Free Agents Eagles Should Pursue After 2023 NFL Draft

Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the best rosters in the NFL. That became evident as they went an NFC-best 14-3 during the regular season, won the conference championship and reached Super Bowl LVII.

Somehow, the Eagles' roster may be even better now. They've filled some defensive holes, constructed a new-look backfield featuring D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny and added a talented incoming rookie class headlined by former Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

Still, Philadelphia may not quite be done. It wasn't after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft, as it went out and signed free-agent tight end Dan Arnold last week. The team still has $14.9 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap, too.

With the draft over, here's a look at some free agents the Eagles may still want to consider signing ahead of the 2023 season.

Jarvis Landry, WR

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Jarvis Landry (5) of the New Orleans Saints lines up and awaits the snap during a football game between the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints on Sep 25, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Who will be Philadelphia's No. 3 wide receiver? A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have the top two starting spots locked down. Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus are among the others who should be in the mix. But the team could use one more solid WR to complement Brown and Smith in the offense.

Jarvis Landry could be an intriguing target, as the 30-year-old has had plenty of past NFL success. The nine-year veteran is a five-time Pro Bowler who has finished a season with 840 or more receiving yards six times in his career.

Last year, Landry played only nine games in his lone season with the New Orleans Saints, notching 25 catches for 272 yards and one touchdown, missing about half the year with an ankle injury. So he might only land a one-year deal in free agency, giving him an opportunity to show he can bounce back strong.

It may be a chance worth taking for the Eagles, who would surround Landry with one of the best offenses in football. If he can get even a bit closer to his earlier form, he could make a positive impact for Philadelphia as a third or fourth WR option.

Deion Jones, LB

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 01: Cleveland Browns linebacker Deion Jones (54) peeks into the backfield during the Cleveland Browns game versus the Washington Commanders on January 01, 2023, at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Eagles may want to add a bit more depth at the center of their linebacker corps, considering middle linebackers Nakobe Dean and Shaun Bradley have a combined one career start. Bradley has played 45 games over his first three seasons, while Dean appeared in all 17 during his 2022 rookie campaign.

So it could be beneficial for Philadelphia to bring in a veteran who may be a positive influence on the 22-year-old Dean and 26-year-old Bradley. Among the best MLBs still available on the free-agent market who could fill that role is Deion Jones.

The 28-year-old Jones started 83 games for the Atlanta Falcons from 2016 to 2021, then spent one season with the Cleveland Browns, playing 11 games (five starts) in 2022. He wasn't as productive last year, recording 44 tackles and missing time with a shoulder injury. But he's had more than 100 tackles in a season five times in his career.

It may not be an opportunity with a starting role, but Jones should want to join the Eagles because he'd have a legitimate opportunity to compete for a championship. And he would be a solid contributor to the middle of their defense.

Dalton Risner, OG

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 01: Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner (66) before the snap in the first quarter of an AFC West game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on January 1, 2023 at GEHA Field at.Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL teams can never have too much depth along the offensive line. An injury or two can quickly negatively impact a season, as quarterbacks need to be protected and running lanes have to be created for backs.

It couldn't hurt for Philadelphia to add one more versatile lineman as a bit of insurance. And Dalton Risner could be an ideal one for it to sign.

Risner spent his first four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, making 62 starts over that span. All of the 27-year-old's time came at left guard, but he has experience at other positions on the O-line, as he also played center and right tackle at Kansas State.

The Eagles could make Risner the top backup option at multiple positions, which may still get him on the field a decent amount. He'd be a valuable player to have in that type of role and would only make Philadelphia deeper and even stronger.