The Eagles are currently projected to enter the 2020 offseason with $44 million in salary cap space, the most general manager Howie Roseman has had to work with in years.
Here is a look at some of the defensive players they could target in free agency to fill some of the holes they have on defense:
5 Defensive Tackles:
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs: Jones showed in the playoffs and the Super Bowl how disruptive he can be. One of the best interior defensive linemen in the game, Jones would give the Eagles the best set of defensive tackles in the league next to Fletcher Cox. The Eagles just handed Malik Jackson a big contract last offseason, but it is fair to wonder how effective he will be in 2020 after missing all of last season with a Lisfranc injury. Jones, at just 26-years old, is exactly the kind of free agent Roseman would spend big money on.
Andrew Billings, Cincinnati Bengals: A fourth-round pick in 2016, Billings has bounced back nicely from a torn meniscus that cost him his rookie season. Billings played close to starter-level snaps for the Bengals last season, but with how the Eagles rotate their defensive tackles, he would get plenty of snaps in Philadelphia as well. Billings is very strong against the run, but is a solid pass rusher as well, and would be a perfect fit with Cox and Jackson.
Mike Daniels, Detroit Lions: The Eagles had a chance to sign Mike Daniels last offseason when he was released by the Green Bay Packers. Just because they passed then, however, doesn't mean they will this offseason. Daniels' value isn't very high right now, and the Eagles might be able to get him on a one-year prove it deal. Daniels is two years removed from being one of the best interior defensive linemen in football, which is an eternity in the NFL, but a solid upside bet to make as a backup.
Beau Allen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Eagles should have never let Allen go two years ago, and they certainly could have used him over the last two seasons, when injuries decimated their defensive tackle position. Allen got a deal worth an average of $5 million from the Buccaneers, and likely won't get as much this time around. Allen is great against the run, which is a nice complement to the pass-rushing ability of Jackson.
Mike Pennel, Kansas City Chiefs: Not known for his pass-rushing ability, Pennel is one of the better run-stopping defensive tackles available in free agency. Pennel would bring 77 games of NFL experience to the Eagles' defensive tackle position, which is needed considering the inexperience and youth they currently have behind Cox and Jackson. Pennel won't command a big deal and would be a very solid depth addition for the Eagles.
6 Defensive Ends:
Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle Seahawks: Prior to last season, when he was still on the Houston Texans, Clowney wanted to come to Philadelphia. The Eagles didn't want him, or at least didn't want him on the franchise tag. Would the ability to sign him under their own deal make a different? The price to land Clowney is not going to be cheap, as he could get upwards of $20 million per season. Clowney has shown he can be an elite difference maker, but has also been somewhat inconsistent and had issues staying healthy. This would certainly be a splashy, all-in move by Roseman.
Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Barrett seems to want to stay in Tampa Bay, and of all the free agent defensive ends, he seems the most likely to remain with his team. Barrett is a risky signing in many ways, as he had more sacks last season (19.5) than he did the previous five seasons combined. Sacks don't tell the whole story, but a deal worth $16-17 annually could be a bit much for a player that has really only had one special season.
Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville Jaguars: Unlike Barrett, Ngakoue has been a consistently awesome pass rusher that would be a major upgrade for the Eagles. Ngakoue has totaled at least eight sacks in each of his four seasons with the Jaguars, and finished with 12.5 in 2017. Ngakoue won't be cheap, and could end up commanding the biggest deal on the free agency market among defensive ends. If the Eagles hand out one deal for an elite pass rusher tho, Ngakoue might be the safest and best bet on the market.
Kyle Van Noy, New England Patriots: Van Noy would be an interesting signing by the Eagles. A strong pass rusher, Van Noy would be a piece that Jim Schwartz could move all around, something he has in the secondary with Malcolm Jenkins, but not among his front seven. Van Noy is coming off of his best season in the league as a pass rusher, notching 6.5 sacks. After averaging just 1.8 sacks his first four seasons, Van Noy is averaging five over the last two. If used properly he would be a real weapon in the Eagles' defense. He will likely command a deal with an average of around $9-10 million.
Robert Quinn, Dallas Cowboys: Quinn is at an interesting point in his career as a free agent. He is still starting-caliber player, but at 30-years old, might not get a a team willing to hand him a starting job and also the big money he likely wants. Quinn is a signing the Eagles would make if they were all-in on Derek Barnett next season and also felt confident in Josh Sweat taking another step forward. Quinn had a great year for the Cowboys, and his return to a system where he spent time as a pure defensive end instead of some time as an outside linebacker is likely the reason why. Quinn would be asked to simply rush the passer with the Eagles, and as a backup that gets plenty of snaps, he would likely excel in that role.
Ronald Blair III, San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers were loaded with pass rushers this past season, and as a result, players that might shine elsewhere were forced to the bench. Blair could be one of those players. Blair has never seen more than 50% of his snaps in his four seasons with the 49ers, but has still done a solid job getting after the quarterback, as he has 13.5 sacks in 47 games. At 27-years old, Blair would be a low-risk, high-upside signing.
7 Linebackers:
Cory Littleton, Los Angeles Rams: Littleton seems to be exactly the kind of athlete the Eagles would have interest in as a linebacker. Excellent against the pass, he is a similar playmaker to Jordan Hicks, but without the health concerns. Littleton has totaled 7.5 sacks, 22 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries over the last two seasons. The Eagles don't often invest big resources into the linebacker position, but if they do, Littleton seems to be exactly the kind of player they would being willing to do it for.
Nick Kwiatkoski, Chicago Bears: A player the Eagles had interest in before, Kwiatkoski has shown some potential for the Bears when he has been able to get on the field — which isn't often. Kwiatkoski has never played more than 48% of the snaps on defense for the Bears, and twice has been below 30%. That likely has more to do with the talent the Bears have on defense as opposed to Kwiatkoski's ability to play. A great athlete with good size at 6-foot-2, 243 pounds, Kwiatkoski would be a very low-risk signing for the Eagles.
Blake Martinez, Green Bay Packers: A tackle machine, Martinez has totaled over 140 tackles each of the last three seasons. Part of the reason Martinez has been so productive is simply his ability to stay on the field, as he has not missed a game since 2016, something that will certainly be attractive to the Eagles. Martinez could be a nice replacement for Nigel Bradham if the team releases their starting middle linebacker.
David Mayo, New York Giants: There wasn't much to be impressed with last season on the Giants' defense, but Mayo was one player who had a solid season. Finishing with 80 tackles, two sacks and two pass deflections, Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the 25th best linebacker in the league last season overall. That wasn't the result of Mayo shining in limited snaps — he played 631 snaps last season. Unlikely to command much money on the open market, Mayo could be a steal for any team out there that brings him in.
Reggie Ragland, Kansas City Chiefs: A backup for the Chiefs last season, Ragland was still semi-productive, getting notching 10 pressures, 29 tackles and four tackles for a loss. A second-round pick out of Alabama, Ragland could be a player that just needs more of a chance and a change of scenery to reach the potential so many thought he had coming out of college.
Kevin Minter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Like Ragland, Minter is a former second-round pick that has failed to meet expectations so far in the NFL. Minter has already been with three teams in seven seasons, but was productive for the Arizona Cardinals during the two seasons (2015 and 2016) he got more than 85% of the snaps. Those two seasons Minter totaled four sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and 17 tackles for a loss. Since then, however, Minter has been relegated to a backup role. At 29-years old, Minter would bring some experience to the Eagles otherwise young linebacker group.
Mychal Kendricks, Seattle Seahawks: Kendricks and the Eagles didn't separate on the best of terms, as the linebacker was not happy with how much playing time he was getting. Kendricks is unlikely to get an offer from another team that guarantees a starting job, and his familiarity with the Eagles — and his love for the city itself — could persuade him to come back. Kendricks had a solid season for the Seahawks last season, totaling 3.0 sacks, 71 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and four pass deflections in 61% of the snaps.
8 Cornerbacks:
James Bradberry, Carolina Panthers: Bradberry seems to be the perfect combination of everything the Eagles are looking for in a cornerback. Bradberry is 6-foot-1, 212 pounds with 60 games of starting experience at just 26-years old. He is a proven playmaker, as he has totaled eight interceptions, three sacks, 47 pass deflections in his career — all more than Byron Jones. What has made Bradyberry's production so impressive is that he has gone against elite receivers in the NFC South, following players like Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans around for the entire game. He allowed only one touchdown — a three-yard score — to those three players.
The Eagles had interest in Bradberry prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, and his four seasons in Carolina have likely only increased their interest in him. Bradberry is not going to be cheap, but of all the free agents expected to hit the open market, he projects to be worth every penny.
Byron Jones, Dallas Cowboys: The Eagles have already been linked to Jones, and it wouldn't be surprising at all to see them make a serious run at him in free agency. The question is whether he will be worth the big-time money ($15 million-plus per year) the Eagles will have to pay to land him. Jones has been excellent in coverage the last two seasons, and with great size for a cornerback, has the ability to matchup with tight ends if needed. A concern with Jones is that he doesn't make very many big plays. Jones has just two interceptions and three forced fumbles in 79 career games. He has never recorded a sack and has only hit the quarterback three times in his career. Part of that is how he was used, but the Eagles are going to need a major impact from a cornerback that sign that costs what it will cost to land Jones.
Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans: If it weren't for the Tennessee Titans stealing him away as a free agent, it would have been the Eagles that signed Logan as a free agent back in 2017, as they made a serious offer to the cornerback. Ryan is a very solid player, but like Harris, there is a potential fit issue as he has played nickel cornerback throughout his career. The Eagles could make a run at Ryan if they decide to move Avonte Maddox to safety and decide the security of having Ryan at nickel is better than betting on LeBlanc to play at a high level the entire season for the first time in his career.
Chris Harris, Denver Broncos: Another player the Eagles have been linked to already in free agency, Harris might already be on the team if Roseman had his way as the Eagles tried to land Harries prior to the trade deadline but were unable to pull off a deal. The question is whether the Eagles want Harris to play the outside or nickel corner. Harris has been outstanding throughout his career as a nickel corner, but the Eagles already have two very solid nickels in Avonte Maddox and Cre'von LeBlanc. Harris was not great in his one season at outside cornerback last year for the Broncos. Signing a 31-year old player to continue at a new position he has already shown he isn't elite at sounds like a recipe for disaster, but as a nickel corner, Harris would be a solid signing.
Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens: If the Eagles are looking for a physical corner to replace Jalen Mills, they might not do much better than Smith. Not only are they are similar in the personality and toughness they bring to the defense, but they are also both strong against the run and solid tacklers. Smith does not have great down-the-field speed, like Mills, and it is unlikely they try to pair the two together. If Mills leaves, however, Smith could be a good bargain in free agency.
Kevin Johnson, Buffalo Bills: Johnson's career has not played out the way he would have hoped so far, as he played 77% of the Texans' snaps in 2015, only to see that number plummet to 32% this season with the Buffalo Bills in 16 games. The good news for Johnson is that he actually played well in his limited playing time, turning in arguably his best coverage season in his career. The question is whether playing around a bunch of really good players in Buffalo is the reason why, and if it is, whether he can have that same success in Philadelphia.
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Atlanta Falcons: Wreh-Wilson has a history with new Eagles defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel, as the two worked together for two seasons in Atlanta. Wreh-Wilson had an average season in Atlanta last year, but was stellar in 2018. He could be brought in as a veteran to help the Eagles' cornerbacks adjust to Manuel's system and expectations as their new coach, especially if the Eagles decide to address the cornerback position in the draft.
Maurice Canady, New York Jets: Traded to the Jets midway through last season, Canady saw increased playing time with his new team and improved each week. He allowed just four catches over his last four games, and overall, allowed a quarterback rating of just 69.6 when targeted. Canady finished last season with career highs in interceptions, pass deflections and tackles. The 25-year old won't be handed a starting job, but he is an intriguing buy-low option in free agency.
5 Safeties:
Anthony Harris, Minnesota Vikings: If the Eagles don't bring back Malcolm Jenkins, Harris is a player they should have very high up on their list of replacements. Harris is in many ways a younger version of Jenkins, as he has experience playing free safety, but has also spent time in the box in a linebacker role and as a nickel cornerback. What stands out about Harris, outside of his versatility, is his ability to make plays. Harris has nine interceptions seventeen pass deflections over the last two seasons. Add in that Harris is five-years younger than Jenkins, and the Eagles might be forced to pay top-dollar for him if they can't come to a deal with Jenkins and have to find his replacement.
Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos: Simmons brings a lot of the same qualities as Harris — can play either safety spot, quality tackler, solid in coverage. He would be an upgrade over Rodney McLeod and could still play next to Jenkins if the Eagles to re-sign the veteran safety. The risk with Simmons is he has a short-track record of success, as he has really only had one elite season. That isn't going to stop teams from paying him top dollar, however, which means if the Eagles want him they are going to need to place a large bet on him being the player he was in 2019 going forward, as opposed to the one he was the previous three seasons.
Damarious Randall, Cleveland Browns: Randall's career has been up-and-down, but one constant is his ability to make plays when given the chance. Randall has and impressive 14 interceptions in 65 games played, to go along with 47 pass deflections and 11 tackles for a loss. Randall can line up all over the field, and his ability to play man coverage would be key in the Eagles' defensive scheme. Randall would be a contract-level below most of the top-tier safeties, but isn't a huge drop off in talent.
Eric Murray, Cleveland Browns: Murray did not get much playing time in Cleveland, but when he did, he played at a pretty high level during his one season with the Browns. Murray allowed just 11 receptions in 185 coverage snaps last season, not allowing a single touchdown in the process. What makes Murray intriguing is that he can play both cornerback and safety, something the Eagles very much value in their defensive backs. At just 26-years old, Murray is a player worth bringing in to compete for a starting job, and could be a valuable backup at two spots in the secondary.
Will Parks, Denver Broncos: A Philadelphia native, Parks has been a career backup during his time in Denver, with only 15 starts in 62 games. Parks has the ability to play near the line of scrimmage if needed. If the Eagles did lose Jenkins, Parks could fill in for some of the linebacker-type roles Jenkins takes on in the Eagles' defense.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
