To be fair, Ebiketie was my favorite non top of the line edge rusher to sign in free agency if they went that direction. I just felt/feel like they needed to set their sights a bit higher.

I think the Eagles are going to want to address offense heavily in the draft. To have to use their first round pick on another defensive player would be a tough pill to swallow. I mean, if you have to you have to(BPA and all) but they have to start retooling this offense in the draft sometime.

1 minute ago, Sack that QB said:

I think the Eagles are going to want to address offense heavily in the draft. To have to use their first round pick on another defensive player would be a tough pill to swallow. I mean, if you have to you have to(BPA and all) but they have to start retooling this offense in the draft sometime.

Unless someone that is just way too good to pass up falls to 23 they will be going offense. Barring an unexpected trade (Smith and a pick for Crosby) this is their edge rusher group minus a day two or three pick who probably won't see the field much.

1 minute ago, T-1000 said:

Unless someone that is just way too good to pass up falls to 23 they will be going offense. Barring an unexpected trade (Smith and a pick for Crosby) this is their edge rusher group minus a day two or three pick who probably won't see the field much.

That’s not good enough most likely. And even if they draft a guy at 23 he’s not likely to be a high sack guy. Yes it did happen last year with psycho Hanes Pearce but that’s not common

1 minute ago, greendestiny27 said:

so they have one first round pick but need a first round

TE ; OT ; EDGE ; Safety , maybe even WR and interior o-lineman

Great. Maybe they revisit Edge after the draft depending on how things fall? F, Greenard would fit very well here was really hoping that was the next move.

You think all those positions are a need in the 1st round? Let's use some sense and back away from the ledge.

• TE: This is a good TE class and a good one can be had after the 1st round. Celek was a 5th, Ertz and Goedert were 2nd rounders.

• OT: the best round to take an OT is round 1, yes. I think if they like one on the board, they take him. But they could decide to wait until 2027 which is supposedly a better OT class. Another option is re-signing Fred Johnson and rolling with him and the guys they drafted last year as depth for Lane Johnson and then drafting an OT in round 1 next year, using ammo from comp picks to trade up in supposedly a better OT class.

• Edge: they could take one that high, but can also take one in the 2nd or 3rd round. As you said, they still might trade for Greenard, of course that means giving up draft picks and they have needs to fill so there's a trade off there.

• Safety: they don't have to take one in the 1st round, but if McNeil-Warren is there and they don't have a linemen rated higher on their board, they could take him. They will probably sign Epps to have someone in that position and still draft someone. The investment at corner likely means not as much investment at safety though.

• WR: not a 1st round need at all. AJ Brown may be on the team this year, and even if not they can draft a WR outside the 1st round this year for some depth, and next year draft or address WR through free agency or trade. It would seem silly to draft a WR in the 1st this year given needs elsewhere.

• Interior O line: usually people say don't waste a 1st on a Guard or Center, they can be had in later rounds but now you're saying it's a must 1st round need? They have all 5 starting O linemen returning...with injury concerns for Dickerson and Jurgens. I think they should draft a G and a C (or C/G versatile player) but that doesn't have to be a 1st round pick. As I said about WR, if they drafted a Guard in the 1st who isn't even going to start this year fans would be mad, and wish they drafted a different position. I do want them to draft O line though, maybe two of them.

The true needs are S, Edge, TE and O line depth/future.

8 minutes ago, pgcd3 said:

I feel like we have 3 solid DEs now and if BG is coming back then we’re carrying a 4th which means you’re either drafting someone or making a move but likely not both

They are probably done until the draft and I seriously doubt they are going edge rusher at 23. BG will probably give them 15ish snaps a game and they will be relying on the upside of Hunt, Smith, and Ebiketie to come through. Hopefully this isn't 2025 all over again where they have to go out and trade a 3rd round pick for someone. For right now though and for better or worse the edge rusher group is Hunt, Smith, Ebiketie, BG, and maybe a day two or day three pick.

If your free agency ends with Woolen as your far and away "high profile" signing and every other signing are largely lower level guys, then that is a pretty terrible free agency class. Woolen himself is no sure thing. He's a high risk high reward player who could be really good, but could also be benched by Fangio midway through the season because he doesn't wanna put up with his BS anymore. Especially with the sting of being close on Phillips, being close on Hendrickson, and if they lose Goedert too when it seems by all indications they're trying to get that done. Would just be a disaster class free agency by Howie. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and in a few days we're talking about trading for Greenard and re-signing Goedert.

2 minutes ago, pgcd3 said:

That’s not good enough most likely. And even if they draft a guy at 23 he’s not likely to be a high sack guy. Yes it did happen last year with psycho Hanes Pearce but that’s not common

I agree, it's just the reality of the situation. Howie struck out on Phillips, Hendrickson, and obviously wasn't willing to pay the cost for Greenard whether it was draft pick compensation and/or the new contract he was looking for. I could be wrong but to me this is a clear signal that they elected to go with plan D and the edge rusher position is mostly set going into the 2026 season. I'm not going to lie it's pretty FN disappointing. I like Ebiketie but has a better chance of being this years Ojulari than a double digit sack guy.

4 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

If your free agency ends with Woolen as your far and away "high profile" signing and every other signing are largely lower level guys, then that is a pretty terrible free agency class. Woolen himself is no sure think. He's a high risk high reward player who could be really good, but could also be benched by Fangio midway through the season. Especially with the sting of being close on Phillips, being close on Hendrickson, and if they lose Goedert too when it seems by all indications they're trying to get that done. Would just be a disaster class free agency by Howie. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and in a few days we're talking about trading for Greenard and re-signing Goedert.

If the primary moves this off-season are losing Phillips, Nakobe, Blankenship, signing Woolen, Ebiketie, Mundt, and re-signing Goedert, Epps, and Mann it is AT BEST a wash coming off of a bad season.

2 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

If your free agency ends with Woolen as your far and away "high profile" signing and every other signing are largely lower level guys, then that is a pretty terrible free agency class. Woolen himself is no sure thing. He's a high risk high reward player who could be really good, but could also be benched by Fangio midway through the season because he doesn't wanna put up with his BS anymore. Especially with the sting of being close on Phillips, being close on Hendrickson, and if they lose Goedert too when it seems by all indications they're trying to get that done. Would just be a disaster class free agency by Howie. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and in a few days we're talking about trading for Greenard and re-signing Goedert.

Reminder: free agency is not the primary way you build a roster. The goal is not to have a great free agency class, that means you drafted poorly and had to buy players. I know, I know you're going to say you appreciate all the great players they have and it's just that judging solely on the external signings you want to complain and say they suck. Well, look at all the teams who "win" free agency every year and don't win playoff games. If they spent money on external free agents then didn't have money for the core studs they need to pay, you'd complain about that too.

"Winning" free agency this year is keeping Davis, Mann, probably Goedert, extending Carter (coming soon?), adding a solid starting CB2 (we should be thrilled after last year's corner situation!) and some supplemental pieces and depth.

7 minutes ago, NOTW said:

You think all those positions are a need in the 1st round? Let's use some sense and back away from the ledge.

• TE: This is a good TE class and a good one can be had after the 1st round. Celek was a 5th, Ertz and Goedert were 2nd rounders.

• OT: the best round to take an OT is round 1, yes. I think if they like one on the board, they take him. But they could decide to wait until 2027 which is supposedly a better OT class. Another option is re-signing Fred Johnson and rolling with him and the guys they drafted last year as depth for Lane Johnson and then drafting an OT in round 1 next year, using ammo from comp picks to trade up in supposedly a better OT class.

• Edge: they could take one that high, but can also take one in the 2nd or 3rd round. As you said, they still might trade for Greenard, of course that means giving up draft picks and they have needs to fill so there's a trade off there.

• Safety: they don't have to take one in the 1st round, but if McNeil-Warren is there and they don't have a linemen rated higher on their board, they could take him. They will probably sign Epps to have someone in that position and still draft someone. The investment at corner likely means not as much investment at safety though.

• WR: not a 1st round need at all. AJ Brown may be on the team this year, and even if not they can draft a WR outside the 1st round this year for some depth, and next year draft or address WR through free agency or trade. It would seem silly to draft a WR in the 1st this year given needs elsewhere.

• Interior O line: usually people say don't waste a 1st on a Guard or Center, they can be had in later rounds but now you're saying it's a must 1st round need? They have all 5 starting O linemen returning...with injury concerns for Dickerson and Jurgens. I think they should draft a G and a C (or C/G versatile player) but that doesn't have to be a 1st round pick. As I said about WR, if they drafted a Guard in the 1st who isn't even going to start this year fans would be mad, and wish they drafted a different position. I do want them to draft O line though, maybe two of them.

The true needs are S, Edge, TE and O line depth/future.

Ah, the old we will just draft a few guys who can come right in and contribute off-season plan. How'd that work out last season? I said it up and down last off-season when you and others were using this to justify a bad free agency period, getting players as good as Quinyon and Dejean who can come right in and have a massive impact as rookies is the exception not the rule. This has been a terrible off-season so far which is mirroring 2025 in so many ways (losing a lot of key players, and signing a bunch of cheap, risky, one year options) and there isn't much left they can do in free agency to change that. Bringing back Goedert and Epps is the bare FN Minimum they need to do moving forward and isn't going to move the needle.

I’d be surprised if they went through with a Greenard or less likely Crosby trade at this point. Arnold I’m never going to get that last name right, Hunt, Smith, Graham are all locks. I guess Graham could be 5th DE but you’d want that guy to have some potential upside or at least play ST’s.

2 minutes ago, NOTW said:

Reminder: free agency is not the primary way you build a roster. The goal is not to have a great free agency class, that means you drafted poorly and had to buy players. I know, I know you're going to say you appreciate all the great players they have and it's just that judging solely on the external signings you want to complain and say they suck. Well, look at all the teams who "win" free agency every year and don't win playoff games. If they spent money on external free agents then didn't have money for the core studs they need to pay, you'd complain about that too.

"Winning" free agency this year is keeping Davis, Mann, probably Goedert, extending Carter (coming soon?), adding a solid starting CB2 (we should be thrilled after last year's corner situation!) and some supplemental pieces and depth.

I mean the goal is always to have a great free agency, you’re conflating "great” with spending a lot of money. Those two are not the same thing. You can have a great free agency and spend very little and a bad free agency and spend a lot. This would not be bad because they didn’t do a lot, it would be bad because of the players they added, money being poorly spent, and having to settle after missing out on top targets.

2 minutes ago, T-1000 said:

Ah, the old we will just draft a few guys who can come right in and contribute off-season plan. How'd that work out last season? I said it up and down last off-season when you and others were using this to justify a bad free agency period, getting players as good as Quinyon and Dejean who can come right in and have a massive impact as rookies is the exception not the rule. This has been a terrible off-season so far which is mirroring 2025 in so many ways (losing a lot of key players, and signing a bunch of cheap, risky, one year options) and there isn't much left they can do in free agency to change that. Bringing back Goedert and Epps is the bare FN Minimum they need to do moving forward and isn't going to move the needle.

Q & DeJean is a rare situation, I agree.

The draft is the primary way to build a team so yeah, drafting guys is the main plan. In the list I responded to, I said they aren't all 1st round needs, but still needs. Everyone knows they can't keep all their great players, what a problem to have, too many great players! Howie and Lurie publicly have said two years in a row that guys will be leaving, can't keep them all. Obviously to pay big money to their best players, some have to go and be replaced with draft picks. You can't possibly expect them to spend on "splashes" in free agency with external players, and also spend big to keep the core guys. You would complain if they let these core guys go.

Last year's draft was picking last in the round because they won a friggin championship and have a stacked roster of stars. They stuck to their board and broke a 70+ year drought and took a 1st round LB who contributed as a rookie, and then a safety who started as a rookie. Not bad for a SB winning team picking last. The reason for all of this is because they killed the draft for years in a row and built a championship defense.

They have needs, and it sucks seeing guys leave in free agency we'd like to keep. But that's what happens when you have a great roster. The Seahawks just won and now they're losing players in free agency too. Eagles have to supplement with affordable free agents and draft picks.

Yay an underwhelming pass rusher whose best season was 6 sacks. Do better.

6 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I mean the goal is always to have a grey free agency, you’re conflating "great” with spending a lot of money. Those two are not the same thing. You can’t have a great free agency and spend very little and a bad free agency and spend a lot. This would not be bad because they didn’t do a lot, it would be bad because of the players they added, money being poorly spent, and having to settle after missing out on top targets.

I'm just not going to panic on day 4 of free agency in March. And part of free agency is keeping stud players like Jordan Davis, eventually JC, keeping a great punter in Mann rather than having yet another hole on the roster that people would complain about. We may see them sign Goedert tomorrow. They added a quality starting CB2. Added a decent Edge to add to the mix. And there's the draft of course. And Howie adds players year round. He got Tank Bigsby after the season already started (the coaches fault for not using him enough, hopefully the new coaches do).

Let's see what the roster looks like after the draft, after free agents signed in a wave after the draft, after any post June 1st trades, August signings and trades, etc.

11 minutes ago, LeanMeanGM said:

I’d be surprised if they went through with a Greenard or less likely Crosby trade at this point. Arnold I’m never going to get that last name right, Hunt, Smith, Graham are all locks. I guess Graham could be 5th DE but you’d want that guy to have some potential upside or at least play ST’s.

Nolan Smith could be a trade piece maybe?

8 minutes ago, NOTW said:

I'm just not going to panic on day 4 of free agency in March. And part of free agency is keeping stud players like Jordan Davis, eventually JC, keeping a great punter in Mann rather than having yet another hole on the roster that people would complain about. We may see them sign Goedert tomorrow. They added a quality starting CB2. Added a decent Edge to add to the mix. And there's the draft of course. And Howie adds players year round. He got Tank Bigsby after the season already started (the coaches fault for not using him enough, hopefully the new coaches do).

Let's see what the roster looks like after the draft, after free agents signed in a wave after the draft, after any post June 1st trades, August signings and trades, etc.

I’m not panicking I’m saying if this free agency ends with Woolen as your biggest free agent move then this was a terrible job by Howie. It remains to be seen if that’s what happens. I don’t even think Woolen is that good and comes with incredible risk.

9 minutes ago, NOTW said:

Nolan Smith could be a trade piece maybe?

It’s possible, but they would be selling kinda low.

49 minutes ago, NOTW said:

They signed a starting corner from a SB winning team to solidify that spot. The spot we complained about all last year.

They've been trying to acquire an Edge: thought that would be Phillips but cost too much. Were trying for Hendrickson, trade for Greenard. They just signed Arnold Ebiketie to help fill that hole, and may not be done, plus can draft one.

They extended Davis & Mann to keep them. Fans would be mad if they let Mann walk and got a cheap replacement. They will extend JC at some point.

They are returning 11 starters on offense assuming they re-sign Goedert tomorrow (granted, O line concerns). Or 10 if Goedert walks.

They drafted so great in recent years that keeping the core players is how they "care about 2026." They invested in 3 new offensive coaches to fix the offense, that shows they "care about 2026."

There are holes at S, O line depth/future, TE, Edge depth that can be filled with other free agents & draft picks.

People also forget they have star players like Barkley, Smitty, Mailata, Baun, Carter, Q, DeJean...they have a very good roster. Just need some supplements.

They're having a very Phillies-esque offseason, running it back with the team that just severely underperformed and adding 1-2 pieces they hope perform.

3 of their 11 returning starters are constantly injured and a 4th one just half assed the entire last season. So a third of your starting 11 is unreliable.

The Eagles are relying really heavily on absolutely nailing this draft if they're actually trying to be serious about this season. There is no buzz about them being in on any of these players besides hendrickson and Phillips

7 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I’m not panicking I’m saying if this free agency ends with Woolen as your biggest free agent move then this was a terrible job by Howie. It remains to be seen if that’s what happens. I don’t even think Woolen is that good and comes with incredible risk.

What’s the incredible risk?

To me the main goals they had to accomplish in free agency were two fold. 

1) Extending key guys to long term deals

2) Adding a top level Edge whether that is keeping Phillips or someone else

The main goal of the draft is very simple: load up on offense, specifically the OL.

The reason #2 is so important is because if you don’t it immediately becomes your #1 need and then you head into the draft pretty desperate for an Edge when the draft needs to be used to load up on offense. To have to spend another top pick on an Edge would really hurt what they need to do on the offensive side of the ball which is to get younger and cheaper. Especially at OL and TE.

Thats why Ebiketie doesn’t suffice. Because it doesn’t accomplish goal #2 and would completely derail their draft plans. Unless they decide they’re gonna go into the season like this, but we saw how that worked out last season and they’d be insane to leave it up to Nolan and Hunt again to carry the load. Especially when they told us by willing to go to 25m per season for Phillips that they know Edge is a major need.

2 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

What’s the incredible risk?

He’s a hot head, he’s mistake prone, he’s a terrible tackler, he has lapses in focus, and he’s been benched multiple times. He’s just as likely to lose his job and be benched during the season as there is him being an all pro. There’s a reason the Seahawks who know him better than anyone chose Josh Jobe over him to retain. And why the interest was minimal to where he only got a one year prove it deal. Woolen has not proven to be that good. Doesn’t mean he can’t become that, but right now he’s an inconsistent corner with a lot of talent and a lot of risk.

51 minutes ago, T-1000 said:

Unless someone that is just way too good to pass up falls to 23 they will be going offense. Barring an unexpected trade (Smith and a pick for Crosby) this is their edge rusher group minus a day two or three pick who probably won't see the field much.

I think safety is now a big need and so is edge because of the insane market, not just for this year but the future. Smith and Hunt have this year and next. If a good one is there I could absolutely see them taking one.

From things I've read there won't be a great OT there. Maybe a guard or WR. I think better value will be there in round 2 or 3 for TE.

If I had to guess the first 3 picks will be

S or WR

OLB

TE

Followed by guard or center in the 4th

26 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

He’s a hot head, he’s mistake prone, he’s a terrible tackler, he has lapses in focus, and he’s been benched multiple times. He’s just as likely to lose his job and be benched during the season as there is him being an all pro. There’s a reason the Seahawks who know him better than anyone chose Josh Jobe over him to retain. And why the interest was minimal to where he only got a one year prove it deal. Woolen has not proven to be that good. Doesn’t mean he can’t become that, but right now he’s an inconsistent corner with a lot of talent and a lot of risk.

The beauty of Woolen is that the bar has been set so low with the CB2 talent we had last season, that it's almost a guaranteed upgrade. I kind of felt that way about safety if Howie had hit on just one of these solid vet safeties. Just need someone functional that won't be a total flaw that an offense can pick on. Epps Is a nice 3rd safety. Don't think he's the answer as a starter on a Superbowl defense. Safety is now urgent. At least DE now has some potential and upside in all 3 guys and can build on that group with the draft.