Without question one of the biggest needs on the Eagles is at running back. That should be expected though when you haven't invested any real resources in the position for years.
The question is whether Howie Roseman decides to truly address the position this offseason, or try to patchwork the position together for another season.
Here are some options in free agency that could interest the Eagles, whichever path they choose at the position:
Tevin Coleman, Falcons: Coleman has been linked to the Eagles since the trade deadline last season, and it is easy to see why. Coleman had a very solid season with the Falcons last year, totaling 1,076 yards on 167 carries and 32 catches. Coleman's versatility is likely very appealing to the Eagles, as he has at least 25 catches each of the last three seasons, and has proven to be a threat out of the backfield. Coleman would also fit in the Eagles' likely plan to have a backfield by committee, as he has never been the No. 1, workhorse running back on a team and is used to splitting touches.
T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars: Like Coleman, Yeldon would bring plenty of versatility to the Eagles' roster from the running back position. Yeldon has topped 50 catches in two of the last three seasons, and has totaled 1,302 receiving yards during his four years in Jacksonville. Yeldon's numbers as a number has not been as impressive, as he hasn't topped 500 yards in any of the last three seasons, but part of that is due to a lack of touches. As a rookie, Yeldon got 182 carries and finished with 740 yards, an impressive output. Since then, he has never topped 130 carries in a single season. Yeldon would be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Eagles.
Mark Ingram, Saints: Bringing in Ingram would have two advantages for the Eagles. First, it would take Ingram away from the Saints, one of the Eagles' biggest roadblocks back to the Super Bowl. Second, it would instantly help their offense and give them an upgrade at the position. Ingram had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons from 2016 to 2017, but saw a dip in his numbers in 2018, playing in just 12 games and totaling 645 rushing yards. Part of the reason for his drop in production is that the Saints went with a backfield by committee, splitting time with Alvin Kamara. Ingram can be an option of of the backfield, but he isn't the same threat that players like Bell or Coleman would be.
LeGarrette Blount, Lions: Could a reunion make sense for both Blount and the Eagles? There is an argument to be made the Eagles should have never let Blount leave for Detroit, as they missed his production and runs between the tackles last season. Blount had a poor season with the Lions, totaling 418 yards on 154 carries, an average of just 2.7 yards per attempt. Assuming Blount could be had a minimum salary, the Eagles could have interest in bringing him back for depth in the backfield.
Le'Veon Bell, Steelers: Bell is the free agent on the tip of every Eagles' fan's tongue, considering he was one of the best offensive players in the NFL in 2017 and would fill their glaring need for help at running back. The Eagles will have the money to pay Bell if they want him. The question is whether Roseman is willing to finally go out and do what it takes to land an impact running back. Click here to read more about why Bell makes a ton of sense for the Eagles.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
