Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Who are the best available NFL free agent fits left for Eagles?

The Eagles have undergone significant changes on both sides of the football field, involving player personnel and a retooled coaching staff.

The free agent period and NFL draft are Howie Roseman’s seasons, and the Eagles GM got off to a roaring start after inking running back Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal, signing improving pass rusher Bryce Huff and then bringing versatile defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson back into the fold.

Roseman then added talent to the backup quarterback position, acquiring Kenny Pickett from the Steelers for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks.

The Eagles have since added wide receiver Parris Campbell, slot cornerback Tyler Hall, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, and linebacker Oren Burks.

With the second wave of free agency set to begin, we’re looking at the best available free agent fits for Philadelphia.

CB Adoree' Jackson

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Adoree’ Jackson #22 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass and scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Jackson has durability concerns, but he is a solid cover guy and could offer depth.

CB Stephon Gilmore

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball after a catch Stephon Gilmore #21 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Gilmore played well in 2023 but likely won’t return to Dallas.  The former All-Pro could elevate a retooled Eagles secondary.

OL Mekhi Becton

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) enter the field before the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Becton is a massive man who could learn and improve under Jeff Stoutland.  His injury history is also concerning, even though he started 16 of 17 games in 2023, predominantly at left tackle.

DB Julian Blackmon

Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32), Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Blackmon is an excellent safety with range.

CB Myles Bryant

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) tries to get outside of New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) for a short gain.

Bryant racked up 77 tackles (65 solo), including 1.0 sack, seven pass breakups (one interception) and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season appearances in 2023.

Bryant can play in the slot, while also returning kicks.

CB Levi Wallace

Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) on the sidelines in a game against the Tennessee Titansat Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Wallace had six interceptions and 24 passes defensed in his two seasons with the Steelers.

DT Calais Campbell

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass with pressure from Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) during his 2023 debut at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale.

Campbell started all 17 games and contributed to the Falcons’ defensive turnaround. He finished the 2023 season playing at a high level and could replace Fletcher Cox as a viable mentor to Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

CB C.J. Henderson

Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Scott Miller (10) tries to catch the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback C.J. Henderson (15) defends in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Henderson — who was a first-round pick by the Jaguars on 2020 — has the physical tools to add depth to the Eagles secondary.

OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) on the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The former Eagles offensive guard could be a viable option to add depth behind Tyler Steen.

OL Teair Tart

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive lineman Teair Tart (97) in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tart is a big, physical run-stuffer who could add depth to the roster.

DB Justin Simmons

Nov 14, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) intercepts a football intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The 30-year-old safety had one year remaining on the four-year, $61 million contract that he signed in 2021 after being franchise-tagged for a second straight offseason. Still regarded as one of the NFL’s best safeties, Simmons could team with C.J. Gardner-Johnson to form an elite duo.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.