2015 Philadelphia Eagles Free Agency: An Early Guide to the Market

Let’s get something straight right off the bat: The Philadelphia Eagles should not attempt to build a contender through free agency. There’s a reason each and every player on the market is available, from the expensive price tags, to the inflated value of their talents.

In other words, this is not a guide to how the Eagles can buy a Super Bowl. These are merely players who can supplement the existing talent already on the roster, and in a select few cases, perhaps fill a few holes.

After all, if the overwhelming majority of players who reach free agency were worth the money, wouldn’t their original employers have done whatever it takes to re-sign them?

That’s not to say quality contributors can’t be found. Over the past two offseasons alone, the Eagles have uncovered key players such as outside linebacker Connor Barwin, safety Malcolm Jenkins and, well…aside from some special teamers, I guess that’s it.

The fact of the matter is the Eagles cannot look to free agency to restore the franchise to legitimacy. That being said, there are always some moves to be to made to upgrade the roster. Ahead, we launch an early investigation into the potential that is out there.

Quarterback

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I, for one, am not convinced the Eagles will take a signal-caller in the draft. If the board falls a certain way, sure, it could happen, but with the blue-chip prospects long gone by the time the No. 20 selection is on the clock—and trading up from there virtually impossible—it’s far from a given.

As an alternative to reaching for some mid-round project, the Birds could go for another reclamation project in free agency to serve under Nick Foles.

One likely candidate is Jake Locker. In four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Locker has never looked the part of a franchise quarterback, completing just 57.5 percent of his passes en route to a 9-14 record as a starter.

That being said, he has the requisite mobility people (wrongly) assume Chip Kelly wants in a passer, while Philly’s head coach has personally seen what the U of Washington product was capable of while at Oregon.

Other young washouts that may intrigue the Eagles include Ryan Mallett from the Houston Texans, Brian Hoyer from the Cleveland Browns or Christian Ponder from the Minnesota Vikings. Blech.

Don’t be surprised if Mark Sanchez is retained, either. Granted, he obviously isn’t the solution to the Eagles’ problems under center, but the team could do worse for a backup.

Cornerback

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Bradley Fletcher is on his way out. Cary Williams could follow as a cap casualty. It’s hard to believe the Eagles wouldn’t sign somebody in the hopes of immediately upgrading the weakest position on the field.

The go-to answer in Philadelphia is Darrelle Revis, although I’m not so sure fans should get their hopes up. Even if the six-time Pro Bowler departs the New England Patriots, he’ll be 30 this offseason.

That wouldn’t be an issue if the Eagles were on the brink of winning a Super Bowl, but is it worth shelling out a huge contract to an aging veteran who could very well be in decline by the time this team reaches that point?

More likely, the front office will attempt to identify younger prospects who could still be of service when the rest of the roster is peaking.

Another popular name in Philly circles is Byron Maxwell for the Seattle Seahawks. A 2011 sixth-round pick out of Clemson, Maxwell began the season as a starter but recently moved into the slot, suggesting the team likes its other options better.

That said, Maxwell has performed regardless of his role, and at 6’1”, he has the preferred height to play outside the numbers for the Eagles.

Any of Perrish Cox, Chris Culliver or Chris Cook from the San Francisco 49ers could be targets as well, as the Eagles seem to like players from winning organizations, and each one meets the 6-foot height criteria.

Safety

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It’s difficult to imagine the Eagles would retain Nate Allen again after the season he just had, and yet what would be considered a proper alternative? As far as free agency is concerned, pickings appear to be slim.

Slim, but not nonexistent.

In particular, two young safeties coming from solid secondaries are on the verge of the conclusion of their rookie deals—Da’Norris Searcy from the Buffalo Bills and Rahim Moore for the Denver Broncos.

Each player has just four years in the NFL, so youth is on their side. Both are 5’11” at minimum, so size shouldn’t be an issue. The respective defenses they come from are among the best in the league.

And according to metrics site Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Searcy and Moore ranked in the top six in coverage among qualifying safeties in 2014, another area of importance in Philadelphia’s scheme.

Granted, the Eagles already invested money and years in Malcolm Jenkins last offseason. Regardless, if Allen is the best the team can do opposite Jenkins, the organization might as well have done nothing. Perhaps further investment in the safety corps is required.

Linebacker

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Philadelphia has a unique dilemma at outside linebacker. Trent Cole’s cap hit is set to essentially double to $11.6 million in 2015, according to Spotrac. Brandon Graham is a free agent. 2014 first-round pick Marcus Smith barely saw the field during his rookie year.

If it were up to me, I’d extend Graham and go from there. Unfortunately, as Derrick Gunn for CSNPhilly.com reports, Graham may wish to test free agency regardless.

If that’s the case, the Eagles will need somebody at least somewhat proven who’s not on the verge of turning 33 (Cole).

The obvious replacement at outside linebacker would seem to be Jason Worilds, who, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, was rumored to be a potential Birds signee last offseason had the Pittsburgh Steelers not used the franchise tag. Worilds finished ’14 with 7.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

No doubt, everybody would love to get their hands on Justin Houston, who just racked up 22.0 sacks this season, but no way the Kansas City Chiefs don’t tag that. The fact is, pass-rushers go for a pretty penny in the NFL, so the best option for the Eagles here is likely to retain the talent they already have.

Running Back

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You may be wondering why running back would even be on this list. LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles—both headed to the Pro Bowl—arguably form the best one-two punch in the NFL. Chris Polk is consistently underrated as a situational back, even by his own coaching staff.

Yet there is some talk that McCoy may not be back with the Eagles in 2015, at least not without restructuring his contract. Personally, I think this is ridiculous to so much as consider, but after the club released DeSean Jackson last offseason, you can’t put anything past it.

If McCoy were gone tomorrow, Polk could probably pick up where he left off, granted with a little less star power. Still, the offense could do with a more proven feature back in the mix.

Look no further than Darren McFadden. While his seven NFL seasons to date have produced just one 1,000-yard campaign, he had played for the Oakland Raiders his entire career after all. McFadden only turns 28 in August, so there are potentially some good years left for the former fourth overall draft pick.

There are always backs available through free agency, but likely none with the unfulfilled potential of McFadden. If there is one team, one coach who could squeeze the last bit of good football out of him, it’s the Eagles and Kelly.

All things being equal, though, I’d hang on to Shady.