Legal tampering is two days old and already lots of the top talent once available is off the market.
Here is a look at some of the best remaining free agents for the Eagles to target:
3 Quarterbacks:
A.J. McCarron, Houston Texans: McCarron has turned a solid run in 2015 with the Bengals, when he threw six touchdowns in three games, into a career role as a backup. Since then, he has attempted a total of 54 passes in four seasons. So McCarron, unlike some other options, wouldn't bring a lot of playing experience. McCarron has shown he can be an accurate passer, as he completed 66.4% of his 119 passes in 2015 with the Bengals. Doug Pederson's offense works when it has an accurate quarterback (see: Foles, Nick). When at his best McCarron should be able to sit back and run Pederson's offense.
Blake Bortles, Los Angeles Rams: Bortles is similar to Keenum, with some big-time highs and some very low lows. Bortles had 35 touchdowns in 2015, but has never come close to that many in a single season again, and was benched in 2018 with the Jaguars. There is no getting around that Bortles isn't a backup that will inspire confidence if he had to come in. But with 73 starts in his career, including playoff experience, there is at least some upside to bringing him in over some of the less-proven options that would be a complete wildcard if they went in.
Colt McCoy, Washington Redskins: McCoy is an interesting option for the Eagles. A former starter for Washington, McCoy has a decent amount of experience, playing in 39 games and attempting 923 passes. He doesn't have playoff experience, but he played in some big games, albeit to some poor results. Of all the options on this list, it is hard to see McCoy coming in as the undisputed backup, and would likely compete with a player like Nate Sudfeld if the Eagles did bring him in.
6 Running Backs:
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers: The idea of the Eagles bringing in Melvin Gordon might seem crazy, considering the presence of both Miles Sanders and Boston Scott on the roster. The Eagles tried to trade for Gordon prior to the start of the 2019 season, however, and have never been a team that likes to give one running back the majority of the touches. Gordon had a disappointing 2019 season and his value is much lower than it was one year ago. Gordon would be a great fit on the Eagles, as he is not only a dangerous runner but excellent out of the backfield as a receiver. A backfield of Sanders and Gordon would be one of the top duos in the league.
The question is whether Gordon will have better offers in better situations. If Gordon can go somewhere and be the top back, he is going to take that chance and try to build back up his value. He will get plenty of touches in Philadelphia, but he wouldn't be the starter. Gordon to the Eagles likely only happens if he doesn't find the kind of market he hoped for in free agency.
LeSean McCoy, Kansas City Chiefs: McCoy is going to be a free agent, and until he is retired, that means he will be tied to the Eagles. The Eagles passed on McCoy at the beginning of the 2019 season when the Buffalo Bills released him, but that was when they had Jordan Howard on the roster. Howard is set to become a free agent, and after missing half of the season with a shoulder injury, it is no guarantee he is back. McCoy's 2019 season in Kansas City wasn't great, but he did average 4.6 yards-per-carry on 101 attempts, his best average since 2011. If McCoy can convince the Eagles he will come in and be happy as Sanders' backup, and be a good presence in the locker room, a reunion is possible. Owner Jeffrey Lurie is a big fan of McCoy, and hasn't allowed any player to wear No. 25 since McCoy left in 2015. The chances of McCoy being back with the Eagles next season are higher than you might think.
DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders: Washington would make sense as a role player, firmly behind both Sanders and Scott. The 26-year old running back averaged 4.7 yards on 144 touches last season in Oakland, the best season of his career. Washington's ability to make plays out of the backfield as a receiver will likely be very appealing to the Eagles, as he averaged 8.1 yards-per-catch last season on 36 catches. Washington could also potentially fill in as a kick returner, as he had five returns last season, but those returns went for an unimpressive total of 86 yards.
Jalen Richard, Oakland Raiders: It is unlikely the Raiders will keep both Washington and Richard, so if Washington ends up back in Oakland, Richard could be an intriguing option. Richard averaging 9.0 yards-per-catch last season with the Raiders, and 6.2 yards overall on his 75 touches. To put that in perspective, Scott averaged 5.3 yards-per-touch on 53 touches last season. A career backup, Richard has never carried the ball more than 100 times in his career and has topped 100 total touches just twice in four seasons. Still just 26-years old, with experience both returning kicks and punts, Richard would be an ideal backup to the duo of Sanders and Scott.
Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans: Eagles fans have had their eyes on Hyde for some time, but the last two seasons of his career have certainly not gone as planned. After spending the first four seasons in San Francisco, and playing at a high level, Hyde has been on three teams in the last two seasons and struggled at each stop. Hyde averaged only 4.2 yards-per-catch out of the backfield in Houston last season, and 4.4 yards-per-carry on 245 rushing attempts. Hyde also had an issue holding onto the ball with four fumbles. So why would the Eagles have interest? Putting Hyde behind one of the best offensive lines in football, after playing behind one of the worst, could be the boost he needs to get back to the player he was the first four seasons of his career. Hyde's value is at an all-time low, and for the Eagles, he would be a quality veteran backup that would be ready to step into a full-time role if needed.
Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins: The Eagles are very familiar with Thompson, as the veteran backup has more attempts against the Eagles than he does any other team in his career. Thompson has always been an issue for the Eagles out of the backfield, as he has three receiving touchdowns against them on 35 catches, averaging 7.83 yards-per-catch. Despite being in the league for seven seasons, Thompson only has 250 total carries in his career and 462 total touches overall. Thompson would be able to do a lot of the same things that the Eagles ask Sanders and Scott to do, a key for any backup the Eagles bring in.
6 Wide Receivers:
Robby Anderson, New York Jets: Anderson and the Eagles have been linked since the 2018 trade deadline, when the Eagles wanted to make a move for the Jets receiver but ended up with Golden Tate instead. Whoops. Now, as a free agent, Anderson represents the best deep threat on the market. Anderson has averaged at least 14.0 yards-per-reception in each of his four seasons, and tied a career high last season with an average of 15 yards. Anderson has pulled in a catch of at least 50 yards each of the last four years despite playing with (mostly) a below average group of quarterbacks. Putting Anderson and Jackson on the field together would bring the Eagles from having one of the slowest group of receivers to one of the quickest, and allow them to stretch the field in ways they haven't been able to since Doug Pederson became head coach. Anderson comes with some off-the-field concerns, and is going to command a big deal, especially if Cooper doesn't hit free agency. But if the Eagles are serious about adding speed to their offense, Anderson is their best option.
Breshad Perriman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The drop off after Cooper, Green and Anderson is a steep one, filled with players that are far from a sure thing. Perriman is the perfect example. A bust in Baltimore and Cleveland, Perriman is looking to turn on big season in Tampa Bay into a big-time deal this offseason, and he just might do it. Perriman's numbers were impressive with the Buccaneers, averaging 17.9 yards per catch on 36 receptions to go along with six touchdowns. Perriman looked like the player he was supposed to be as a first-round pick in 2015. The questions teams will have to ask themselves is whether Perriman can do it again, or if his one big season was the result of playing in Tampa's explosive offense. Perriman could be a steal for the Eagles or he could leave them having to retool the position next offseason as well. It doesn't feel like there is much in-between.
Devin Funchess, Indianapolis Colts: Funchess is a player the Eagles could have interest in if they do indeed move on from Alshon Jeffery and aren't overly optimistic about J.J. Arcega-Whiteside taking a step forward next season. Funchess is a 6-foot-4, physical receiver that could win the same kind of jump-balls the Eagles used to be able to count on Jeffery to win. Funchess suffered a broken collarbone last season with the Colts in Week 1, ending his time with the team before it really got started. Prior his lone year in Indianapolis, however, Funchess was a productive player in Carolina, totaling 2,233 yards and 21 touchdowns in four seasons. Funchess would be a low-risk signing for the Eagles.
Cody Latimer, New York Giants: Howie Roseman was a big fan of Latimer's coming out of Indiana in the 2014 NFL Draft, but Chip Kelly wasn't, ending the chances the Eagles were going to take the 6-foot-2 receiver. Kelly was right in his assessment of Latimer, who has never had more than 24 catches in a season during his six-year career. Signing Latimer wouldn't be a game-changing move the Eagles, but considering he likely won't command much on the open market, Roseman could decide to finally capitalize on the chance to do what Kelly wouldn't let happen.
Phillip Dorsett, New England Patriots: Dorsett would check off the box as a deep threat for the Eagles, although he has been somewhat inconsistent throughout his career. Dorsett has twice averaged over 16-yards per catch, doing it in 2016 with the Indianapolis Colts and in 2017 with the New England Patriots. Dorsett's average has dropped over the last two seasons, but his production has gone up, catching 61 passes and eight touchdowns.
Tavon Austin, Dallas Cowboys: If the Eagles sign Tavon Austin that means they struck out on a big-name free agent at receiver or the draft board didn't fall their way. As a low-cost, veteran signing, however, the Eagles could do way worse than Austin. The seven-year veteran has averaged 15.1 yards-per-catch over the last two seasons with the Cowboys, and if it wasn't for a bad pass by Dak Prescott, could have possibly ended the Eagles' season last year in Week 16. Austin could also fill in at either punt-or-kick returner if needed, as he has returned 210 kicksin his career.
3 Tight Ends:
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals: Once considered one of the best in the game, Eifert's career has been derailed by injuries. He played only six total games in 2017 and 2018, and hasn't played over 50% of his team's snaps in any of the last four seasons. In fact, Eifert has played fewer than 50% of the Bengals' snaps on offense in five of his seven seasons. Eifert bounced back somewhat last season, pulling in 43 catches for 436 yards and three touchdowns, but perhaps most importantly, played all 16 games for the first time in his career. Standing 6-foot-6, Eifert's best quality is that he can still be effective in the red zone, one that despite his injury concerns will bring interest from other teams.
Eifert might get a chance to be a top-two tight end elsewhere. If he doesn't get a good offer elsewhere, he could decide coming to Philadelphia and being the No. 3 tight end in a good offense, with a great head coach and a good chance to play meaningful snaps at some point if Ertz or Goedert go down is his best option. The Eagles would be wise to bring him in if he does.
MyCole Pruitt, Tennessee Titans: A backup during his time with the Titans, Pruitt has 52 games of NFL experience with 14 starts. His numbers don't jump off the page with just 27 catches and two touchdowns in five seasons, but he played well for Tennessee when called upon last season. Pruitt caught 15 of the 19 passes thrown his way for 192 yards, an average of 12.8 yards-per-catch. Although his snaps were very limited, Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the 5th best tight end in the NFL last season, which is certainly interesting considering it likely won't cost much to bring him in. Pruitt also graded out very high as a blocker, something that will be very attractive to the Eagles.
Luke Willson, Seattle Seahawks: With Greg Olsen on his way to Seattle chances are that Willson will not be back. A seven-year veteran, Willson has played six-of-his-seven seasons with the Seahawks, and has 110 catches for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career. Willson has good size at 6-foot-5 and would be a good fit in the Eagles' offense if either Ertz or Goedert were to go down.
4 Defensive Tackles:
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.
1 Defensive End:
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.
3 Linebackers:
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.
6 Cornerbacks:
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.
3 Safeties:
Reshad Jones, Miami Dolphins: Jones is a late addition to the free agency class after the Dolphins released him on Thursday. Jones, 32-years old, is certainly not a long-term building block and is coming off of a season with just four games played. Still, depending on how the market plays out and what happens with Malcolm Jenkins/Rodney McLeod, the Eagles might need a veteran at safety. Jones, a Pro Bowl player in 2015 and 2017, would fit the bill as a quality starter while the team developed a younger safety they might take in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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.
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!
