Philadelphia Eagles: Top 8 Offseason Priorities
The Philadelphia Eagles have a busy offseason to look forward to once the lockout comes to an end. With the uncertainty over Kevin Kolb's future destination and their defensive problems that were too vast to be fixed in the draft, the upcoming season will be undoubtedly interesting for Eagles fans.
Here are the top-eight off season priorities for the Eagles in no particular order.
Trade Kevin Kolb
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For obvious reasons Kevin Kolb won't be in Philadelphia come the start of the season.
The clear selection of Michael Vick as the team's first choice, as well as the heightened reputation of Kolb in this year's free agent period will mean the team has plenty of offers.
The Eagles appear to have great leverage for a player that really hasn't done anything yet in his career. They should be delighted to retain a second round draft pick for Kolb but because of the whirlwind that surrounds him they may be able to bring back a first round pick and more.
Re-Sign Michael Vick
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Michael Vick may be franchised right now, but he needs a long-term deal in order to focus on football. Whatever financial difficulties remain for Vick need to be cleared for him to fully focus on football.
The Eagles also will want to be assured they can keep Vick past this season. He is still only 30 years of age and with his recent stint out of football his body hasn't taken the beating of most quarterbacks that age.
This is another obvious move the Eagles must make ahead of next season.
Add a Cornerback
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Most Philly fans will be hoping to land Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. Admittedly it would be a mouthwatering tandem with Asomugha and Asante Samuel.
However logistically the move doesn't make much sense.
There is more than likely going to be a salary cap whenever the season resumes which will make it difficult for the team to dish out that kind of money Asomugha would want.
Michael Vick will not come cheap while the Eagles have other guys on the team who are already getting paid a lot or will need to in the coming years such as DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin.
A corner like Asomugha may not be an option but there are plenty of other corners hitting the market this year such as Ike Taylor, Carlos Rodgers and Antonio Cromartie.
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Re-Sign Quintin Mikell
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Quintin Mikell was a second team All-Pro selection last year. Mikell was the only ever-present figure in the Eagles's starting secondary last season.
He sat out the final game of the year like many others on the team as a precaution.
Mikell will be difficult to bring back as he is likely to attract a lot of interest on the open market, but it is essential for the team to have some familiarity at the back of the defense.
With Nate Allen only entering his second year and a new cornerback likely to arrive also, working in another safety would essentially mean Asante Samuel is the only defensive back familiar with the team.
Mikell is a pro bowl defender at 30 years of age. He still has a lot to offer the team. Signing him to a three to four year deal would be ideal for the Eagles, but may be difficult.
Increase the Depth at Safety
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Depending on Nate Allen's health as he returns from a ruptured patella tendon and Quintin Mikell's status as a free agent, the Eagles could be in desperate need of safety help.
Kurt Coleman started in last season's playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in place of Allen. Coleman is still only 22 years old and was a rookie last season. He is totally unproven even as a backup.
The Eagles will likely look to add a veteran backup such as Dashon Goldson or Lawyer Milloy to serve as insurance to the starters.
Add a Veteran Linebacker
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Stewart Bradley simply cannot be relied on to stay healthy. He has missed 20 games due to injury already in his four-year career.
The team drafted Casey Matthews but his slim chances of being a starter have become remote due to the lockout. Similar to the safety position, the Eagles need to bring in depth.
Jamar Chaney was impressive in his rookie season and looks like a capable starter.
Omar Gaither, Akeem Jordan, Ernie Sims and Bradley are all scheduled to be free agents after the lockout ends. The team will likely re-sign Sims as a starter while Jordan and Gaither could move on.
Even if both players are signed they would still need another veteran linebacker to add depth to the team.
Get Defensive End Cover for Brandon Graham
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Brandon Graham tore an ACL last season—a severe injury.
He will likely struggle to return in time for the season at 100 percent, so bringing in a veteran to the rotation would be an astute move for the Eagles.
Graham only started six games last season but the team would have been expecting more this year.
Daryl Tapp is set to become a free agent. Tapp was reliable if unspectacular for the Eagles in limited action so they may look elsewhere.
Tapp could be re-signed but an aging role player like Jason Taylor could give the team a better pass-rushing threat in a minor role such as Tapp's was.
Because Graham is expected to return the Eagles do not need a big contributor but either of those players could contribute sufficiently over a short spell.
Bring in a Right Tackle
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The Eagles drafted Danny Watkins in the first round of the draft. Watkins can potentially play on the outside but is better suited to be a guard at the pro level.
He would be an instant upgrade at right guard, but the Eagles would ideally still like to improve the right tackle spot also. The team could look to sign someone like Willie Colon, Ryan Harris or Damien Woody as an upgrade over Winston Justice.
Depending on where the team sees Watkins as a professional, they could also be in the market for a right guard.
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