Bargain Free-Agents Eagles Must Target
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was incredibly aggressive this offseason, adding players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff while also locking up some of the roster's biggest standouts with long-term deals.
On paper, Philadelphia again has one of the most impressive rosters in the NFL and should maintain its core for the foreseeable future. Games aren't won on paper, though, and fans will get a better idea of how the roster really stacks up once Philly's preseason kicks off on Friday.
While the Eagles don't appear to have any major holes, that doesn't mean they shouldn't look to continue strengthening the roster. Roseman still has $24.3 million in cap space with which to work, and several starting-caliber veterans remain available.
Fans are probably familiar with some of the bigger names remaining on the market, like Justin Simmons and Patrick Peterson, and they could be realistic options for the Eagles. Here, though, we're going to examine bargain free agents who could also fit into Philadelphia's plans.
IOL Connor Williams
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The Eagles lost a big piece of the offensive puzzle when longtime starting center Jason Kelce retired this offseason. While Philadelphia has some options for replacing him, including 2022 second-round pick Cam Jurgens, it wouldn't hurt to have extra insurance at the position.
Kelce was the anchor of Philly's offensive line and one of the most important factors in the team's infamous quarterback-push play.
A new option has emerged for Philadelphia in the form of 27-year-old guard/center Connor Williams.
The former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins starter suffered a significant knee injury last season, and there was some doubt about his ability to play in 2024. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in June that Williams is eyeing a return.
"Williams, who is coming off season-ending knee surgery, expects to be ready for the start of the season and is in discussions with multiple teams about where to play in 2024," Schefter posted on X.
A very reliable starter before the injury, Williams would help ensure that center isn't a weakness for the Eagles. At worst, he'd provide quality depth along the interior, and he might be willing to do it at a bargain price given his return from injury.
Williams' last contract was worth just over $7 million annually, and a short-term "prove-it" deal might come in at that price point or just a tick lower.
Update: Agent Drew Rosenhaus told the Joe Rose Radio Show on Monday (h/t Scott Saloman of SI.com) that Williams is currently negotiating with the Seattle Seahawks.
LB Zach Cunningham
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Philadelphia's defensive collapse in 2023 was stunning. After ranking second in total defense in 2022, the Eagles finished just 26th last season. However, run defense has been an issue, even during Philly's Super Bowl run.
The Eagles ranked just 24th in yards per carry two years ago and 20th last season.
Roseman did add players like Devin White, Oren Burks and Zach Baun to help bolster the linebacker group, but bringing back Zach Cunningham would make plenty of sense.
Cunningham appeared in 13 games with 10 starts last season and tallied 85 tackles, 54 solo stops and two tackles for loss. His best season came with the Houston Texans in 2020, when the 29-year-old led the NFL with 164 tackles and 106 solo stops.
Missed tackles were a bit of an issue for Cunningham last season—he was responsible for eight of them—but it was a team-wide issue under former defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
Cunningham joined the Eagles on a modest one-year, $1.8 million deal last season, and he'd likely be willing to return at a similar cost.
S Jayron Kearse
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Philadelphia's lack of reliable safety play was a major issue last season, one that must be fixed if the Eagles are to be title contenders. Bringing back Gardner-Johnson and adding coordinator Vic Fangio may be enough.
However, it couldn't possibly hurt to add another defender who can rotate with Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship and safety project James Bradberry.
Simmons is the obvious choice, given his history with Fangio, but if the Eagles want a budget alternative, they should consider former division rival Jayron Kearse.
Kearse, who has also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, became a capable and versatile starter in Dallas. The 30-year-old appeared in 16 games last season and finished with 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 79.6.
While Kearse is at his best playing close to the line of scrimmage, he could help give Fangio some flexibility. Gardner-Johnson is likely to spend most of his time at strong safety or in the slot.
Kearse is coming out of a two-year, $10 million contract and should be available in the $4-5 million range—considerably less than the Eagles would likely have to pay to land Simmons.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
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