Early Free-Agent Contracts Eagles Must Consider
The news that the NFL salary cap is expected to take a surprisingly big jump in 2024 should be music to the Philadelphia Eagles' ears.
The league's salary cap took the largest one-year jump in the history of the league to $255.4 million.
For a team like the Eagles, who now have $32.5 million in salary cap space, per Spotrac, it has shifted the way they can approach free agency. The Eagles still can't go on an all-out spree. They have to pay their draft class and will need to hold on to an in-season budget.
However, it's not out of the question for the Eagles to get a little more aggressive in free agency. They can now at least target a handful of Wave 2 and/or 3 signings to bolster a roster that struggled from a lack of depth down the stretch last season.
The bones for a roster that can contend are in place, but the Eagles need to address a few holes to remain relevant in the NFC title race.
Here are three contracts they should consider offering with their new cap dollars.
EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
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It's always a good idea to bring in some veterans who have played for a coach anytime a new coordinator comes in. Having at least one or two players who know the system and have had success can smooth the transition.
Andrew Van Ginkel has only played one season under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but it was the best season of his career. With Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb sidelined with injuries, Van Ginkel rose to the occasion and posted a career-high six sacks and an 18.9 pressure percentage.
One of the biggest drop-offs from the 2022 Eagles defense to the 2023 one was a dip in pass-rush production. The Eagles had 70 sacks in 2022 but only had 43 this past season.
Van Ginkel is a versatile player with the ability to play a more traditional linebacker role as well as put his hand in the dirt and get after the passer.
Fangio found a way to tap into the best aspects of his game. For Van Ginkel, signing with the Eagles would extend his time with the defensive coordinator that oversaw his best season. For the Eagles it could be an affordable way to add a little more pass-rush firepower to the roster.
Van Ginkel isn't going to be anywhere near the top of the market and should be available at a reasonable price.
Contract to Consider: Three years, $20 million. $14 million guaranteed.
S Xavier McKinney
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With the rise in the cap and the Eagles potential to clear up significant space throughout restructures, they could put in a competitive bid for at least one pricey free agent.
It would make a lot of sense for Xavier McKinney to be that free agent. McKinney has a diverse skill set at safety that would allow him to become a chess piece similar to the way that Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was able to help the defense in 2022.
Then there's the added bonus of poaching a high-quality young player from their NFC East rivals in New York.
McKinney held top-10 grades from PFF playing as both a deep safety and in the box last season. He isn't afraid to fill the alley against the run but can also make plays on the ball. He had three interceptions and 11 passes defended while racking up 111 combined tackles.
The Eagles attempted to fill their need for a playmaking safety by trading for Kevin Byard at the trade deadline. That didn't work out as planned, but the Eagles could clear $13.7 million in cap space if they release him by March 15.
McKinney won't be a budget free agent. He's only 25 years old and has produced enough to earn a multi-year extension that will put him near the top of the market. Spotrac projects a deal worth $10.4 million in annual average value.
As much as Fangio puts on the plate of his safeties, it would make sense to make a real investment in the position.
Contract to Consider: Four years, $42 million. $30 million guaranteed.
RB AJ Dillon
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Free agency is all about finding value. It's why the running back market has become a disappointing place for players. Teams have been able to find effective options later in the draft and on team-friendly deals in free agency.
The Eagles tried to go that route with Rashaad Penny. They signed him to a one-year, $1.3 million contract last season. He didn't end up being a contributor for the Eagles but it was still a good bite at the free agent apple that made sense.
It would make sense for the Eagles to return to the free agent market to go for a low-risk, high-reward type of signing again. AJ Dillon could be an overlooked option to pursue with a similarly cheap contract.
Dillon has been a complementary back to Aaron Jones over the last three seasons. After a minimal role in his rookie season he took at least 43 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the last three seasons.
The 6'0", 247-pound back is a good power runner, but he's a surprisingly good receiver too with 86 receptions for 763 receiving yards over the last three seasons.
Dillon has never had a 1,000-yard rushing season, but he should have plenty of mileage left as a 25-year-old with just under 600 career carries.
Given how loaded this running back class is, Dillon is likely going for cheap.
Contract to Consider: One year, $3.5 million. Fully guaranteed.
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