Jump to content

Predicting which Eagles' 2022 unrestricted free agents should stay or go


time2rock
 Share

Recommended Posts

Predicting which Eagles' 2022 unrestricted free agents should stay or go 

USATSI_17443457_168393153_lowres.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1
Glenn Erby 
 
February 6, 2022 6:45 pm ET
 

NFL Free agency is just over a month away, and after an interesting week at the Senior Bowl, it’s now time for Eagles GM Howie Roseman to start his due diligence on league veterans and NFL free agency.

Philadelphia is slated to have almost $25 million in available cap space — before any trades, releases, or restructures — and several roster spots to address from the standpoint of an upgrade.

We’re predicting whether 9 Eagles’ unrestricted free agents will be back with the team or departing in free agency.

1. Anthony Harris -GO

USATSI_17443046_168393153_lowres.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

A stop-gap safety in the rebuilding process for the Eagles, Harris eventually ceded snaps to Marcus Epps and the Birds would be best drafting a versatile safety.

2. Derek Barnett -- GO

Derek-Barnett-sacks-Teddy-Bridgewater-1.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

A rugged defensive end that is a more physical presence than true stat producer, Barnett hasn’t lived up to his first-round selection in 2017.

Barnett has been known more for his penchant for costly penalties than his sacks, but he did lead the Eagles’ defensive ends in snaps played this season. Barnett’s a solid player, but his replacement can be found in the draft.

3. Steven Nelson -- Stay

USATSI_17251081.jpg


Nyg Vs Phi

It shouldn’t be an outlandish deal, but Nelson was solid in 2022 and could be that veteran presence that allows a rookie draft in the first or second round to patiently blend into that role opposite Darius Slay.

4. Ryan Kerrigan -- GO

Taylor-Heinicke-Eagles-Washington-2.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Signed to a one-year deal, Kerrigan is simply out of gas and went weeks without registering a stat.

5. Rodney McLeod -- GO

USATSI_17443461_168393153_lowres.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

A veteran safety that’s now 32, McLeod is the consummate leader and Howie Roseman will think long and hard about bringing him back.

Everyone eventually moves on and with Marcus Epps solidly entrenched and the Eagles likely to draft a safety, McLeod can go initially and potentially return on a deal closer to training camp if he doesn’t land a contract on the open market.

6. Hassan Ridgeway -- GO

Eagles-Cowboys-game-recap.jpg

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Ridgeway is serviceable, but he may not be a starting-caliber defensive tackle and Philadelphia could find a better pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft.

7. Jordan Howard -- GO

Jordan-Howard-Washington-Stinger.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Howard is a solid running back and one of the biggest reasons for the Eagles’ late-season run to the playoffs. His return would stunt Kenneth Gainwell’s growth and take snaps away from the dual-threat running back. If Philadelphia allows Boston Scott to move on then it’s a possibility, but the Eagles can find a running back in the draft or free agency.

8. Jason Croom -- GO

Jason-Croom.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Croom looks the part but didn’t see any game action this season after suffering an injury.

9. Genard Avery -- GO

USATSI_17443459_168393153_lowres.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired from the Browns on the premise that he could add to the Eagles pass rush, Avery struggles in coverage, isn’t your typical run-stopping linebacker, and was just average as a pass rusher as well.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/lists/eagles-2022-nfl-offseason-unrestricted-free-agents-rodney-mcleod-jordan-howard/

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think they need to bring back either Harris or McLeod. S is a big need for this team and I don't think they can afford to enter FA and the draft with just Epps on the roster. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think they need to bring back either Harris or McLeod. S is a big need for this team and I don't think they can afford to enter FA and the draft with just Epps on the roster. 

there is a number of other free agents set to hit the market i would take over those two so i would wait and see what happens.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Cheesteakitis said:

there is a number of other free agents set to hit the market i would take over those two so i would wait and see what happens.

I mean yeah that's probably fair but I'd like someone with familiarity of the scheme...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i agree with this list pretty much wouldn’t even mind seeing nelson left go also… he did alright but my hope is that we get younger and better at the position, be that by mcpherson making a jump in year 2 or drafting a cb high in the draft we need improvement 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I mean yeah that's probably fair but I'd like someone with familiarity of the scheme...

does Gannon have a scheme? if i remember eighth harris had been around gannon in the past but who’s to say gannon doesn’t look to get some players he really likes in here rather then what he was dealt year 1.. i hope for the eagles sake they know what they want now and look to try and find those players! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think they need to bring back either Harris or McLeod. S is a big need for this team and I don't think they can afford to enter FA and the draft with just Epps on the roster. 

Kinda hoping Howie makes some bigger moves in FA and considers signing Marcus Williams similar to what he did in 2016 with McLeod.  Meanwhile I'd also use a day 2 pick on a S (Brisker, Cine, or Pitre with pick 51?) - give him a year to get up to speed.  Epps/Wallace can serve as a placeholder for a year opposite Williams.  That allows us to move on from both McLeod and Harris and get considerably younger on the backend of the defense.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, time2rock said:

Kinda hoping Howie makes some bigger moves in FA and considers signing Marcus Williams similar to what he did in 2016 with McLeod.  Meanwhile I'd also use a day 2 pick on a S (Brisker, Cine, or Pitre with pick 51?) - give him a year to get up to speed.  Epps/Wallace can serve as a placeholder for a year opposite Williams.  That allows us to move on from both McLeod and Harris and get considerably younger on the backend of the defense.  

I mean yeah I'd be very happy with Williams but they have so many needs and they are going to have to address some of them via FA. Their cap situation is OK but I don't think it's great. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, time2rock said:

Kinda hoping Howie makes some bigger moves in FA and considers signing Marcus Williams similar to what he did in 2016 with McLeod.  Meanwhile I'd also use a day 2 pick on a S (Brisker, Cine, or Pitre with pick 51?) - give him a year to get up to speed.  Epps/Wallace can serve as a placeholder for a year opposite Williams.  That allows us to move on from both McLeod and Harris and get considerably younger on the backend of the defense.  

Marcus Williams

Marcus Maye

Quandre Diggs

there is the list of the top 3 safeties i would have interest 2 of them are coming off injuries and we know how that fits right up the eagles alley

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...