Every offseason brings unique challenges and tough roster-construction decisions. This season is no different. The Eagles will have twenty free agents to decide whether they stay or they go!
STAYS (9)
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE — The sack totals didn’t pop, but the pressures and the run defense improved quite a bit. It was obvious he loved being here, but he did mention taking care of his family, ie, money. So if the Eagles want to retain the talent, they will have to pay. Fangio’s obvious trust in him makes Phillips a priority keep, in my opinion.
Nakobe Dean, LB — After an admirable comeback that changed how the Eagles defended the run, he managed to stay healthy the rest of the season. Injuries may always be something everyone worries about with Dean, and that might be the very reason he is back. If he does not have a large market awaiting in free agency, the Birds would love to have him back. He is the undisputed leader of the Philly Dawgs.
Brandon Graham, DL — If you’re getting more expensive on defense, having an affordable leader who knows exactly how to play his role is just the right solution. Luckily, the Eagles have that with BG. His body held up well, and after the loss, he seemed motivated to come back the following season.
Marcus Epps, S — When injuries depleted the Eagles at the safety position, Epps came in and stabilized it. If Reed isn’t back, Epps should be.
Fred Johnson, OL — With Lane Johnson’s clock ticking and the injuries piling up on the line, keeping a competent, trusted swing tackle is just basic roster competency. The Eagles learned what life without Fred was like by August and quickly got him back on the team. There is no need to make that same mistake twice.
Brett Toth, OL — Stoutland, has always seen his worth and seemingly harnessed it this year. Toth was a valuable contributor at multiple spots on the OL and should be given the chance to compete and prove he is worth it with another successful camp.
Kylen Granson, TE — He does little offensively, but his special teams value and cost make this a pretty logical decision to keep him around in a barren tight end room.
Sam Howell, QB — Young, experienced, and cheap. If the Eagles can sign him close to the vet minimum, why not? His opportunities will likely dictate the outcome of his return. Sam would also be a capable backup in the event that Philadelphia gets an offer for Tanner McKee that they can’t refuse.
Braden Mann, P — Elite, field flipping punter. This is a no-brainer for me.
GOES (11)
Dallas Goedert, TE — He had his most productive season as a scorer and likely priced himself out of one-year deals in the 10–12 million dollar range. The Eagles had two off-seasons to extend and/or resign him, and haven’t. I would be surprised to see them pivot now that he is even older.
Ben VanSumeren, FB — His injuries eliminated any chance he had of making a difference on the field as an FB, and time may have taken away his chance to show it in the future, as the team has signed other options. I would not be surprised to see the Eagles offer him a small prove-it/stay-healthy deal, but it would be long odds for him to be on the 53 come September.
Matt Pryor, OL — The Eagles drafted and signed a plethora of young linemen; it is time to see what they offer and give Stoutland U a chance to develop young talent.
A.J. Dillon, RB — He rarely got carries after ending a losing game with a fumble. I do not see any reason the Eagles would bring him back.
Jahan Dotson, WR — The fit or usage never came to fruition. I would not say it was a bad trade, as it did provide insurance, but when they did not initiate the 5th-year option, the writing was on the wall.
Grant Calcaterra, TE — The Eagles need a tight end who can block, and he never improved in this area. It isn’t his fault, it isn’t his game. The lack of growth and special-team impact make this a necessary move to raise the floor in the TE room.
Joshua Uche, EDGE — Once everyone in the edge room got healthy, the Birds resigned BG; his role and impact were erased. I enjoyed watching him and seeing the intrigue, but there is just not a role for him in Philadelphia.
Reed Blankenship, S — A great story, leader, and player who defied the odds of becoming a starter as a UDFA for the Eagles, but money and market likely end his tenure in Philadelphia. I hate to break up the Exciting Mics, but they could still do podcasts together remotely.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE — The upside was real, and it was a great gamble to try, but it never materialized into production.
Ogbo Okoronkwo, EDGE — Injuries, age, and opportunity all worked against Ogbo.
Adoree’ Jackson, CB — After a rough start, he finished the season playing very well and solidifying himself as a legit CB2. He may have an increased market in free agency, and the Eagles can’t pay everyone. It is time to draft another corner, even if he did return on another team-friendly contract. After the Eagles' playoff loss, he discussed how he stacked games and what he brought to the team. He seems like someone looking for compensation.
Who do you think is staying and going?
As always, thank you for reading!
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