Bargain Contracts Eagles Must Consider in 2024 NFL Free Agency

Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles didn't just sit back and hope to get better in 2024 free agency. They got aggressive to ensure that they don't end this next campaign like they did in 2023.

That included the high-profile signing of Bryce Huff and Saquon Barkley along with later additions of linebacker Devin White, wide receiver DeVante Parker and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

But if there's one thing Roseman has demonstrated time and time again it's that he's always looking for ways to make the Eagles' roster better.

So as the focus of the NFL calendar starts to shift from free agency to the draft, there are a still a few moves out there that the Eagles could consider making. That includes free agents who might be willing to sign for bargain prices with the hope of improving their stock on a contender next season.

Here's a look at three such contracts that Philly could consider proposing.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball during the second half against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The headline signing for the Eagles was Saquon Barkley. He figures to be the featured back, but there's definitely room for at least one more runner in the backfield. As it stands, the Eagles have not brought back Boston Scott or Rashaad Penny.

That leaves Kenneth Gainwell as the primary backup to Barkley. Given the former Giants injury history, the Eagles should feel the need to add some depth.

They can obviously go to the draft for that. There are backs taken on Day 3 that end up contributing every season. But this is a team with championship aspirations. Relying on that pick to work out isn't exactly a foolproof plan.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a disappointment as a former first-round pick with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former LSU Tiger peaked in his rookie season with 1,100 total yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.

His role dwindled every successive season and now he's a free agent coming off a season in which he had just 411 total yards and two touchdowns as a complementary back.

At this point, he's a low-risk signing who won't cost much but offers some hope with his draft pedigree and one solid season.

Proposed Contract: One-year, $1.5 million

CB Adoree' Jackson

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Adoree' Jackson

Cornerback is a position that tends to churn out value on the lower-end of free agency. The position naturally has some volatility to it so players are forced to sign for cheap after a down year only to turn in a strong season in the next campaign.

Akhello Witherspoon is a recent example. He went from giving up a passer rating of 126.1 in four games and suffering a seasons ending injury in 2022 to being a full-time starter for the Rams on a one-year $1.1 million contract.

Witherspoon has probably priced himself out of Philadelphia's price range. The trick is identifying the next Witherspoon.

Adoree' Jackson is a strong candidate. The Giants defensive back has inside-out versatility but was a square peg in the round hole of Wink Martindale's aggressive defense. He ended up playing on an island a lot and giving up a passer rating of 95.5.

Darius Slay and James Bradberry both took big steps back last season, but their contracts are structured in a way that that Eagles are pretty much stuck with them at least through the upcoming season.

Jackson could be a buy-low candidate that competes in the slot or takes over for one of the starters on the outside.

Proposed Offer: One-year, $2.5 million

S Eddie Jackson

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Eddie Jackson

Eddie Jackson is another talented defensive back who might be wroth a look coming off a bad season.

The 29-year-old safety only had one interception and gave up a passer rating of 120.6 in the 2023 campaign. The Bears were fine with releasing the veteran safety to clear up even more cap room despite one of the biggest free agent budgets in the league this offseason.

That has left Jackson looking for a new home and so far there haven't been any takers. The free agent safety class certainly isn't helping. Kyle Dugger, Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs and Julian Blackmon are all facing extended time as free agents as well.

That's bound to drive the market price down.

Jackson isn't yet on the wrong side of 30 and had a much better 2022 campaign that shows his upside. He had four interceptions and an opposing passer rating of 66.4 while starting 12 games.

The Eagles signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson but he will more than likely be deployed as a slot corner. Jackson has experience with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio from their days in Chicago.

A reunion could be in order as the Eagles are relying on a lot of young safeties as the roster stands right now.

Proposed Contract: One-year, $3.5 million