5 players Philadelphia Eagles could target in free agency
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; A Philadelphia Eagles player’s helmet rests on a heating post on the bench prior to the Eagles’ game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles could be interested in these players in free agency.
The NFL’s free agency period is just over a month away. The Philadelphia Eagles currently do not have a lot of money to throw around, but according to Philly.com’s Les Bowen, the Eagles are expected to begin clearing significant salary cap space any day now, freeing up space to add playmakers during free agency.
There are a lot of positions that need to be addressed this offseason—wide receiver, running back, cornerback and defensive end being just a few. Luckily, there are more than a few solid players available in free agency who could help turn things around for the Eagles.
Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
A.J. Bouye, CB
Bouye makes sense for the Eagles. Philadelphia needs to revamp its group of cornerbacks and Bouye is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s top up-and-comers at the position.
Bouye came out of nowhere in 2016, recording 63 tackles, a sack, 16 pass deflections and an interception. He also recorded another interception in the postseason. Pro Football Focus ranked Bouye as one of the league’s top cornerbacks this season, allowing a 61.0 quarterback rating when thrown to.
Bouye is just 25 years old and has yet to reach his full potential. At such a young age, Bouye is going to command a lot of money in free agency. While the Eagles may not be in the best financial situation, Bouye may just be the guy to help turn the team’s secondary around.
Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes with the football as Oakland Raiders cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) defends during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Eddie Lacy, RB
The Eagles need a new running back. Ryan Mathews‘ time in Philadelphia is probably over, Darren Sproles will retire after the 2017 season and Wendell Smallwood still has a long way to go in his development. At this point, either Smallwood or Sproles will be the Eagles’ No. 1 running back next season, which isn’t ideal. The best option for the Eagles is to add a starting caliber running back in the offseason and Lacy wouldn’t be a bad fit.
Lacy suffered a season-ending ankle injury early in the 2016 season. But prior to the injury, Lacy was looking to have a career year, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The downhill runner will be just 27 years old by the start of the 2017 season and still has a ton of gas left in the tank.
Lacy is no guarantee, but it wouldn’t hurt the Eagles to kick the tires and see what it would take to bring him to Philadelphia.
Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the San Francisco 49ers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Stills, WR
The chances of the Eagles signing Stills are higher than just about any player on this list. It has already been reported that the Eagles will pursue Stills in free agency.
That is if he even makes it to free agency.
The Miami Dolphins are making it a priority to re-sign Stills. But if he chooses to test the waters of free agency, the Eagles would be a good fit for the 24-year-old wideout. Stills is a noted burner who can take the top off a defense with his blazing speed.
Do note, though, that Stills is not a true No. 1 receiver. If the Eagles sign Stills with the expectation that he can lead the receiving corps, things could get sour.
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) causes Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) to fumble the ball during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Branch, DE
Branch had a breakout campaign in 2016 as a fifth-year pro. After signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins last offseason, Branch set a career high in tackles (49), recorded 5.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.
Like Stills, the Dolphins have made re-signing Branch a top priority. But if Branch hits the open market, the Eagles may feel behooved to pick up the phone and try to sign him. With Connor Barwin unlikely to restructure his contract, he could soon be out the door. With him gone, the Eagles would need another player to rotate snaps with Vinny Curry. Branch, though a gamble, wouldn’t be a bad option.
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes an 80 yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
DeSean Jackson, WR
Would it really be a surprise at this point if Jackson returned to Philadelphia? It already seems Jackson wants to reunite with the Eagles and, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the feeling is mutual.
Defensive end Brandon Graham touched on the topic during a recent appearance on TSN’s Breakfast on Broad. According to Graham, it certainly sounds like Jackson has his sights set on a return to the City of Brotherly Love.
“I talked to him when Doug [Pederson] got hired. And he was like ‘Tell coach come get me,’ that type of stuff. We had fun during the season. He was like, ‘BG, I’ll be back.’ Just a little fun. But now that it’s official, as far as the season about to be over, I think you’ll be hearing a lot of noise about it.”
Jackson is 30 years old and entering the decline of his career, but he is still one of the league’s premier deep threats and would be welcomed back with open arms in Philadelphia.
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