The Eagles are always doing their due diligence on potential roster additions, and with the running joke being that local media is interested in signing everyone, we’re wondering how the top remaining NFL free agents would fit in Philadelphia.
Evan Macy of The Philly Voice recently wondered whether a team of current free agents could compete for a playoff spot.
The Birds are stacked at almost every position.
We previously look at where the top remaining offensive free agents could fit on Philadelphia’s depth chart.
With so many talented players available on the open market and only so many roster spots open, we’re looking at where the top remaining defensive free agents would fit on the Eagles’ depth chart as it currently stands.
Edge rusher
Jadeveon Clowney — DE 3
Yannick Ngakoue — DE 2
Trey Flowers — DE4
Justin Houston — SAM LB 2
Melvin Ingram — SAM LB 4
Ngakoue had 9.5 sacks in 2022, bringing his total to 65 over eight NFL seasons. His inability to defend the run makes him a situational pass-rusher, a role in which he could be used along with Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, and more.
Clowney’s production dropped off in Cleveland last season, as he had just two sacks in 12 games. He’s a straight-line power rusher who can be stout against the run.
His age will impact Houston’s market, but the production is still there for the veteran to sign with a contending team as a rotational edge rusher. In 2022 Houston finished with 9.5 sacks (tied for 20th) and 32 pressures.
Ingram produced six sacks and 22 tackles in 17 games this past season.
Defensive Tackle
Chris Wormley DT3
Matt Ioannitis DT3
Shelby Harris DT3
Smoot had five sacks and 21 tackles in 2022.
Back in 2018, Ioannidis piled up 7.5 sacks during his third season in Washington. In 2018, Ioannidis had his best season while racking up a career-high 8.5 sacks, Ioannidis also added 64 total tackles. T
Linebacker
Jaylon Smith LB4
Kwon Alexander LB3
Kyle Van Noy LB4
Myles Jack LB2
Jack makes the most sense if Philadelphia decides to make a training camp move to add another linebacker. Kwon Alexander is still formidable, but could be a liability in coverage.
Middle linebacker
Rashaan Evans LB3
Zach Cunningham LB3
Evans is 27-year-old and led the team in tackles, posting a whopping 159 stops—seventh-most in the entire NFL.
The Falcons decided to look elsewhere.
Cornerbacks
Marcus Peters CB3
Ronald Darby CB3
Byron Jones CB4
Bryce Callahan CB4
Peters hasn’t played an entire season since 2018, but he’s a ball hawk who has notched 32 interceptions and 93 pass breakups in his eight pro seasons.
Injuries threatened Callahan’s career before a rebound 2022 season with the Chargers playing in the slot.
A second-round pick of the Bills back in 2015, Ronald Darby has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Denver Broncos. Darby has started 88 games. He’s never been to the Pro Bowl, but Darby was a starter for the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII.
Safety
John Johnson S3
Andrew Adams S4
The on-the-ball production dipped for Johnson in Cleveland last season, as he finished with one interception and four pass breakups. The veteran safety still plays with range.
Philadelphia tried adding Adams, and it didn’t work.
