Remaining defensive FA options to reinvigorate a now-concerned Eagles fan base

Everything is going to be okay. We know some of you are nervous. Don't be. The Philadelphia Eagles are in good hands. Jeffrey Lurie is the NFL's best owner. Howie Roseman has earned the right to do things that force us to ask questions.

We knew there would be roster turnover, The C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade sort of caught us off guard. Who else would you rather have steer this ship though?

We know some of you believe you can run a football team better than Howie can because you can balance the salary cap on the Franchise Mode in the Madden game. Trust us. We used to feel the same way when we were kids. The truth is we can't.

Still, even with that being said, we'll still throw on our general manager caps and offer unsolicited advice. Two days of legal tampering have come and gone, and there are still intriguing free agents available.

Must read: Under-the-radar, mid-round defensive linemen worth adding to Eagles draft board

Best remaining defensive free agents for the Eagles to consider

Well, this Philadelphia Eagles defense that dismantled the mighty Kansas City Chiefs is going to look much different next season. There's been some turnover, but again we expected that. We are fully confident in Howie Roseman's plan... whatever it is.

Some exciting names are sitting on a list of free agents who are still available. There are diamonds in the rough sitting right under the Birds' noses. If they're interested, all they have to do is sniff.

Azeez Ojulari, edge rusher, 25 years old

At the time of this story's release, Von Miller and Za'Darius Smith are still available, and there's only one reason they are.... age. Joey Bosa has signed with the Buffalo Bills.

We've seen a few glimpses of Azeez Ojulari as he's played for the rival New York Giants since 2021.

He has collected 22 sacks so far in his career. As a member of this Eagles squad, he could truly blossom.

Levi Onwuzurike, defensive interior, 27 years old

The interior defensive linemen are being acquired quickly. This one might cost Philly more than they are willing to spend. If he is off the books, we have a few backup options though.

Maliek Collins, defensive interior, 29 years old

Maliek Collins is knocking on 30's door. He reaches that plateau in April, but there's still some tread on the tire. The 49ers are expected to release him, and he figures to land on his feet somewhere.

Larry Ogunjobi, defensive interior, 30 years old

Larry Ogunjobi is already 30. He turns 31 this summer, but he has proven himself worthy on a continued NFL career following some solid production for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tyrel Dodson, linebacker, 26 years old

Tyrel Dodson is great in coverage. The Miami Dolphins never asked him to do much as a pass rusher, but he proved he had some ability when given that role. He was decent with the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks.

Blandon Roberts, linebacker, Las Vegas Raiders

Roberts does just about everything well, with the exception being what he offers in pass coverage... maybe. We'll get back to you on that. Paired with what the Birds already have at the linebacker position, he could be a sleeper signing who surprises next season.

Asante Samuel Jr., cornerback, 25 years old

The name will excite Eagles fans, but rosters typically aren't built using theories about nepotism. Asante Samuel Jr. does some things well, but if he's the Eagles best option, we'd rather Philly stick with what they have.

Justin Simmons, safety, 31 years old

A two-time Pro Bowler and four-time Second-Team All-Pro, Justin Simmons isn't what he was. This acquisition would have been more exciting had it occurred last year.

Still, even though he doesn't satisfy Philly's desire to get less expensive or younger, he might be an upgrade over C.J. Gardner-Johnson if the Eagles are interested.

While it seems to be Sydney Brown time, Simmons is better in coverage. Both provide support in the running game.

Here are two questions. Is there any truth to rumors of the Buffalo Bills being interested, and would Philly go as far as to pay as a safety?

Juan Thornhill, safety, 29 years old

Juan Thornhill provides another body at safety. He's also younger than other safeties who are probably in his tier. Harrison Smith is 36 years old. Justin Simmons probably won't be that Pro Bowl player again. Still, if we were Howie Roseman (which we obviously aren't), we'd only look to Juan Thornhill if there's an emergency.