What Should the Eagles Do With Their 2019 Free Agents?

Jan 14

What Should the Eagles Do With Their 2019 Free Agents?

Now that they’ve been eliminated from the playoffs, the Eagles attention turns to the offseason. With several contracts expiring, what should Philly do with their impending FAs?

Nick Foles, QB (option)

Nick Foles isn’t officially a free agent, as there’s an option in his contract, but he is the biggest name on this list. Carson Wentz is going to be the starter going forward, and unless Foles loves Philly enough to take a backup QB’s contract, there’s no way he remains on the roster. There are several teams that would love to have Foles behind center for them, and the Eagles can get some serious trade value for him.

Brandon Graham, DE

I’d love to see BG back in midnight green, but a player of his caliber is going to cash in on the open market. Yesterday’s game was most likely his last as an Eagle.

Golden Tate, WR

It would be extremely disappointing for Howie Roseman and Co. to give up a third-rounder for Tate for only a half-season of work and limited production. With a full offseason, Tate should be able to incorporate himself into the offense and develop a rapport with Wentz. Tate seems to love the city of Philadelphia (as most players do), and I expect him and the Eagles to find common ground on a deal.

Mike Wallace, WR

Wallace was supposed to be the deep threat that Torrey Smith failed to be last year, but he only played in two games before breaking his leg. At age 33, with Mack Hollins returning next season and DeSean Jackson -possibly- on his way back, there just isn’t a place for Wallace on the roster.

Haloti Ngata, DT

There’s no chance that Ngata makes another appearance for the Eagles. He’s 34 years old now, and with Timmy Jernigan making a full recovery, Ngata has no spot in the rotation. This could be it for Ngata.

Chance Warmack, G

Warmack has been a healthy scratch for the past few weeks, and the former Tennessee Titans first-round pick has had a very disappointing career up to this point. The Eagles will find OL depth elsewhere.

Chris Long, DE

Long has been great as a rotational defensive lineman, but he almost retired after last season and that could very well be the case this season. If he chooses to continue playing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Eagles keep him around.

Chris Maragos, FS/ST

After finishing last season on IR, the former special teams ace spent the entire season on the PUP list, and likely won’t return.

Corey Graham, FS

Graham, like Long, was heavily considering retirement following last year’s championship until the Eagles coaxed him back onto the field. This past season was almost certainly his last in the NFL.

Darren Sproles, RB

Yet another player who planned on retiring last season, but Sproles returned after losing nearly the entire 2017 season to a broken arm and torn ACL. He spent a good chunk of this season dealing with a nagging hamstring injury but was a valuable contributor over the last few weeks. Sproles has expressed interest in returning for one final farewell tour (hopefully without injury), and if he wants to come back, the Eagles will make sure of it.

Ronald Darby, CB

Darby is coming off of two straight seasons with a major injury and probably lost all market value after tearing his ACL. There have been reports that both sides are interested in a prove-it deal, but with the emergence of Cre’Von LeBlanc, Avonte Maddox, and Rasul Douglas, Darby could be the odd man out.

Paul Worrilow, LB

Worrilow was signed for LB depth but didn’t see the field all season after tearing his ACL in May. He won’t be back.

Richard Rodgers, TE

Rodgers is a solid depth TE, but I expect the Eagles to look elsewhere.

LaRoy Reynolds, LB

Reynolds is strictly a special teamer, and I won’t be surprised if the Eagles keep him around.

D.J. Alexander, LB

Alexander is also a solid special team LB, and it’ll likely come down to who’s more affordable between Alexander and Reynolds.

Jordan Matthews, WR

It was great to see JMatt back in Philly, and I like him as a depth WR on a very cheap contract. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him stay or go.

Jordan Hicks, LB

Hicks is a special talent when healthy… but he’s never healthy. It would be nice to see him back on a prove-it deal, but someone may overpay for him in free agency.

Jay Ajayi, RB

Ajayi is a violent runner, and quite effective when healthy, but knee and fumbling issues have caused problems for him. The Eagles have no clear lead back, and will definitely look for one in the draft, so if Ajayi comes back on a prove-it contract, who’s the odd man out?

Nate Sudfeld, QB (RFA)