Fletcher CoxFree agencyJames BradberryJason KelceNFC EastRashaad PennySuper Bowl

GM Howie Roseman Keeps the Eagles Flying High in Free Agency

EAGLES FREE AGENCY

Shortly after losing the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles faced a grim reality.

There were a lot of free agents whose contracts needed to be addressed. The Eagles knew they couldn’t keep everyone, so they had to be smart, creative, and businesslike. With the NFL Draft approaching and the Eagles having two first-round picks, their free agent moves to date have but the Birds in good position to repeat as NFC East champs.

CENTER SECURED

The key move on offense was to retain free agent center Jason Kelce, the heart and soul of the offensive line, if not the team. Kelce has long been regarded as one of the best and mobile centers in the game. He doesn’t catch passes like his brother, Travis, in Kansas City but he opens the holes and protects quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Kelce agreed to a one-year deal worth $14.25 million, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL. Few would doubt he’s worth the money, considering how run-heavy the Eagles offense is.

“I aint f$%king done,” tweeted Kelce. The Eagles lost the Super Bowl to the Chiefs, 38-35.

IN FOR A PENNY

To make sure the Eagles continue to have a powerful run game, the Eagles gave Seahawks free agent Rashaad Penny a one-year, $1.35 million deal, making him an inexpensive option to Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. Penny was the Seahawks first round pick in the 2018 draft, 27th overall. He’s averaged a staggering 5.7 yards per carry, when healthy.

That’s the rub. Penny’s 2022 season ended prematurely after he suffered a broken fibula that needed surgery and a severe ankle sprain. He’s played in just 42 games over five seasons and never played more than 14 games in his rookie season.

MARKET CORNERED

The Eagles made some decisions on the defensive side of the ball. Philly doubled down on its cornerbacks, keeping – James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Retaining Bradberry, 29, who is considered one of the best corners in the game, was a no brainer. Slay, 32, had been obtained in a trade from the Lions, and was in the final year of his deal. He signed a two-year $42 million extension with $23 million guaranteed. The Eagles also signed FA CB Greedy Williams to a one-year deal.

MEN IN THE MIDDLE

The Eagles also had to decide on two interior defensive linemen. They chose veteran Fletcher Cox, 32, over Javon Hargrave, 30. Hargrave had better numbers across the board but like Kelce on offense, Cox is the man on defense.

Philadelphia is hoping that one of last season’s first-round picks, DT Jordan Davis out of Georgia. He wasn’t a factor after suffering a sprained ankle. Davis should move into Hargrave’s spot.

DRAFT A LINEBACKER

The Eagles may not use either of this year’s first-round picks on a linebacker that was one area of concern before the team lost T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White. White is coming off a 110-tackle season but as is the case with Hargrave, the Eagles have a backup in place in Nakobe Dean.

GM Howie Roseman must be commended for both thinking ahead and making wise decisions in free agency. The Eagles could make another Super Bowl run.

 

 

 

 

 

author
Lenn Robbins
Sports Journalist
Hi, I'm Lenn Robbins, a long-time sportswriter who still holds the detention record at Bildersee Junior High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., where I was born and raised. I came out of the womb a Mets fan, was baptized a Knicks fans and through the power of TV, became a Cowboys fan, which explains why I'm in group therapy. The name of my fantasy football league team is Sexual Chocolate. Anyone who can explain the origin of said team name, please h
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