With the combine now underway in Indy and free agency in a few short weeks, the offseason has not loomed larger than it does right now. The Eagles, fresh off of a 9-8 season, are a team on the upswing, yet they still have quite a few needs to fill. The good news is that we have the assets to have an all-time offseason and take the next step. The bad news is we have a general manager with a history of head scratching decisions to say the least. Today, I am going to play GM and concoct the offseason to make the birds contenders again.
Let ‘Em Walk
- LB Alex Singleton
- DE Ryan Kerrigan
- DE Derek Barnett*
- DT Hassan Ridgeway
- WR Greg Ward
- TE Jason Croom
- CB Steve Nelson*
- S Anthony Harris
- S Rodney McLeod*
- DE Genard Avery
This was a tough list to make. All of these players have provided at least a little bit of value, but we need to penny and nickel our way through this offseason despite the cap we have created. Alex Singleton has been a burst of energy but his talent is no greater than a solid special teamer, and letting him walk will further allow snaps for TJ Edwards, Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley. Anthony Harris was mediocre at 30 years old, and showed us all why he was paid only 4 million. Greg Ward had his moments, but he just will not get enough snaps to justify paying him again. Kerrigan was playing like he was still under contract in Washington.
I put an asterisk next to Derek Barnett, Steve Nelson and Rodney McLeod. While I still think we move on from all 3, if the price is right (I’m talking late offseason, no biters, Corey Clement type deals), they can still provide value to the defense. Nelson had an okay year, but he played only slightly above his discount pay grade. We would need a repeat of that deal to even think of bringing him back considering the talent at corner in the draft. Barnett still can produce as a rotational edge piece, but his discipline has been costly to the team. McLeod was the toughest cut, but being a fan favorite can not make you younger. McLeod will always be a legend in Philadelphia, but I’d rather not pay an aging safety on the decline, even if our other options may be more expensive.
Bring ‘Em Back
- RB Boston Scott
- G Nate Herbig
- RB Jordan Howard
- S Andre Chachare
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Boston Scott is the most valuable RB on the team. He may not have the power of Howard or the receiving ability of Kenny Gainwell, but he is super durable, can play almost any role in the backfield, and has great production on a limited snap count. He is a must to bring back along with Jordan Howard, because unfortunately, Miles Sanders has yet to prove he can carry a bell cow type load without getting hurt. Herbig is one of the best depth pieces at guard for the birds. He is a cheap option to bring back at a position of need. Chachere was a special teams stud.
Trade: Gardner Minshew, Andre Dillard and pick #15 to the Panthers for pick #6
This would be a league rattler. Minshew and Dillard have proven they can play in their limited action, but they will not start on a healthy Eagles team. By trading them, the Eagles clear up about 5 million in cap space. The Panthers should want to trade down from the number 6 spot, but the price must be right. I assume no QB would look alluring at 6 for Carolina, and with their depleted assets, they can’t really trade for a premier one without dumping Christian McCaffrey. Instead, they get a competent QB to compete with Darnold and a solid young LT for the price of 9 draft slots. The Eagles at 6 will be in striking distance for a top tier defender in this loaded defensive draft without having to give up all 3 picks.
Trade: A two 2nds and 4th round pick for WR DK Metcalf
With the news of the Russel Wilson trade breaking today, it is clear that the Seahawks are blowing up the roster and starting over. While DK Metcalf is still young and can contribute to the rebuild, he is due for a big payday that the Seahawks may not be willing to pay. Besides, a talent like his could elevate the ever-pick needy Seahawks from getting top tier talent in the draft. No need to fear, Seattle. Jish is here to rectify Howie Roseman’s mistakes by passing on the big-bodied athletic freak. We will give up precious mid-round picks to get the jump ball specialist we so desperately need next to Devonta Smith. Instead of trying to search for “the next DK Metcalf” in the draft, why don’t we just go and get the real thing?
Sign S Marcus Williams
The Saints cannot afford to re-sign the 25-year-old safety and will potentially look to rebuild this team. The Eagles, who need youth, will have enough money to ink Williams to a long-term deal to be a cornerstone for our secondary. While it would be lovely to sign guys like Tyrann Mathieu or Jessie Bates, it is my belief that they will return to their original teams.
Sign QB Jacoby Brissett
After we traded Minshew, the QB room is a little thin. Having a seasoned vet like Brissett who can step up and play if needed is what the Eagles have been searching for since Nick Foles departed. He can serve as a mentor to Hurts without being dead weight. Perhaps he would also take a pay cut to play under his former OC in Indy, Nick Sirianni.
Sign OLB Hassan Reddick
The Philly native who played ball at Temple was picked right before Derek Barnett and now has the chance to replace him. The 27-year-old was a late bloomer but can explode off the edge with a head of steam and get to the QB. He would fill in the SAM role that was played last season by Genard Avery and Patrick Johnson, and help out a front 7 that took a huge step back in sack numbers.
Sign LB Jayon Brown
It is very likely that the 27-year-old stays in Tennessee, but he would provide leadership and depth to a depleted Eagles LB corps.
Draft S Kyle Hamilton at 6, EDGE Jermaine Johnson at 16 and OL Kenyon Green at 19
The best way to draft is to go best player available. With a move up to six, we have a real shot at the best safety prospect since Derwin James. The only other teams ahead of us that would feasibly select him would be the Texans and Jets. However, other enticing options on the table will most likely sway them. Hamilton can anywhere on the defense: single high, slot, the box you name it. In fact, his box capabilities nullify our need to draft a first round LB. He and Marcus Williams have the potential to be the most feared safety duo in the league.
Johnson is an athletic freak who is flying up draft boards. His 12 sacks were 7th best in the FBS, and he has all the traits to be a freak off the edge. With a loaded edge class, it is guaranteed that one will fall, and the Eagles can’t go wrong with any of them. The FSU duo of Josh Sweat and Jermaine Johnson, plus offseason addition Hassan Reddick, will surely give QBs nightmares.
Kenyon Green is by no means a sexy pick, but is very solid. With Jason Kelce’s time running out in Philly and the retirement of Brandon Brooks, the birds need a future on the interior. Landon Dickerson is a home run of a start, but I see him stepping into the center role when Kelce inevitably retires giving Green the starting job at RG. In the meantime, he can be a quality backup tackle on either side. Green even could start at left guard if Isaac Seumalo is not ready to go.
I know a huge chunk of the fanbase is clamoring for a CB2. I hear you, but I just can’t foresee a situation where it is the best move. It’s entirely possible that Hamilton doesn’t fall to 6, in which case Derek Stingley Jr. or Sauce Gardner would be Eagles, but to me, that is not best-case scenario. Plus, we have a surprising amount of young depth at the corner position who could step up opposite to Slay. Whether it be Zech McPhearson, who has shown flashes, or Tay Gowan/Kary Vincent Jr. who we traded for during the season, I am confident one will stick. Worse comes to worst, this draft is deep at corner and we could draft a Coby Bryant in round 3.
Final Thoughts:
Let me make this clear, this is not going to happen. But that does not mean we cannot have high hopes. An offseason of this caliber gives our offense and defense all the tools needed to contend again, and that is exactly what Howie and co must strive for.
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Jish Sokolsky is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Jish, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
