabers even better with another top WR. Then depth at CB that can play inside or out.
| Free Agent | Contract |
|---|---|
| RG Teven Jenkins | 3 yr / $40M, $22M gtd |
| WR Chris Godwin | 3 yr / $55M, $35M gtd |
| CB Nate Hobbs | 2 yr / $7M |
Draft:
After Cam Ward goes 1 and Abdul Carter 2, the Giants pass on the opportunity to take Travis Hunter and trade down to 7, allowing the Raiders to move up and take Shedeur Sanders for new OC Chip Kelly. In the 2nd, we draft somebody to push/replace Jon Runyan Jr. and then take our development QB.
| Pick | Player | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| R1-7 (from LV) | DT Mason Graham | The Giants have their pick of Graham, Pearce, and Josh Simmons |
| R2-34 | OL Armand Membou | Whether he stays at OT or moves to OG, the Giants could use OL help |
| R3-65 | QB Kyle McCord | Here’s my shot at a low-risk QB – he’s one of the better QBs against pressure |
| R4-134 | Traded | Sent to PHI for QB Kenny Pickett |
Philadelphia Eagles
“Take advantage of your strong roster”
Invest ahead of needs and keep taking advantage of value in the draft
Keep on with the “rich get richer”. Fill holes in free agency and infuriate the league by letting the draft drop great players of value to us.
Current situation
Positives:
- Core is under contract for years – QB, two WRs, most of OL, two young CBs, two DTs, EDGE, RB
- League’s top GM in managing the cap
- Drafted extremely well the past several years including being a top team on day 3
- 6th youngest roster (26.5 snap-weighted age)
Negatives:
- Cap space is limited, especially when projecting the upcoming extensions
- Projected 4th hardest 2025 schedule
- Looking ahead to eventually replace near irreplaceable guys in Lane Johnson and Saquon Barkley
- Revolving door of coordinators and coaches
Strategy for the off-season: “Investing ahead of needs”
The Eagles core is locked in for years so they can continue with their preferred approach of adding good players and focus on needs 1-2 years out:
- Take advantage of the strong position groups in this draft (DL and TE particularly)
- Address key needs or CB2, LB, and a hedge against Bryce Huff not developing in free agency
- Adding OL depth, particularly a backup center
Free agency priorities:
I did a deeper dive on what I would do in free agency here but will hit the top priorities, which are:
| Free Agent | Contract |
|---|---|
| LB Zack Baun | 3 yr / $39M, $26M gtd |
| EDGE Joseph Ossai | 2 yr / $11M, $6M gtd |
| OL Brady Christensen | 1 yr / $3M |
| CB Isaiah Rodgers | 3 yr / $24M, $15M gtd |
Draft:
With a solid and young roster, the Eagles are in a position to take advantage of value this draft. And we do right off the bat with our friend Kellen Moore. After taking DT Walter Nolen with their R1-9 pick, the Saints use one of their extra R3 picks to move up ahead of CLE and NYG to take a QB for Kellen.
The Eagles send R1-32 and R1-95 to the Saints for R1-40, R3-71, and R4-111. Kellen gets a QB and Howie “wins” the trade with the equivalent of am extra late day 2 pick.
| Pick | Player | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| R2-40 (from NO) | DT TJ Sanders | Disruptive, explosive, versatile across the line and takes pride in run defense – one of my favorite DTs and the Eagles grab a 1st round talent here |
| R2-62 | EDGE Josaiah Stewart | Undersized but there’s no better fit for what the Eagles want at EDGE – he has a silly 40% win rate |
| R3-71 (from NO) | TE Gunnar Helm | One of the most well-rounded, high floor TEs in this class, he drops nothing and blocks well |
| R4-111 (from NO) | CB Dorian Strong | An aggressive, confident, athletic CB and continue to add low-cost, high-upside guys |
| R4-129 | OT Hollin Pierce | We jump other teams trying to out-Howie Howie by taking this year’s massive developmental tackle from just over the river |
| R4-134 (from NYG) | LB Teddye Buchanan | Could be the best coverage LB in this class |
Good luck NFC East, the division still goes through South Philly.
Is there any realistic chance they bring back Milton? What would/wouldn’t they you think? How do you see that playing out.
If Milton + Sweat leaves is starting DL – Hunt, Ojomo, Carter, Smith with Davis, Sanders, Stewart, and Hunt rotating in? Do you think that’s enough juice for the pass rush to be consistently competitive?
Also – thoughts on Becton and how that plays out? If he walks who is projected LG – Steen?
I wrote on this earlier (https://phillycovercorner.com/2024/12/a-look-ahead-at-the-eagles-cap-looming-decisions-and-what-it-could-mean-for-the-draft/), I really think the chance of keeping Milt is near-zero. But, if Milt would take a 2-year (or 3-year that could be moved on after 2), the Eagles COULD fit it. The issue is the Carter/Nolan/Davis/Cam extensions coming. I just don’t think Milt will take a 2-year, he is going to probably be DT1 this off-season. I had him at 3-yr, $65M but he could go higher than that. I’d love to keep him but they have to look ahead at the extensions which are more important.
Sorry, forgot to respond on Becton. He is an interesting case. The Eagles already are spending a ton on the OL and can’t afford a 4th top-contract. I never like to assume hometown discounts as (1) they rarely actually happen and (2) players should get what they deserve. But I wonder if Becton, who was treated like crap in NY, came here and loved it, and I think is better here than he would be elsewhere (I’ve said I expect him to look like a letdown elsewhere when he isn’t between Lane and Cam)… maybe he would take something less. Chances are no, but I would rank this as higher probability than Milt.
If Becton leaves, they can play Steen but I think they draft another (but the OL draft is not good this year) or try to repeat 2024 success with a guy like Teven Jenkins or Larry Borom (both athletic, ex-OTs that have underperformed). Steen just hasn’t won the job year after year, it kinda says something to me.
I should have led with I genuinely think your analysis here and throughout the site is stellar!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I refuse to write the same stuff everybody writes and you see everywhere (and only dive into things that are interesting to me)
If Milton + Sweat leaves is starting DL – Hunt, Ojomo, Carter, Smith with Davis, Sanders, Stewart, and Hunt rotating in? Do you think that’s enough juice for the pass rush to be consistently competitive?
I’m guessing they add an EDGE in free agency or trade but expecting a mid/depth guy for rotation. But maybe a couple of optimistic points:
– I’m really optimistic on Ojomo filling in on Milt’s snaps – only 23, had a win rate equal to Milt’s and thought he was a better run defender in college
– We saw what Jalyx can do and he was only a rookie – very few rookie pass rushers do much, usually takes 1-2 years, he will be better next year. Josh had a monster SB but the 2nd half of the season, Jalyx was as good as Josh. Jalyx also provides better ability to drop in coverage – only happens a couple of times a game but it’s versatility that they use and value
– Anything they get from Bryce is a plus vs. this year
– As long as we have Jalen and Jordan, they make everybody else better – they consume the offensive line. Hard to point to another team that has a Jalen+Jordan duo, let alone the guys behind them.
If Ojomo and Jalyx both continue to improve, they aren’t much of a drop (maybe some on milt, but not sure any drop at all from Josh). So, think of it is as filling this year’s roles of Jalyx and Moro.
Not saying Josaiah is Nolan, there aren’t many prospects I have liked as much as Nolan but he is Nolan-lite… if we get him Philly is going to LOVE him and could not wait to see him with this line. TJ Sanders has some projection, been looking at the DTs in this class a lot recently, there are several that would be great adds – Aeneas Peebles, Derrick Harmon, Omarr Norman-Lott, JJ Pegues, Darius Alexander (I’m not sure I am as high as rest are on him, he is super popular post Senior Bowl, but I do like him and supposedly he is a constant trash talker which I love)
I try not to be a “super fan” and always optimistic, etc. but really think this DL is set up. Thanks for the question, really appreciate it and enjoy chatting Eagles with you
Good stuff! Looking forward to FA to see how this all lands and what an unebelievable coup if indeed Hunt (3rd round pick out of nowhere – former Cornell Safety!) and Ojomo, a 7th round pick can indeed pick up the producitvity of Josh and Milton. That would be such an insane win! Enjoy chatting with you as well. Thanks for the analysis.
THey still have to do this over time. Ojomo I never understood why he went so late. On EDGE I think the Eagles (and Fangio) use guys that a lot of teams don’t want – they are smaller, need to drop into coverage a few times a game, many teams have size thresholds which make Nolan and Jalyx, etc. no-gos for them. Josaiah Stewart from Michigan is the guy I would make sure I drafted this year.