Eagles free agency is here. While moves won’t be official until Wednesday when Free Agency begins, teams can now agree in principle to a deal with pending free agents. And while occasionally those deals fall through, looking at you Frank Gore, usually those deals wind up being finalized. And if the Eagles are going to get back to contention, they will need to make some notable moves in free agency.
In 2022 they were the best team in Football for most of the season. They came a few plays away from hoisting their second Lombardi Trophy. Most people assumed it was the start of something special. It all came tumbling down in 2023 though. They might have started 10-1, but you could see cracks forming. Eventually, those cracks led to disaster. The Eagles’ dam blew wide open. They won only 1 game after December and got blown out in the playoffs.
Eagles Free Agency Needs
The defense is already a mess. But that could get even worse depending on what happens with Haason Reddick. He and the Eagles are in a salary dispute, which could lead to him being traded. Then they would need another pass rusher on top of fully recreating their secondary and linebacker rooms.
The good news is they have tons of cap space. Cutting Kevin Byard and Avonte Maddox opened up some space, and then the NFL Cap grew $30 million on top of that. They have about $42 million in projected cap space. The 11th most in the league. They do have players they need to pay soon, like Landon Dickerson and Devonta Smith. But they have the space to make a few moves to try to get this team back on the right track.
Where will they spend that money? Can Howie have one of his magical offseasons?
Here is every move the Eagles have made so far in free agency:
Extending Devonta Smith
Philadelphia Eagles on Twitter: "Happy Monday Eagles fans ‼️We've exercised the fifth-year option on WR @DeVontaSmith_6 and have agreed to terms on a 3-year contract extension through 2028.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/1w6VEnIKKV / Twitter"
Happy Monday Eagles fans ‼️We've exercised the fifth-year option on WR @DeVontaSmith_6 and have agreed to terms on a 3-year contract extension through 2028.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/1w6VEnIKKV
After extending Dickerson, the next biggest goal was doing the same for Devonta Smith. It took a few more weeks, but they got it done. They picked up his 5th year option, and then signed him to a 3-year extension worth $75 million.
it is a great move. They got ahead of several other extension eligible WRs like Justin Jefferson and Cee Dee Lamb. it may seem like a lot of money now, but it will look better and better as every subsequent WR gets paid. One of the best things about Howie is how he is willing to work ahead like this and save cap space in the long run.
Grade- A+
Extending Jordan Mailata
The Eagles can now say they have the left side of their line squared away through 2028. They locked down both Mailata, and Dickerson, keeping the NFL best run blocking duo together for the next 5 seasons. It is a smart way to invest cap space, and both guys should only keep getting better.
Grade- A
Trading Haason Reddick
The first bad move of the offseason. You traded one of the league’s elite edge rushers and got nothing back that will help you this year or next. No cap space wiggle room, and no tradeable pick.
They lost a very good player. They are hoping Sweat, Huff, and Smith can replace him. But none of those 3 guys are proven in this league. Huff was a rotational player with the Jets. Nolan Smith barely saw the field. And Sweat fell off big time in the 2nd half of the year.
They are a worse team because of this move. And only getting a 2026 pick back for losing their best player, is laughable.
Grade- F
Bringing Back Avonte Maddox
The Eagles had to cut Maddox. His cap hit was too large for a guy so unreliable health wise. But bringing him back was also smart. When healthy, he is as trustworthy as it gets in the slot. They have enough need tow worry about, having a solid option at nickel corner is a smart idea.
Signed Will Grier
Will Grier won’t be the eagles backup. He might not even be their 3rd stringer. They apparently are still high on Tanner Mckee. But Grier has worked with Kellen Moore in the past. Just having a guy who can help others come up to speed with any new concepts can be useful. He might not actually make the roster though.
Grade- C
Eagles Trade for Kenny Pickett
The Eagles found their backup QB. They are bringing in former-round pick Kenny Pickett in a pick swap with the Steelers. Pickett has been disappointing for the Steelers since they spent the 2oth overall pick on him two years ago. But he might be one of the best backups in the league. It is a low price, and it gives the Eagles security there for the next two years.
Grade- A
Josh Sweat Is Back
Jeremy Fowler on Twitter: "Source: Josh Sweat staying with the #Eagles on a restructured deal with $10M guaranteed plus incentives (max of $13M). Had no guarantees prior, so this gives Sweat security entering contract year. / Twitter"
Source: Josh Sweat staying with the #Eagles on a restructured deal with $10M guaranteed plus incentives (max of $13M). Had no guarantees prior, so this gives Sweat security entering contract year.
There were rumors Sweat might be traded. instead, he is back on a restructured deal. Per Tom Pelissero, Sweat restructured his deal with the Eagles. Jeremy Fowler then reported that the new deal gives Sweat $10 million in guaranteed money, with the chance to get $13 million.
It is a good move, just ensuring they have some stability there. Some things along the D-line might be in flux still. but they can at least know they have two capable Edge rushers in Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat.
Grade- A
CJ Gardner Johnson Returns To Philly
The Eagles got their Safety. CJ Gardner Johnson is coming back to Philly. He took a 1-year detour with the Lions, but CJ Gardner-Johnson is making his return to the Eagles. They signed him to a 3-year $33 million deal.
He only played in 3 games last season due to an injury but played well in all 3 of those games. The year before in Philly, he finished tied with the league lead in interceptions. The Eagles fell to 27th in takeaways last year without him, so at the very least, he will bring playmaking back to the defense. Safety was arguably their weakest position last year after it was a strength in 2022.
It is exactly the type of move they needed to make. They even get him cheaper for what a few other safeties went for. Great move by Howie. Zero complaints.
Grade- A
Eagles Sign WR DeVante Parker
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Eagles and former Patriots WR DeVante Parker reached agreement on a 1-year, $4.69 million fully guaranteed deal, of which Philadelphia has to pay only $1.2 million, with New England paying the rest. "DeVante is thrilled and grateful to become a Philadelphia Eagle and to help this... pic.twitter.com/LtwCnNVj58 / Twitter"
Eagles and former Patriots WR DeVante Parker reached agreement on a 1-year, $4.69 million fully guaranteed deal, of which Philadelphia has to pay only $1.2 million, with New England paying the rest. "DeVante is thrilled and grateful to become a Philadelphia Eagle and to help this... pic.twitter.com/LtwCnNVj58
3rd WR was an underrated need for the Eagles Quez Watkins was a huge disappointment in that role the last two years. His speed is elite, but that speed never led to on-field results. Nick Sirianni can say all he wants about how that speed takes attention away from other WRs, but you need to be productive too.
Well, the Eagles have found their new 3rd WR. They bring in ex-Patriot and Dolphin WR Davante Parker. Parker had one 1000-yard season in Miami but has mostly hovered around 500. Which is exactly what they need. He is a solid WR. With Brown, Smith, Goedert, and now Barkley, solid is all they really need from their 3rd WR. They also get him for cheap, only costing them a little over $1 million.
If he was the #1 or #2, it would be bad. But he is your 5th option, and they could still add a wr in the draft. No reason to be upset with the move.
Grade- B
Eagles Sign Zack Baum
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Saints free-agent LB Zack Baun plans to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per source. / Twitter"
Saints free-agent LB Zack Baun plans to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per source.
The Eagles signed a LB. But it is not the big name LB fans are hoping for, yet. Zack Baum is an adequate LB, who is more of a special teamer, and a backup on defense. If he is the starter, this would be a terrible signing. But if he is a depth piece and a special teamer, it is fine. They need to do much more at LB than just this though.
Grade- C
Eagles Steal Saquon Barkley From The Giants
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum... pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0 / Twitter"
Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum... pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0
The rumor that was swirling all week came true. They have taken Saquon Barkley from the Giants, landing one of the most talented RBs in the league. He gets a 3-year $37.5 million deal. It is not a very Howie Roseman move, eagles have rarely paid RBs like this. But maybe last season taught Howie he needs to change his ways.
Its a lot for a RB. And RBs contracts often end up looking bad. But it is for only 3 years and he is 27. So it is not like they are paying a guy already outside of his prime. he is coming off a down year. But in fairness to him, he was part of a terrible Giants offense. Now he will have a much better Qb to play with, and two elite WRs to take the heat off of him. Put him in Kellen Moore’s scheme, he can be dynamic.
Grade- B
Eagles Sign Bryce Huff
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Jets free-agent DE Bryce Huff is signing a three-year, $51.1 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles once free agency opens, per sources. The deal will make Huff the highest-paid non-QB undrafted free agent in NFL history, per sources. pic.twitter.com/EkPiFlRss0 / Twitter"
Jets free-agent DE Bryce Huff is signing a three-year, $51.1 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles once free agency opens, per sources. The deal will make Huff the highest-paid non-QB undrafted free agent in NFL history, per sources. pic.twitter.com/EkPiFlRss0
The Eagles have made their first splash of free agency. They came out of nowhere to land one of the top pass rushers on the market. Per Adam Schefter, the Eagles have signed former Jets Edge Rusher Bryce Huff to a 3-year, $51.1 million deal. It makes him the highest-paid, non-QB, undrafted free agent in NFL history. Huff had a breakout season last year with 10 sacks and 67 pressures. He led the entire NFL with a pressure rate of 21.8%.
The deal is actually pretty team-friendly. At about $17 million per year, he is the 17th highest-paid edge rusher. And he could be outside the top 20 by the time the season starts. He doesn’t offer much against the run. But getting an elite young pass rusher, at a good number, is a great move.
Grade- A
Landon Dickerson Signed to 4-Year Extension
Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "The #Eagles and Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson have agreed to terms on a 4-year extension worth $84M base, $87M max value, source said. He gets $50M total guaranteed and a $20M signing bonus. The highest-paid guard in NFL history at $21M per year.The deal was done by his agents... / Twitter"
The #Eagles and Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson have agreed to terms on a 4-year extension worth $84M base, $87M max value, source said. He gets $50M total guaranteed and a $20M signing bonus. The highest-paid guard in NFL history at $21M per year.The deal was done by his agents...
The Eagles first move was not for a free agent, but to hold onto one of their own. Landon Dickerson was going into the last year fo his deal. But now he will be here through 2028. It did not come cheap though. They have him 4-Years $84 million, $50 million of which is guaranteed. It is worth it though. Landon Dickerson has ben fantastic at LG, and keeping their O-Line together is worth a bit of an overpay. The money makes it hard to give the move an A though.
Grade- B
Eagles Get O-Line Depth in Matt Hennessy
Zach Berman on Twitter: "The Eagles are signing OL Matt Hennessy, a league source tells @Bo_Wulf and me. They agreed to terms on a one-year deal.Hennessy, 26, started 22 games for the Falcons since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2020 out of Temple. Adds depth on the interior. / Twitter"
The Eagles are signing OL Matt Hennessy, a league source tells @Bo_Wulf and me. They agreed to terms on a one-year deal.Hennessy, 26, started 22 games for the Falcons since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2020 out of Temple. Adds depth on the interior.
Jason Kelce retired. Sua Opeta and Jack Driscoll are free agents. The eagles badly needed depth at interior O-Line, and they get it in Hennessy. With the Falcons he started games at both center and guard. Considering Dickerson missed time in each of the last two seasons, and Jurgens missed time last year, having depth there is a must. Is it a needle mover? maybe not. But this is the type of move the Eagles needed to make. Hennessy being a Temple product doesn’t hurt either.
Grade- B
Eagles Re-Sign P Braden Mann
Adam Caplan on Twitter: "Reporting for @PFN365--The #Eagles and P Braden Mann have agreed to terms on a 2-year, $4.2m deal with max $5m ($2.775m gtd), source said. / Twitter"
Reporting for @PFN365--The #Eagles and P Braden Mann have agreed to terms on a 2-year, $4.2m deal with max $5m ($2.775m gtd), source said.
Braden Mann is staying in Midnight Green. He replaced Arryn Sipposs a few games into the season. Mann finished 7th in Net Average Punting Yards. Siposs was always near the bottom of the league in that. He doesn’t have the biggest leg. But he is reliable to get off a decent punt every time. Nothing to complain about with this move. They had a good punter, they held onto him.
Grade- A
Finally Get an Athletic LB In Devin White
Jordan Schultz on Twitter: "BREAKING: Free agent LB Devin White is signing #Eagles 1 year worth up to 7.5M , source tells @BleacherReport.The former All-Pro and Super Bowl champ finds a new home. pic.twitter.com/sGpzOmt6KM / Twitter"
BREAKING: Free agent LB Devin White is signing #Eagles 1 year worth up to 7.5M , source tells @BleacherReport.The former All-Pro and Super Bowl champ finds a new home. pic.twitter.com/sGpzOmt6KM
Well, the Eagles got a LB, finally. But the name may be better than the player. Devin White struggled the past few seasons. He is not a great tackler, is bad against the run, and is merely decent in pass coverage. It’s better than nothing. But that is not saying much. They still need to do much more at LB. If Devin White is a piece, it’s fine. If they are banking on him to be good, it is a risky move.
Grade- C
Signed Parris Campbell
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Giants WR Parris Campbell reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per sources. pic.twitter.com/zkjfEuFrxh / Twitter"
Former Giants WR Parris Campbell reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per sources. pic.twitter.com/zkjfEuFrxh
Howie Roseman apparently liked Campbell a lot back in the 2019 draft. But Jeff Lurie like JJ Arcega-Whiteside, and they took him instead. Neither WR has done much since then, but Campbell at least is still in the NFL, and playing WR. Campbell is a depth guy. Maybe he can beat out Devante Parker for the 3rd WR role. But he has not done much to this point in his career.
Grade- C
PJ Mustipher
Jeff McLane on Twitter: "The #Eagles have signed defensive tackle PJ Mustipher to a one-year contract. / Twitter"
The #Eagles have signed defensive tackle PJ Mustipher to a one-year contract.
Mustipher only has 4 tackles in 4 seasons. He has not seen much of the field. That won’t likely change in Philly. But it never hurts to have depth and camp bodies. But this move likely won’t mean much.
Grade- C
Tyler Hall
Philadelphia Eagles on Twitter: "We've signed CB Tyler Hall to a 1-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/PS2xfZqZrc / Twitter"
We've signed CB Tyler Hall to a 1-year deal.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/PS2xfZqZrc
Hall is a nickel corner and a Special Teamer. The Eagles have no issue with corner depth. They need to add top-end talent. But guys like Zech McPhearson, Isaiah Rodgers, Eli Ricks, and Kelee Ringo will fill out the back of the CB depth chart. Hall will have a hard time making the team.
Grade- C
Oren Burks
Jeff McLane on Twitter: "New #Eagles LB Oren Burks on the fit in Philly:Likes the scheme, the DL strength and the culture.Played more on defense last season as 3d LB with the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/LBGpeFn6rC / Twitter"
New #Eagles LB Oren Burks on the fit in Philly:Likes the scheme, the DL strength and the culture.Played more on defense last season as 3d LB with the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/LBGpeFn6rC
Oren Burks may seem like a depth move. But off all these smaller moves, he may have the best chance of making the roster. For one, they are light at LB. But he also did play some for the 49ers last season when Dre Greenlaw was hurt and didn’t do a bad job. If they plan to start him, that is foolish. But he may make for a good backup LB/ Special Teamer.
Grade- B
