Written by Christian Lysek
I must confess: as a long time Eagles fan, I have been looking forward to writing this article for months. Now I can finally do so. Let's look how my favorite team can continue to progress in the NFL:
Free Agency:
Cap Space: $7,055,931 (according to Over the Cap)
Important note: Jason Peters and Darren Sproles
Peters will cost 10 million dollars against the Eagles cap, so look for the Eagles to negotiate a restructured contract. Don't expect him to walk, though, as he is still a pro-bowl caliber tackle and a fan-favorite. Sproles, however, may be on the way out. He is still a good player, but the Eagles has a stable of young scatbacks they can use that are cheaper.
Important note: Jason Peters and Darren Sproles
Peters will cost 10 million dollars against the Eagles cap, so look for the Eagles to negotiate a restructured contract. Don't expect him to walk, though, as he is still a pro-bowl caliber tackle and a fan-favorite. Sproles, however, may be on the way out. He is still a good player, but the Eagles has a stable of young scatbacks they can use that are cheaper.
Notable Free Agents: DL Bennie Logan, CB Nolan Carrol
Bennie Logan is a great run stuffer and a key piece on the defensive line, but they have other more important needs and Logan may get expensive. Nolan Carrol is a priority to resign because he is at least a solid corner for the Eagles, which is more than they can say about anyone else.
On the Market Prospects: WR Kenny Britt, WR Alshon Jeffrey, WR Desean Jackson, C JC Tretter
Kenny Stills has been the trendy selection because he is fast, but he also has no hands, so I crossed him off the list. Kenny Britt is an underrated receiver who puts up bad numbers because the Rams offense hasn't been good since Kurt Warner was the quarterback. He could be a breakout candidate with Carson Wentz throwing to him. Obviously, Alshon Jeffrey is the goal. He is a pro bowl receiver that will take some true cap magic to get, but he is worth it. Desean Jackson never should have left the Eagles, and they would be more than happy for a reunion. He may be more expensive than they like, though, so this is not a guaranteed deal. Jason Kelce was straight up bad last year for the Eagles, so bringing the younger and better Tretter makes sense.
The Draft:
Early Round Prospects (Rounds 1-2):
The Eagles should be in prime position for a blue chip corner or wide receiver in the draft. At corner, I like Marshon Lattimore and Quincy Wilson. They are the total package as cover corners and could lock down the elite receivers in the NFC east. Mike Williams and Corey Davis are 1 and 1a in terms of the wide receiver class, so sweeping up one of them in the first round would be a win. In round 2, Zay Jones and Cooper Kupp aren't power-5 prospects, but they both are excellent route runners with great hands. Tre'Davious White and Cordrea Tankersley would be first rounders in any other draft class but may fall due to the talent around them. Kareem Hunt, D'Onta Foreman, and Alvin Kamara are all good second round running back prospects who could be three-down backs in the NFL.
Late Round Prospects (rounds 3-7):
Wayne Gallman is a violent workhorse back who could carry the load for the offense. Shelton Gibson is a speedy wide receiver threat from West Virginia who could be a discount Desean Jackson. Carlos Henderson is a strong and fast wide receiver from Louisiana Tech who with return ability. Larry Ounjobi is a defensive lineman who could alleviate the pain of Bennie Logan departing. The Eagles love athletic linebackers so Jalen Reeves-Maybin would make a good sleeper pick. Erik Magnuson has good potential at tackle and could be a nice backup. Tyler Orlosky is a center from West Virginia who could eventually replace Jason Kelce. Dez Lawrence is a tall, mean corner from North Carolina who could provide much-needed corner depth. Noble Nwachukwu is an EDGE rusher who is strong as an ox and could play many techniques across the line. Riley Bullough and Ben Boulware and instinctive but unathletic linebackers who could help on special teams.
The one move nobody may see coming:
The Eagles could trade Darren Sproles and Jason Peters for an established wide receiver such as Brandin Cooks. The Eagles could dump their older free agents while there is still a great return. They would have a whole at tackle, but that could be filled through free agency and the draft.
What I would do:
- Do everything I can to sign Alshon Jeffrey, if not available, sign Kenny Britt
- Draft: Round 1- Quincy Wilson, Round 2- Zay Jones, Round 3- Wayne Gallman, Round 4- Tyler Orlosky, Round 5- Shelton Gibson, Round 6- Larry Ogunjobi, Round 7- Noble Nwachukwu
What do you think of this offseason plan? Comment below for questions and inputs and thanks for reading.
Cap and free agency data provided by Fanspeak UltimateGM service.
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