Eagles’ Free Agency Blueprint

When free agency officially begins this Wednesday, what should be expected from the Eagles?  Howie Roseman has already expressed how financial restraints will force a different approach from previous years when the team had more cap flexibility.

Mid-level signings over the years like Connor Barwin and Walter Thurmond, those are examples of necessary acquisitions the Eagles must make for the upcoming season.  The team isn’t a player or two away from contending for a championship, a lot of positions need to be bolstered.

If I’m Howie Roseman, I’m eager for the free agency period to begin after being locked away in an office this time last season.

There is good depth at some of the biggest “need” position groups for the Eagles, like offensive guard, linebacker and safety.   Could the Eagle surprise us and land one of the big names like a Kelechi Osemele (OG) or George Iloka (S)?

I’m sure it’s a possibility but I’m not expecting it.  Here is my blueprint; one I feel would be reasonable and affordable.

Quarterback (Chase Daniel)

I know; nothing shocking with this prediction, as I expect Chase Daniel to reunite with Pederson.  Howie will try to move Sanchez in a trade, willing to take any form of compensation to avoid eating the 1 million dollar cap hit for simply releasing him.

Wide Receiver (Brian Quick)

Former Miami Dolphin Rishard Matthews would be my target, but he is going to get overpaid like the rest of the marginal talent available at wide receiver.  Look, it’s not a great talent pool this year whether you look at free agency or the draft.  A guy that I could see the Eagles taking a chance on is 2012 second rounder Brain Quick.

Sam Bradford has experience working with Bradford during their time together in St. Louis.  Quick has missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to injury; so it’s likely he would come at a very inexpensive price tag which is exactly what the Eagles are looking for.

Offensive Line

Guard (Jeff Allen and Stefen Wisniewski)

Alex Boone or Osemele would be my preferred guy, but they are going to be awarded contracts the Eagles can’t afford.  Pederson has stated that he wants versatility from his offensive linemen.   Allen (has played guard/tackle) and Wisniewski (has played guard/center) would provide immediate upgrades to an offensive line that desperately needs two starters at guard.

Tackle (Donald Stephenson)

The Eagles desperately need better depth at tackle.  Stephenson like Jeff Allen is a former Chief, who has started at both guard and tackle throughout his NFL career.  I can’t stand to watch Dennis Kelly play another snap for the Eagles if Jason Peters were to miss time like last season, Stephenson has a much better track record.

Linebacker

Inside Linebacker- Zach Brown

Outside Linebacker-Tahir Whitehead and Nigel Bradham

Whitehead and Bradham have experience playing for Jim Schwartz.  Whitehead can remain on the field for all three downs and has some local ties.  The New Jersey native played his college football at Temple and may want the opportunity to play at the Lincoln Financial Field once again.

Bradham brings a different skillset; and had his best season as a Buffalo Bills with Schwarz running the defense.  He is a downhill player who can disrupt plays in the backfield and has made nice strides with coverage in the passing game.

Zach Brown is a guy most don’t know of, when you play in Tennessee it’s hard for anyone to really take notice.  Brown had tremendous read and react quickness reminds me a lot of Jordan Hicks.

If the Eagles could come away with Brown and Whitehead, they could look to

Cornerback (Nolan Carroll)

The Eagles want Carroll back and Carroll wants to return to Philadelphia.  With rumors swirling that the Miami Dolphins have interest in Bryon Maxwell, could Carroll and Rowe handle the starting cornerback role for the Eagles this upcoming season?  I’d be surprised if the Dolphins take on the Maxwell contract, but stranger things have happened with the Eagles in recent years.

Safety (Rashad Johnson and David Bruton)

Rashad Johnson is a savvy veteran who would complement Malcom Jenkins.  Johnson had several great years playing for Arizona and would come at a decent price. A player like Iloka is going to get overpaid because of his age, size and potential.

The Eagles are extremely thin at safety, so I’d also look to sign David Bruton who served several key roles both on special team packages and defensive packages for the Denver Broncos.  I like the size and speed combination of Bruton, who could play opposite of Johnson is the Eagles plan to still play Malcom Jenkins in cornerback roles throughout the season.