Eagles tied to top FA Targets/Draft Prospects: Weekend review

It’s been a busy weekend for the Philadelphia Eagles and NFL reporters across the country. While the first wave of free agency has come and gone, there are some top veterans still on the board. In typical Eagles fashion, the team has been linked to just about all of them.

Here’s a look back at some of the latest news and stories breaking in regards to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Stephon Gilmore (!!!)

The former Super Bowl Champ and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year is still on the open market. As crazy enough as that sounds, Gilmore is expected to be on his third team in less than a year after the Patriots traded the 2x All-Pro to Carolina back in October.

With the departure of Steven Nelson, the Eagles have a glaring need at the second corner spot opposite Darius Slay…and it didn’t take long for the speculation to begin.

Per Spotrac, the 32-year-old is expected to command roughly $14 million per year on a shorter deal.

The Eagles needing added help in the secondary is no surprise to their fans. The fact they are still going big-game hunting is a pleasant surprise though.

Tyrann Mathieu is taking it slow

Speaking of big-game hunting, the Eagles are looking for answers at the safety position. Bringing back Anthony Harris on what could theoretically be assumed as the league minimum, the team is in desperate need of a top player in the back end of the defense.

And while most Eagles fans have been begging the franchise to take a flier out on the three-time All-Pro, all reports look like he is going to take his time through this process.

While reports on Mathieu have gone back and forth, the Eagles being in the mix for a top safety and corner in the open market means the team is at least promising this close to the draft.

Jalen Hurts – franchise QB and recruiter?

It’s no secret that the Eagles have a very good #1 wide receiver in DeVonta Smith. But it’s just as clear that the team needs another reliable target on the outside.

With the team missing out on Calvin Ridley, Davante Adams and other #1 wideouts that have been moved, the Eagles starting QB is now looking at another option available. His target: long time friend and Pro-Bowler AJ Brown.

AJ Brown is in the final year of his rookie deal and is already reportedly looking for a contract closer to the others that have been given to top pass catchers already this offseason.

While the latest reports have shown the Titans are willing to move Brown for the right price, the expectation is that it will cost around the same as it was for Tyreek Hill.

Would the Eagles be willing to make a move? If it was up to QB1, it’s an absolute yes.

Eagles show interest in CB prospect, McDuffie

The Eagles aren’t only just interested in NFL Free Agents. As reported Monday, the Eagles have shown interest in the Washington corner standout Trent McDuffie.

McDuffie stands at 5’11” but projects as a day-one starter with excellent tackling ability and cover skills. He has been compared to pro-bowl corner Jaire Alexander.

With three first round picks coming up at the end of the month, the Eagles know that free agency isn’t the best overall way to improve the team. And they are clearly excited about the possibility of using as much draft capital as possible to continue the positive work made last season.

The offseason is clearly nowhere close to being over for the Eagles. Whether it’s for top available names, or doing their due diligence with draft prospects, the month of April will be very telling on just how good the Eagles will be when the 2022 season begins.

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire