5 Available Free Agents Still Within Philadelphia Eagles' Reach

While the focus around the NFL shifts increasingly toward the upcoming draft, the Philadelphia Eagles could still use the help of a few free agents.

Granted, there is precious little talent on the market at this time of year, but the Birds do have their share of holes.

One such area of need potentially exists at safety, as five-year starter Nate Allen departed this offseason and has not been replaced. A fifth-rounder in 2013, Earl Wolff is the current front-runner to start, and he will no doubt be challenged by a rookie. However, it couldn’t hurt to add an experienced veteran to the mix.

Not surprisingly, our list of free agents within Philly’s reach features multiple safeties. Also of note, all five candidates play defense.

Believe it or not, there are players available who could carve out a meaningful role—be it as competition, depth or even a camp body.

The Eagles just added two new names last week, signing wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu and defensive back E.J. Biggers to battle for roster spots.

Here are few more names to consider kicking the tires on.

Tashaun Gipson

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First, let’s consider a road less traveled for solving Philadelphia’s need at safety.

Restricted free agents seldom change teams for a number of reasons, but it would make some sense if the Eagles at least attempted to pry Tashaun Gipson away from the Cleveland Browns.

Gipson is slightly undersized at 5’11”, but otherwise, he’s what the Birds typically look for in a safety. That is to say Gipson excels in coverage. The 24-year-old played cornerback for most of his college career, experience that’s come in handy over the past two seasons while recording 11 interceptions.

If Philly signed Gipson to a contract, it would owe Cleveland a second-round draft pick. That’s one reason why these deals are rare, although this particular player may just be worth it.

The other issue is the Browns have the right to match any offer, which is more complicated still. Essentially, the Eagles would wind up handling negotiations for the Browns, who would likely swoop in and match all but the most outrageous of contracts.

In other words, Gipson is likely nothing more than a pipe dream and therefore may be not within the Eagles’ reach after all. With that said, this sure would be a more definitive solution than going through the draft.

Stevie Brown

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Stevie Brown is only three years removed from finishing tied for second in the NFL with eight interceptions. Unfortunately, he’s also just two years removed from missing an entire season with a torn ACL.

The good news is Brown was healthy enough to play all 16 games at safety for the New York Giants in 2014. The bad news is the coverage magic was gone. Brown didn’t manage a single pick last season and at one point lost his starting job for eight games before eventually earning it back.

Brown only turns 28 this year, so it’s entirely possible he has some good years left.

After all, not every player recovers from major injuries at the same pace. Brown could come back much stronger another year removed from surgery.

The fact that Brown is still available suggests teams are wary, and to be fair, he really only has the one quality season in the NFL. Then again, are the Eagles in any position to be picky? If nothing else, Brown could help push a relatively inexperienced group of safeties at Philly’s training camp.

Dawan Landry

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Dawan Landry may be 32, but you won’t find a more experienced, durable free-agent safety.

Landry has suited up for 16 games in all but one of his nine years in the NFL, including the past two seasons with the New York Jets. He also possesses ideal size for the position, standing at 6’1”, 212 pounds.

Despite his many positive qualities, Landry isn’t necessarily a great fit for Philadelphia. Man-to-man and single-high coverage aren’t necessarily his strengths. He isn't a great playmaker when the ball is in the air either, registering just four interceptions over his last five seasons.

Landry may be an unlikely choice for the Eagles due to the scheme. However, the simple fact of the matter is you could take all the safeties currently on the roster, add up their professional starts and that number would be lower than Landry’s total starts in 2014 alone.

Experience can be a valuable attribute, too.

The Eagles haven’t shown any willingness to compromise with defensive backs who don’t fit the system, but when Wolff is the first man in line for the job, you have to at least consider all the alternatives.

Shaun Phillips

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Let's move from safety to one of Philadelphia’s more underrated needs: outside linebacker. The Eagles are represented well by starters Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham, but behind them are only question marks.

As the old saying goes, you can never have too many pass-rushers.

The Birds will undoubtedly add a linebacker during the draft, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a veteran presence. Shaun Phillips is only two years removed from posting double-digit sacks for the Denver Broncos, and if there’s anything left in the soon-to-be 34-year-old’s tank, Philadelphia is a logical destination.

Phillips is from Philly originally, so it makes sense that he would end a solid NFL career at home. The longtime San Diego Charger has racked up 81.5 sacks over 11 professional seasons thus far.

The main issue here is Phillips might be done. The Tennessee Titans released him 11 games into 2014, and while he quickly caught on with the Indianapolis Colts, Phillips posted a grand total of two sacks last season.

The lack of production is certainly a cause for concern, but again, the Eagles would be looking at Phillips as purely a situational player, hoping to squeeze the last few drops of football out of an accomplished athlete.

Worst-case scenario, he doesn’t make the 53-man roster out of camp, but nothing is lost or gained from the tryout.

Tommy Kelly

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Defensive line is arguably the strongest position on Philadelphia’s roster, but there’s always room for improvement.

Last season, journeyman Brandon Bair served as one of the primary backups at defensive end. Fifth-round draft pick Taylor Hart redshirted the entire year.

If the Eagles wanted to immediately upgrade the depth at the position or at least create competition there this summer, signing Tommy Kelly would be a good way to do just that.

Kelly isn’t going to blow anybody away with numbers, as 3-4 defensive ends seldom do. However, he played 16 games and started 13 for a very good Arizona Cardinals front last season and was one of the unit’s better performers, proving the 34-year-old can still play.

Philly doesn’t necessarily need Kelly, and the longtime Oakland Raider may prefer to go someplace where he’ll have a chance to start. It might make sense for the Eagles to go younger themselves and try to add depth through the draft.

Regardless, it’s hard to not to look at Kelly, an 11-year veteran, and see an excellent defender in need of a good home. The Eagles could certainly use him, as could just about any NFL club.