With free agency set to (unofficially) begin on Monday, here is a look at the Eagles' five biggest needs entering the next phase of the offseason:
Speed wide receiver: Arguably the biggest issue on the Eagles' offense last season was their lack of a deep threat. Receiver Jordan Matthews filled in admirably, but the Eagles would be wise to make finding a speed option at receiver a top priority. The team has tried over the years, but with Torrey Smith, Mike Wallace, Mack Hollins or Shelton Gibson unable to get the job done, they are left still looking. Whether it be through an early pick in the draft or signing a priority free agent, the Eagles absolutely have to bring in a receiver they can count on to stretch the field next season.
Defensive end: The decision to move on from Michael Bennett was a curious one and dealt a serious blow to the team's depth at the position. So much so you have to imagine that Roseman already has the corresponding move planned, because going into next season with Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Chris Long and Josh Sweat at defensive end is not going to cut it. The Eagles are now in need of both a veteran at this position that can contribute right away, as well as an elite prospect to develop. The Eagles have been as successful as they have the last few seasons because of their dominant pass rush. That is in danger of not being the case in 2019.
Defensive tackle: The Eagles might have the best defensive tackle in football in Fletcher Cox, but after moving on from Timmy Jernigan, they have absolutely nothing next to him. Like at defensive end, the Eagles are in need both a player that can come in and contribute right away, but also some youth at the position that they can develop for down the road. If they don't bring in an impact defensive tackle, Cox is going to be seeing plenty of double teams in 2019.
Running back: The Eagles have been trying to patchwork the running back position since LeSean McCoy left and the results have not been pretty. Although the game might be trending towards a backfield by committee approach, the Eagles' current collection of running backs is not going to get the job done. Not having a running back that opposing defenses fear impacts the Eagles not only every Sunday, but it impacts them through the week as well, as opposing defenses don't have to spend much time game planning for Wendell Smallwood. For the first time since 2009, Roseman needs to invest real assets into the running back position.
Third safety: In 2017, when the Eagles' starting duo of Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod stayed healthy, the team's third safety — Corey Graham — played 367 snaps. Things were a little different in 2018, as McLeod went down early and the Eagles have to shuffle their safeties around the rest of the year. One thing, however, is clear — the Eagles need a dependable third safety on their roster both for depth purposes and to run their defense. Graham can't be the Eagles' plan at the position for a third-straight season, which means they are going to lean on either the draft or free agency to find his replacement.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
