Depth Matters

[time2rock]

Depth Matters

Posted: March 3rd, 2025 | Author: Tommy Lawlor

Now that the offseason is upon us most of the talk will be about trading for Myles Garrett, re-signing Zack Baun or who the Eagles should take with pick 32 (that’s the pick that goes to the team that won the Super Bowl, in case you forgot). Those are key situations for the offseason.

Don’t overlook the importance of depth when it comes to roster discussions and offseason moves. The Eagles had a ton of star talent that helped them to win SB LIX. They also had outstanding depth.

• Kenny Pickett had to start a game when Jalen Hurts was injured.
• Fred Johnson had to start several games for Jordan Mailata and one for Lane Johnson.
• Mekhi Becton was signed to be depth. He became the starting RG. That made Tyler Steen a valuable backup OL.
• Jalyx Hunt went from rookie project to key player when BG and Bryce Huff got hurt.
• Oren Burks replaced Nakobe Dean after Dean got injured in the postseason.
• Isaiah Rodgers had to play in place of Darius Slay in multiple games, including some starts.

Let’s start with QB. The Eagles ought to see if they can trade Pickett. Tanner McKee looks like he is ready to be the primary backup. If you can get anything for Pickett, take it. McKee still gives you a good backup. You can then find a developmental QB in the draft or even on the street.

Johnson had an up and down season. He was terrific vs Cincy, but gave up too many sacks overall. The Eagles might want to upgrade at swing tackle, but there is something to be said about bringing back Johnson. The cost should be reasonable. He knows the offense and works well with Jeff Stoutland.

Johnson was an effective starter and played both sides. You could do a lot worse at swing tackle.

Steen is the projected starter at RG for now. That could change, with re-signing Becton, adding a free agent or in the draft. No matter what, the Eagles need someone to be a backup at G/C. Jack Driscoll held that role for part of 2024. He got hurt late in the season and missed the playoffs. He could be a good re-signing. Driscoll is versatile and knows the scheme. He also has starting experience.

There are a lot of decisions to be made at DL. The bottom line is that the Eagles will need to add at least one edge and one DT to the current group. They already have youth on the DL so they could add veterans or use draft picks.

Oren Burks was a guy I had real questions about last August. I wasn’t sure there was room on the roster for him. Thankfully Vic Fangio and Howie Roseman decided Burks was worth keeping. He was a good STs player for most of the season. He then replaced Nakobe Dean after the injury and the defense didn’t miss a beat.

I would love to see Burks brought back, for depth and STs. The question will be cost. Some team could talk to him about being a potential starter. The Eagles might need him more than you think. We don’t know what will happen with Baun. Dean is rehabbing a serious injury. Can you count on him for the beginning of 2025?

Jeremiah Trotter Jr showed some flashes last year. I don’t know if the Eagles think he is ready to start multiple games quite yet. Having Burks back would give Trot more time to develop.

Rodgers could be a lot more important after today.

The Eagles have Kelee Ringo and could try him as a starter. He hasn’t played a lot at CB. Ringo did emerge as a key STer, which is a good sign. He embraced the role that was available. Ringo is only 22 years old so there is still plenty of room for him to improve.

Bringing Rodgers back would give Ringo competition for the LCB position. If Ringo wins, then Rodgers is a KOR and dime back. If Rodgers wins, then Ringo is a STer and dime back. The money would have to be right for both sides, but it feels like Rodgers and the Eagles would be a good match in 2025.

I will be interested to see how Howie addresses depth needs this offseason. He is always creative and has done a good job of finding a variety of solutions. He can bring back some players, but you know Howie will have a few unexpected moves along the way.

*****

Back to Slay. The Eagles traded for him back in 2020. He started 73 games, picked off 9 passes and helped the team go to a pair of Super Bowls. If Slay is done as an Eagle, he leaves as a champ.

He was a fun to player to follow in the past five years. It is possible he could re-work his deal and come back. Slay is still a good CB and valuable locker room presence. The Eagles do have to get younger and cheaper at that spot at some point. I would guess he ends up elsewhere, but never say never when it comes to Slay and the Eagles.

Great story.

http://igglesblitz.com/2025/03/depth-matters/

[UK_EaglesFan89]

1 hour ago, time2rock said:

I would love to see Burks brought back, for depth and STs.

I almost think they have to bring Burks back right? Unless they really believe Trotter Jr is ready to step in. Right now we have Baun and that’s about it so we don’t have any depth.

[time2rock]

52 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I almost think they have to bring Burks back right? Unless they really believe Trotter Jr is ready to step in. Right now we have Baun and that’s about it so we don’t have any depth.

On one hand you have Howie saying they need to play their young guys (on cheaper rookie contracts) more now (so that would seem to point to Trot Jr. being counted on to possibly contribute more).  Fortunately he saw the field a bit this past season so hopefully he takes that 2nd year jump.  But on the other hand, LB is critically thin ATM so if they could bring Burks back on a similar 1 year deal to what he signed last year (it was a 1 year deal worth "up to $2.5M) we should do it.  He has already proven himself in our defense.  

[UK_EaglesFan89]

9 hours ago, time2rock said:

On one hand you have Howie saying they need to play their young guys (on cheaper rookie contracts) more now (so that would seem to point to Trot Jr. being counted on to possibly contribute more).  Fortunately he saw the field a bit this past season so hopefully he takes that 2nd year jump.  But on the other hand, LB is critically thin ATM so if they could bring Burks back on a similar 1 year deal to what he signed last year (it was a 1 year deal worth "up to $2.5M) we should do it.  He has already proven himself in our defense.  

I think with Dean down they kind of have to bring back Baun? They need proven depth even if they think Trot can take the step.

[time2rock]

10 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think with Dean down they kind of have to bring back Baun? They need proven depth even if they think Trot can take the step.

💯 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

8 hours ago, time2rock said:

💯

Sorry I don’t know why I said Baun because at just point we knew he was back. I meant Burks.