After what has been a simultaneously amazing and disappointing season for the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s time to look ahead to what’s next. This roster was loaded with talent this past season, but with so many high-level players under contract, there’s also the need to make some tough decisions on which guys to let go, which to bring back, and how much to pay them. In this piece, I’ll break down which impending defensive free agents we should see back in midnight green next year, and to whom we must say some tough goodbyes.
- Javon Hargrave: SIGN – 3 years, 49 million
Javon Hargrave is a certified star, but this decision was actually quite hard to make. As a 30 year old, Hargrave isn’t getting any younger, but seeing he had his most productive season in 2022 quells some fears of a steep regression. While the Eagles have some young emerging talent on the interior, it’s probably best to retain one of the best pass inside rushers in the NFL if we want to get back to a superbowl. Not to mention how much the Eagles prioritize depth in the trenches.
- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: SIGN – 5 years, 72 million
In my opinion, CJGJ is the most important player to re-sign this off-season. It seems the Eagles FO believes it too, as it’s been made clear from sources that Howie is adamant on having the 25 year old back in Philly next year. I believe CJ is a player with tremendous defense anchoring potential, as he brings not only incredible on-field play, but also an infectious fervor and leadership ability (remind you of another former saints safety?) The reality is that Johnson brings everything you want when it comes to deciding who deserves a massive contract – youth, versatility, athleticism, production – and I can’t wait until we know he’s an Eagle for the next half-decade.
- Fletcher Cox – Let Go
Fletcher Cox will be remembered in Philadelphia as an astounding player and leader for a decade plus. Perhaps one of the most underappreciated superstars of our time, Cox was a top two interior lineman for almost the entirety of the 2010’s, standing only behind Aaron Donald. Seeing him leave is going to be hard – but unfortunately, age comes for everybody, and it’s time to see some of the younger guys take his place. Love you, Fletch. I hope you’re successful in whatever comes next.
- James Bradberry – Let Go
James Bradberry was undoubtedly a massive reason for the Eagles’ success in 2022, and his elite play at corner was something sorely needed for a team who’s had a hole at CB2 for seemingly years now. That being said, I am EXTREMELY cautious when it comes to paying corners on the wrong side of thirty – and lord knows Bradberry will be (deservedly) demanding big bucks after an all-pro season. With two first round picks, I see corner as a spot the Eagles must commit to getting younger at, and for the second time in two years I believe cap space constraints will lead to Bradberry finding himself in new threads come September.
- TJ Edwards – SIGN – 4 years, 55 Million
TJ Edwards is easily one of the most underrated players on the Eagles, if not the entire NFL. The support he provides in run defense and coverage from the off-ball linebacker position is outstanding considering his athletic profile, and his headiness makes him one of the most crucial pieces on the Birds’ defense. I think most Eagles fans would agree that finally having above average to great linebacker play has been nothing short of a revelation this season, and keeping the 26-year old Edwards is the clearest path to ensuring the continued success of the unit as a whole. The linebacker market is kind of weird right now, so locking up TJ before another Roquan Smith level reset could be crucial for cap management.
- Robert Quinn – Let Go
In hindsight, trading a fourth round pick for a guy who did basically nothing for a few weeks just to let him leave may not have been the best move, but there was logic behind it at the time. There’s no reason to retain Quinn. Bye!
7/8. Ndamukong Suh/Linval Joseph – Let Go
Suh and Joseph were both crucial additions to the roster this season, but there’s no reason to believe either of them will be back in 2023. Whether it’s retirement or a nice one year deal somewhere else, both interior lineman will almost definitely be let go by this front office.
- Kyzir White – Let Go
At the beginning of this year, I believed Kyzir White to be the best free agent move made by the Eagles – and while he played well, I don’t believe he did enough to warrant a second contract, especially with Nakobe Dean waiting in the wings to fill his spot. I still think White is a good player, and will certainly find a place to rack up tackles somewhere else, but he’s simply not valuable enough to pay right now.
- Brandon Graham – SIGN – 2 years, 18 million
What Brandon Graham did this year following an Achilles injury is nothing short of incredible.
The 34 year old had one of the most efficient pass rushing seasons of his career, as the depth along the line gave him time to rest and be deployed when he’s needed most. Assuming Graham doesn’t retire, it’s hard to believe Howie won’t bring the Philly legend back, not just for his on-field production, but also his leadership and locker room presence. The contract number is something that I have a hard time reconciling, but it seems like a move that just has to be made.
- Marcus Epps – Let Go
I like Marcus Epps. He’s a strong tackler, he plays his role well, and he brings energy to a defense. Sadly, he’s a merely “good” player at a lower value position, and he will probably be a casualty of the cap. I hope he gets a bag and balls out somewhere else, though.
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Noah Berger is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Noah, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
