Eagles' Top Players to Avoid in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Philadelphia Eagles 2023 season ended in disappointment, and in retrospect, some of the blame falls on a 2023 offseason that wasn't good enough.

General manager Howie Roseman did an admirable job of keeping Philadelphia's core together. However, departing players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Marcus Epps, Kyzir White and Javon Hargrave weren't adequately replaced.

Re-signing cornerback James Bradberry may also have been a mistake, as his performance dipped dramatically in 2023.

Roseman and the Eagles will have to fare better in 2024 to get back to the proverbial NFC mountaintop. Philly has $20.9 million in projected cap space with which to approach free agency, but it must be judicious when doling out cap dollars.

With this in mind, let's examine three impending free agents who should be avoided in the 2024 offseason.

LB Leighton Vander Esch

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball after recovering a fumble during the first half against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

After watching the defense struggle with both coverage and tackling in the second level, the Eagles need help at linebacker. They shouldn't, however, look to pull Leighton Vander Esch away from the rival Dallas Cowboys.

Vander Esch was an instant star in Dallas, making the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2018. He's still a solid player when healthy, but a series of neck injuries have caused issues throughout Vander Esch's career.

Another neck injury landed Vander Esch on injured reserve in 2023 and could potentially threaten his career.

"Just the nature of his potential injury here causes me to really think longer term and beyond what it means for next week or beyond what it means for next month," Cowboys franchise owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan (h/t ESPN's Todd Archer).

If Vander Esch continues playing in 2024, someone will undoubtedly give him an opportunity. However, he's far too much of an injury risk for an Eagles team in desperate need of dependability at the linebacker position.

Linebackers like Patrick Queen and Devin White represent far more logical targets for the Eagles in free agency.

RB Josh Jacobs

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs for a second quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)

With D'Andre Swift slated to hit the free agent market, Philadelphia will need to either re-sign him or find a new leading rusher.

The Eagles shouldn't be looking at Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. the 2022 rushing champion does possess the dual-threat skill set that Philly needs in its backfield, but he's also had an extremely uneven career.

The two-time Pro Bowler averaged 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie and 4.9 yards per carry in 2022. However, he averaged 4.0 yards per carry or less in his other three seasons. He averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in 2023, though he did rack up 1,101 scrimmage yards in 13 games.

There's no telling which version of Jacobs a team could get in 2024, and with a projected market value of $10.6 million annually, he represents a sizeable risk. At that price point, the Eagles must steer clear.

Philadelphia resisted the urge to re-sign Pro Bowler Miles Sanders last offseason, and it should take a similar approach this year. The Eagles have too many other needs and too little cap space to overspend at running back.

C Aaron Brewer

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Aaron Brewer #55 of the Tennessee Titans walks off of the field during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Though star center Jason Kelce hasn't officially announced his retirement yet, he appears to be leaning in that direction. Michael McCarthy of FrontOfficeSports.com, recently met with both ESPN and Fox to discuss a potential broadcasting career.

If Kelce's playing career has come to an end, the Eagles need to find a replacement immediately. Philadelphia used a 2022 second-round pick on former Nebraska center Cam Jurgens, but Jurgens primarily played at right guard in 2023.

Adding a veteran to the mix would make plenty of sense, and Aaron Brewer started 17 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2023. However, his transition from guard to center didn't exactly go swimmingly.

Brewer was responsible for five penalties and six sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Reference.

This isn't to say that Brewer can't develop into a quality NFL center, but the Eagles need a more proven player if Kelce does depart. The 36-year-old is not only the anchor of Philly's offensive line but has served as the catalyst of the team's infamous quarterback-push play.

A more proven center, like Andre James, should be far higher on the Eagles' wish list.

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*Cap, contract and market information via Spotrac.