Photo credits: All-pro reels via Flickr
The 2023 Eagles off-season is beginning to kick into second gear as general manager Howie Roseman sets his sights on free agency and the NFL draft. Following a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl, the Eagles front office is currently faced with the tall task of forging a team as good as, if not better, than the roster that came within three points of hoisting its second franchise Lombardi.
The center of discussion right off the bat was of the contract that will be coming Jalen Hurts’ way. His performance throughout the 2022 season was nothing short of stellar and, therefore, led many to predict that his compensation will match that quality. Almost two months later, there is no contract as of the writing of this article, but the expectation is that Hurts will assuredly cash in on his MVP runner-up season which will allow less space for the rest of the roster to make competitive money.
As soon as the new league year kicked off, interior defensive lineman Javon Hargrave signed a big-time deal with the 49ers while running back Miles Sanders departed to Carolina for his own payday.
Reports began to pour in that the birds were on the road to losing even more of last year’s starters such as cornerbacks Darius Slay, James Bradberry and safety CJ Gardner-Johnson. In addition, many saw the possibility of longtime stalwarts Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox either retiring or leaving. Kelce’s situation was more of a waiting game on his decision because everyone knew he did not see himself wearing anything but the Philly green. Graham and Cox, however, were seen as wildcards who could very well be cap casualties.
The veteran defensive linemen decided to resign with Philly rather than seek a money bag elsewhere. Bradberry dipped his toes in the waters of free agency but ultimately resigned for three more years, and Slay followed suit after initially being released. Gardner-Johnson ended up leaving for Detroit following an eventful free agency period in which the birds offered him a three-year deal worth 24 million dollars. He would decline and end up signing with the Lions on a one-year contract worth 8 million dollars.
In terms of newcomers, the Eagles recently signed former Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds to a one year deal to replace Gardner-Johnson at the position. The 26-year-old brings a strong statline to the team and a veteran presence alongside room for long term potential as a franchise safety. They also brought in cornerback Greedy Williams and safety Justin Evans.
In other news, longtime Cowboys running back and despised rival Ezekiel Elliott seems to have interest in playing for the Eagles next year. The veteran back was released by the Cowboys for good reason, having the most touches in the league. A report recently came out that Elliott has narrowed his options down to the Bengals, Jets and aforementioned Eagles.
Personally, I wouldn’t want a guy with this much tread on his tires, oh, and the fact that he’s a Cowboy doesn’t necessarily help his case.
The draft comes up in less than a month, and our birds hold the 10th and 30th picks. We will see how Roseman moves his next chess piece on the offseason board.
Joseph Gill, Sports Editor