Howie Roseman has always made one thing very clear — if there is a player available, the Eagles are going to discuss potentially bringing him in.
Which means the team is likely going to be spending some time on Wednesday morning discussing the possibility of signing either cornerback Stephon Gilmore or linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Gilmore and Smith are both available after surprise releases, and are eligible to sign with whatever team they choose. Both are in very different situations, however, considering they are at different points in their careers, will likely be demanding different type of money and will be looking for different situations.
Let’s take a look at whether it makes sense for the Eagles to bring in either player.
Stephon Gilmore: Gilmore is obviously the better player of the two. Considered one of the best in the NFL at his position, he will likely be commanding much more money than Smith willl. The good news is the Eagles have plenty of space to sign Gilmore — if they want.
The Eagles currently have $16 million in cap space, and are projected to have $22 million in 2022. That is enough to give Gilmore any kind of deal he wants. The Eagles certainly have the need as they are very thin at cornerback. Gilmore’s age, 31, is a bit of an issue, but he would step onto the roster and give the Eagles one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL.
The question is whether Gilmore would want to come to Philadelphia. On the surface it would seem to make sense for him to sign with a contender, considering he has the option to sign wherever he wants. Considering Gilmore has been in a contract dispute with the New England Patriots, it is very possible he just signs with the team that is willing to give him the most money instead of the team that has the best chance of winning.
It is also fair to wonder how much interest the Eagles will have. Yes, Gilmore is an elite player — but he is also 31-years old. The Eagles have admitted they are in a bit of a rebuilding year, which wouldn’t seem to line up with signing an older veteran to a big deal.
Still, with Howie Roseman running the show, it shouldn’t be ruled out — and the Eagles have the money to do it if they want.
Jaylon Smith: While Gilmore might be the more exciting option, Smith is the far more realistic one.
Smith, 26-years old, was once viewed as one of the best up-and-coming linebackers in the NFL. He had a Pro-Bowl year in 2019, finishing with 142 tackles (6 for a loss), 2.5 sacks and one interception. He followed that Pro Bowl year up with 154 tackles (5 for a loss), 1.5 sacks and another interception in 2020. In 2021, however, he has been essentially benched, playing only half the snaps on defense.
Smith is a very attractive option for the Eagles, who are in desperate need of help at the linebacker position. Smith would come in and likely present an immediate upgrade at the middle linebacker position. Considering how important the linebackers appear to be in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, taking a chance on a 26-year old former Pro Bowl linebacker seems like exactly the kind of move the Eagles should be making.
Smith likely won’t cost much to sign, but the Eagles can offer him something that other team’s might not be able to — a chance to come in and play a big role in the defense right away.
Of the two, a Smith signing is far more likely, and a move the Eagles should definitely consider making.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
