2011 NFL Free Agency: 6 Offensive Players the Eagles Must Target

The Philadelphia Eagles will upgrade a majority of their defense through free agency. In fact, I wrote an article about some guys the Eagles should target on defense.

Now I will focus on some players the Eagles can use on offense.

Especially important for the Eagles is to upgrade the right side of the line. The right side is arguably the worst in all of football with Winston Justice at RT and Max Jean-Gilles at RG.

Another important position would be backup running back to star LeSean McCoy.

For those who want Jerome Harrison back, you might want to stop clamoring for him. Harrison will be looking for a starting role this offseason or even a backup position with a team he knows will run the ball.

So, in no particular order, let's get started.

Desmond Clark

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Desmond Clark #88 of the Chicago Bears tries to keep his balance after catching a pass against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17.

With the inefficiency of the Eagles offensive line last season, tight end Brent Celek was asked to block and line up on the right side to help Winston Justice.

The Eagles have lacked a legitimate blocking tight end and Clark can fill that void.

He can also be a solid red zone target at 6'3", 250 pounds.

Clark is no slouch in the passing game either, even though he was not used that much in Chicago under Mike Martz's system.

Jared Gaither

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BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 29: Jared Gaither #71 of the Baltimore Ravens defends against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 29, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 20-17. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Jared Gaither, the 24-year-old tackle, was one of the best left tackles in all of football last year with the Ravens.

This season was injury-riddled, but he is still dominant in both run and pass blocking.

The Ravens want him back to move him to RT, but the Eagles can pry him away with a big contract, hoping he remains healthy.

Gaither would provide a significant upgrade, and the Eagles could have the best bookend tackles in the game with Gaither and LT Jason Peters.

Gaither would be protecting Vick's blindside, which he did for Joe Flacco at LT.

He is also a huge lineman, which Reid usually prefers. Gaither stands at 6'9", 340 pounds.

Leon Washington

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Leon Washington #33 of the Seattle Seahawks runs down field against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Ima

With Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett entrenched in Seattle, Washington certainly wants to be a part of another team.

The Eagles cannot really attract running backs because of their lack of commitment to the running game, even with one of the best backups in all of football.

Washington could provide more speed to this offense, even though it is not needed, and can run screens effectively, like he had previously shown with the Jets.

Washington could also provide the Eagles with one of the best kick returners in all of football.

Logan Mankins

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on September 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Even though Mankins was primarily a left guard for the Patriots, he can be switched to right guard, which was his college position.

Mankins refused to sign a long term deal with the Patriots, so with him hitting free agency, the Eagles should pounce on the right opportunity and make Mankins the highest paid guard in football.

Though he missed a few games this season, Mankins still made the Pro Bowl, proving to others that he is the best guard in football.

Darren Sproles

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Running back Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers rushes against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Gett

Darren Sproles can do it all for your football team.

Though he is undersized, he plays with heart, can be effective as a change of pace back and is legitimate in the passing game.

Sproles is one of the better returners in the game, so he could also provide a spark to the special teams.

He has to compete with Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert, so the likelihood of getting carries is very slim.

Tyson Clabo

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Tackle Tyson Clabo #77 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Tyson Clabo of the Falcons will be set to get a lucrative contract.

He is an elite run blocker. Clabo can bulldoze opposing defensive ends, and set the edge for the running back, something we have seen this season with Clabo.

He has really come along in pass blocking and is underrated in that facet of the game.

The Eagles have a chance to sign a 29-year-old tackle at 6'6", 330 pounds—one that is arguably the best at his position.