So many ingredients go into making the perfect mixture for what everyone hopes will be a competitive roster. The most important (and sometimes most difficult) part of the process is finding the franchise quarterback, but give the Philadelphia Eagles the gold star. Jalen Hurts has proven he is among the elite signal-callers.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71171849/usa_today_17021717.0.jpg)
The process doesn't stop with identifying your QB though. Next, it's wise to do what the Birds pride themselves on, building the trenches. Find offensive linemen to protect your investment. Find defensive linemen to make every other QB's day a nightmare.
What should happen next is sometimes debatable. Some teams find skill players to surround the QB. Others work on building the second level of the defense (the linebackers) and secondary. Then, there's the off-field stuff, contracts and navigating the NFL's salary cap. That's where elite GMs separate themselves from the 'good' ones.
Recent Eagles signees who figure to enjoy a brief stay in the city of Philadelphia
It's been a fun watch witnessing Howie Roseman's rise to prominence. From a front-office intern (2000) to the best in the business, he juggles the cap with impressive ingenuity.
He consistently finds ways to keep the best players in the nest with competitive salaries. He filters role players in and out. He'll even hang on to a few when they outplay their price tag.
Sometimes, good players get away, as they did this season, but as he always does, Howie has found answers with low-risk signings.
What makes them low-risk, you ask? One of Howie's oft-used strategies is the one-year, prove-it deal. Given to several players this season, they'll earn an audition for an extension with Philly or a chance to play somewhere else.
Some who leave won't do so because they can't ball. Remember, this is a juggling act, and the Eagles have young guys who will need to get paid soon (like Cam Jurgens).
That being said, we expect decent years from most of the one-year acquisitions that were made. Here are a few Birds who, if we were to guess way too early (which we are), are the likely candidates for one-and-done stays.
EDGE Josh Uche
Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari were added to help fill the void at edge rusher. As you are well aware, Josh Sweat joined the Arizona Cardinals by way of free agency. Brandon Graham, as promised, retired after 15 NFL seasons.
Ojulari hasn't played a full season in a while. Uche has never played a full season. There's some 'boo-or-bust' vibe with both, but we'd give an early edge to Azeez in their potential race to an extension as he simply gets to the opposing QB with a little more frequency.
Running Back A.J. Dillon
Stingers and any injuries related to a running back's neck and shoulder area are hard to judge. We've seen guys play in the next game after suffering one in practice. We've seen one, in essence, end Jordan Howard's career.
A.J. Dillon's 2024 season ended on August 27 after he was placed on the Green Bay Packers' injured reserve with an injury. Philly agreed to terms on a one-year deal with him on March 13, presumably to lessen Saquon Barkley's workload.
If Philly's doctors believe Dillon is ready to go, that's good enough for us. Frankly, we're expecting the guy we thought Rashaad Penny would be, but its hard to imagine Philly extending Dillon past this season.
Cornerback Adoree' Jackson
Though Philly has found some stars to man their cornerback position, there is also a bit of a revovling door at the position. Avonte Maddox and Darius Slay are gone. James Bradberry regressed quickly. Greedy Williams never made the roster.
Isaiah Rodgers and Steven Nelson were allowed to seek opportunities after short stays of their own. This time, we expect to get a good look at Adoree' Jackson.
He'll compete for a starter's position, but third-year man Kelee Ringo is in the mix. Keep an eye on Philly's cornerbacks as we move through the spring and summer.
RB Avery Williams
We've seen Avery Williams listed as a running back AND cornerback. He's presumably on Philly to replace Britain Covey as the Birds' designated return guy.
It's always good to be good at more than one thing, but while we love the versatility, it seems like a bad idea to invest so heavily here when funds will need to be reallocated elsewhere.
Tight End Harrison Bryant
Are we the only ones who DON'T want Dallas Goedert to leave? Yes, he's expensive. Yes, he's exceeded the 30-year-old plateau. Yes, he gets hurt a lot and Philly has proven they can win without him, but come on...
It's Dallas Goedert...
Yes, we realize that argument and emotional ties aren't enough to keep him on the roster. It appears all signs point to him leaving, and Philly signed two guys to fill the void. The first was Harrison Bryant, and though we look forward to what he can bring, we have to be honest.
Harrison Bryant is no Dallas Goedert. Harrison Bryant may not be as good as Grant Calcaterra.
TE Kylen Granson
Let's say Goedert does leave. If he does, Grant Calcaterra assumes the starter's role (presumably). Bryant, Kylen Granson, Nick Muse, E.J. Jenkins, and Cameron Latu are the remaining guys on the preseason depth chart.
We like Jenkins, but he'll probably be behind Bryant and Granson when training camp begins. This feels like a good time for Philly to draft a tight end. Harold Fannin Jr. played for the new QBs coach, Scot Loeffler, at Bowling Green.
We wouldn't mind Fannin's acquisition at all. He just enjoyed the greatest statistical season by a tight end in NCAA history. He tallied an insane 117 receptions resulting in 1,555 yards receiving. He also reached the end zone ten times.
