Eagles’ Shopping List: Top 5 Needs for 2024 Free Agency
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Waiting on Kelce? Hole at Center or Guard
Jason Kelce is pondering retirement again, and while the Eagles are trying to give their franchise icon all the time in the world to make up his mind, the clock is ticking for the Eagles to prepare for next season. Right now, it appears Kelce is leaning more toward retirement, leading Cam Jurgens to move from guard to center next season. Since Kelce is not an ordinary center, Jurgens will be a downgrade at the position. Also, that leaves a gaping hole at right guard after the Eagles got solid play from Jurgens last season. The Eagles could elect to give the job to their 2023 third-round pick, Tyler Steen, or sign a veteran in free agency.
Running Back Clarity
The NFL running back is devalued more than ever, but the Philadelphia Eagles need to pick a path this offseason. D’Andre Swift is coming off a strong season in his first season with the Eagles, but as he hits the free agent market, it’s unclear if the Eagles will be willing to give him a long-term deal or look in a different direction. Considering price and production, Swift may be the Eagles' best route compared to someone like Derrick Henry, who will receive top dollar. They could go the buy-low route, similar to how they signed Rashaad Penny last offseason, but the Eagles shouldn’t go that route after how last season went for Penny. With an extra Day 2 pick next season, they could use their additional capital to draft a starting running back with fresh legs on an affordable deal. In this era of the NFL, the younger the better, so the draft might be the Eagles' best choice.
Secondary Makeover
The Eagles had the league’s worst pass defense in football last season, sparking the need for a huge makeover in the entire secondary this offseason. Darius Slay will occupy one of the starting cornerback spots, but no one in the secondary should be safe outside of him. James Bradberry was dreadful for most of the season. Still, the Eagles may be handcuffed to his contract next season, so bringing in a high-quality player to compete with him is necessary to hopefully bring the best out of the veteran. Reed Blankenship will occupy one of the starting spots at safety, but they could use an impact player alongside him to flourish in Vic Fangio’s scheme. Someone like Kamren Curl or Kyle Dugger could fit the mold for what the Eagles are searching for as they stood out on bad defenses last season, making it easy for the Eagles to convince themselves that they can get the most out of them by putting them on a more competitive team.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Last season, watching the Eagles linebacker player was downright brutal to witness, and with Vic Fangio’s new defensive philosophy, having quality off-ball linebackers is much more important. Now healthy, Nakobe Dean looks primed for a starting spot, but the Eagles cannot act like he’s the savior after he underwhelmed in limited action. There are plenty of premium off-ball linebackers set to be available on the open market, such as Patrick Queen and Jordyn Brooks. Still, knowing that the Eagles don’t like investing a ton of resources into the linebacker position, they could seek out cheaper options in free agency and draft the son of a legendary Eagles linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Third Wide Reciever
The AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith duo is arguably the most elite one-two punch at the receiver position in football, but the Eagles are thin outside of them. Quez Watkins has been a liability over the last two seasons, while Olamide Zaccheaus and Julio Jones weren’t reliable. The Eagles may choose to draft a wide receiver to control the slot with one of their third-round picks, but if the price is right, I’d like to see them pursue Tyler Boyd, as he has been an extremely dependable third option for the Bengals.
Waiting on Kelce? Hole at Center or Guard
Jason Kelce is pondering retirement again, and while the Eagles are trying to give their franchise icon all the time in the world to make up his mind, the clock is ticking for the Eagles to prepare for next season. Right now, it appears Kelce is leaning more toward retirement, leading Cam Jurgens to move from guard to center next season. Since Kelce is not an ordinary center, Jurgens will be a downgrade at the position. Also, that leaves a gaping hole at right guard after the Eagles got solid play from Jurgens last season. The Eagles could elect to give the job to their 2023 third-round pick, Tyler Steen, or sign a veteran in free agency.
Running Back Clarity
The NFL running back is devalued more than ever, but the Philadelphia Eagles need to pick a path this offseason. D’Andre Swift is coming off a strong season in his first season with the Eagles, but as he hits the free agent market, it’s unclear if the Eagles will be willing to give him a long-term deal or look in a different direction. Considering price and production, Swift may be the Eagles' best route compared to someone like Derrick Henry, who will receive top dollar. They could go the buy-low route, similar to how they signed Rashaad Penny last offseason, but the Eagles shouldn’t go that route after how last season went for Penny. With an extra Day 2 pick next season, they could use their additional capital to draft a starting running back with fresh legs on an affordable deal. In this era of the NFL, the younger the better, so the draft might be the Eagles' best choice.
