Day one of NFL free agency has come and gone and the Eagles remained relatively quiet; contrary to expectations and built up anticipation. After word circulating that GM Howie Roseman may be looking to "shake things up" this spring, Eagles fans will have to wait a bit longer to see what he had in mind. There will be no Byron Jones in Philly, no Halapoulivaati Vaitai, no Nick Kwiatkoski. However, there are still plenty of players left on the free agency list, and the Eagles made a couple of underrated signings of their own.
The Players They Did Sign
Although the receiving corps and the secondary are the two biggest question marks on the team, the Eagles started this free agency the way they always have -- by reinforcing the trenches.
Hassan Ridgeway
The first move of the day was bringing back Hassan Ridgeway on a one-year deal. Ridgeway showed promise in his first year with the Eagles, recording 8 tackles, 4 TFLs, 4 QB hits and 2.0 sacks. Defensive tackle depth was a major concern for the Eagles last season and Ridgeway's return will go a long way to solidify that position going forward.
As a player, Ridgway is a high energy guy with a pretty quick first step. His feet are active and can convert speed to power fairly effortlessly, resulting in a nasty bull rush. He also has a nice hesitation rip move facilitated by his quickness off the snap. He'll continue to be a fantastic option to spell Malik Jackson or Fletcher Cox off the bench. The Eagles love to rotate their defensive line and Ridgeway will bring some much-needed energy, even with limited snaps.
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Javon Hargrave
Philadelphia then doubled down at the position, inking former Steeler Javon Hargrave to a three-year deal $39M deal ($26M guaranteed). Although he may not be a household name for Philly fans, that won't last. He was a four-year starter in Pittsburgh, recording 14.5 sacks and 22 TFLs during that span. Overall, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about adding a defensive tackle in his prime to a team already returning Ridgeway and a healthy Malik Jackson.
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Hargrave himself is a stout defensive tackle, tasked with manning the nose position in the Steelers 3-4 defense. Known for his run-stopping ability, he's developed a nasty bull rush, which has helped him register 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons. At 6'2", 305, he's fairly nimble on his feet, but has surprising bend, which allows him to hit spaces in between linemen and take up a ton of space against the run. He also uses his hands well and understands where his leverage points are. All in all, he was PFF's 7th ranked defensive tackle last season and has improved his overall and pass-rushing grade every year. Most importantly, he's been able to avoid injury thus far in his career, being sidelined for just one game in his 4 years.
The Players They Didn't Sign
Byron Jones
The belle of the ball so to speak, it was rumored that the Eagles would be in a bidding war with the Las Vegas Raiders for Jones. Instead, he ended up signing with Miami for a whole heck of a lot of money. Although his skill set and athletic profile would have been a fantastic fit for Jim Schwartz' defense, Philadelphia was not in a position to shell out the $82M/ 5-year contract he received from the Dolphins. Jones was clearly out to set the market at the cornerback position and the Eagles, still having other holes to fill and middling cap space, decided to keep their capital and spend it elsewhere. There's no disputing what a corner of Jones' caliber could have brought to this defense, but Philly may be better off when it's all said and done.
James Bradberry/ Kendall Fuller
Two corners from the proverbial secondary tier were also swept off the market yesterday, both going to division rivals. James Bradberry joined the Giants on a $45M/ 3-year deal and Fuller rejoined the Redskins on an undisclosed contract. Neither are heart-wrenching losses for the Eagles, but it does signify that the team may take its time searching for their new corner. Clearly not willing to flash the cash at just any option, it may be a few days before the Birds make a splash signing. While Jones' monster deal was expected, Bradberry's contract caught some by surprise and will certainly affect the market for corners this offseason. If Philadelphia is forced to spend big on a free agent, it seems as if they will smartly take their time.
A Linebacker
Day one of free agency also saw a slew of linebackers ink new contracts. Former Patriot Kyle Van Noy was the top earner of the group, making a deal with Miami for $51M over four years. His 2019 teammate Jamie Collins also fled New England to join the Lions for a $30M/3-year deal. The Eagles have never been big spenders when addressing the linebacker position, however, there were some intriguing options with smaller price tags that are no longer options.
The Raiders stole Nick Kwiatkoski away for $21M over three years. An overlooked playmaker at the position, Kwiatkoski would have been a great get for an Eagles defense with a massive question mark behind their defensive line. A.J. Klein signed an $18M/ 3-year contract with Buffalo, and Christian Kirksey moved to Green Bay to the tune of $13M over two years. Buffalo also added the 32-year-old Mario Addison for an undisclosed amount. The Giants rounded out the day by signing Blake Martinez to a 3-year $30M deal.
It wasn't a massive class to begin with, but with only one day in the books, a number of the more enticing options are already off the board. The good news is that aside from the two former Patriots, the market for linebackers stayed relatively even keel. The Eagles shouldn't have to break the bank if they do decide to bring in a free agent. At this point, don't be surprised if second-year player T.J. Edwards is atop the depth chart come September. However, it would be a major surprise if Philadelphia didn't add anyone at the position.
To view potential targets that are available going into Day 2, scroll down and hit page 2!
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Players They Still Could Sign
CB| Desmond Trufant
Trufant has ties to current secondary coach Marquand Manuel, who were together in Atlanta. Familiarity isn't the be-all, end-all in free agency, but the Eagles have preferred to bring in players that have some sort of understanding of their current scheme. Originally a first-round selection, Trufant would add some pedigree to the cornerback room. Despite some ups and downs, he is still an elite cover corner in the NFL.
CB| Logan Ryan
A once highly sought after free agent, Ryan won't have as many callers this time around. His time in Tennessee was a mixed bag, but the man can still play. Experience is lacking on the Eagles current depth chart and Ryan would be a welcome addition to the locker room. Although he may not be a number one option anymore, he is still an upgrade over the options in-house.
CB| Jalen Mills
Why complicate matters? Mills knows the system and looked much improved coming back from injury last season. His price tag shouldn't be as steep as some of the other candidates and he knows the system inside and out. With the hire of a new secondary coach, why not allow Mills the opportunity to improve on his up and down career in Philadelphia?
S| Will Parks
There are rumors that the Eagles have been doing their homework on the former Bronco. He's a Philadelphia native, which may play in the Eagles' favor. They love a hometown kid and Parks may lavish the opportunity to play for his childhood team. He's a versatile secondary piece, able to play both safety spots and bump down to the dime or nickel. At 26, he may very well have his best football in front of him.
S| Nate Ebner
Perhaps a less exciting option than some other names on this list, Ebner would fill a position sorely needed for the Eagles. With Kamu Grugier-Hill bidding his farewell to Philly, the Birds are without their Special Teams captain of the last two years. Ebner was a special teams ace in New England and has some limited experience in a third safety role. The Eagles have a history of bringing in veteran safeties and Ebner could be another name to add to that list.
LB| Corey Littleton
Starting every single game over the last two seasons for the Rams, Littleton amassed over 250 tackles in that time. The Raiders and Packers were expected to be in the hunt, but both teams signed 'backers on day one and the Eagles may have a chance to enter the race. With his age and upside, he may sneakily be the best free-agent linebacker of 2020.
LB| Neville Hewitt
With a list of injuries at the linebacker position, the 2019 New York Jets needed someone to step up. That someone was Hewitt. After playing mostly special teams in his five-year career, he was thrust into a starting role and responded with career highs in tackles, TFLs and sacks. He's got a nose for the football but has some limitations in coverage. Nevertheless, he is a player on the up and the Eagles could look very savvy by betting on his upside.
LB| Mark Barron
Coming off an 82 tackle year with the Steelers, one in which he started just nine games, the 30-year-old Mark Barron is an incredibly efficient veteran on the downswing of his career. Still, he is a much better and more experienced option than some of the players the Eagles have in house. After some time with the Rams, Barron signed with Pittsburgh for $12M/ 2-years and should remain a relatively cheap veteran option.
WR| Emmanuel Sanders
Instead of taking a risk and leaving all their eggs in the basket of a rookie-dominant receiving corps, the Eagles could look to add a veteran pass-catcher to their roster. Sanders has the inside-outside versatility that Doug Pederson loves and can still take the top off a defense on occasion. After a Super Bowl appearance, his price tag may be too high for the Eagles to make a legitimate bid.
WR| Devin Funchess
We're still not certain how the Alshon Jeffery situation will pan out, but it seems as if the Eagles will move on from him at some point before season start. While the team will likely use their first-round pick to find their pass catcher of the future, they may still need someone to fill the Alshon role if J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is not up to the task. Funchess missed almost all of last season with a clavicle injury. While he has yet to truly reach his potential, the 26-year-old is only three years removed from an 800 yard, 8 touchdown season.
WR| Demarcus Robinson
One of many KC speedsters lost in the shuffle, Robinson has been on the Eagles' radar since he was drafted in 2016. There have already been rumors swirling about Philadelphia's possible interest. Robinson was mostly used as a gadget player in Kansas City, but he also has value as a returner. If it's speed the Eagles are after, Robinson has it.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
