In past years, the Eagles used the summer to either sign a key free agent who was released late in the spring, or trade for an impact player.
That strategy has worked out for the most part. In 2022, the Eagles signed cornerback James Bradberry and traded for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Both players were instrumental in helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl.
In 2017, the Eagles traded for cornerback Ronald Darby, signed running back LeGarrette Blount in free agency, and then in October traded for Jay Ajayi. That year, the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
There is no shortage of such players that the Eagles could go after as they prepare for the start of training camp on July 21.
The Green Bay recently released cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Miami Dolphins let it be known that they plan to trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey. And the Bengals are looking to trade edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Eagles could also pursue free agents like edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney or Za'Darius Smith, a linebacker in former Eagle Kyzir White, or even a proven wide receiver like Keenan Allen.
But there are pratfalls to going after any of those types of players.
There is the cost financially.
Sure, the Eagles are currently $30.8 million under the salary cap, according to overthecap.com.
While that might seem like a lot, Eagles GM Howie Roseman has said often that he's trying to save salary cap space for young players nearing second contracts, such as defensive tackle Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith, defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, among others.
In addition, Jalen Hurts' salary cap hits rise significantly over the next few years, and he, too, might garner an extension from his five-year, $255 million extension signed in 2023.
So Roseman is not likely interested in getting into a bidding war for one of those players.
But there's also the message it would send to the rest of the team, especially on defense. And it's not necessarily a promising message.
Here, then, is a look at seven players who could make sense for the Eagles, either as a free agent or trade acquisition, and why it would or would not be a good idea to sign that player:
Justin Simmons, safety
Verdict:👎Simmons would seem like an ideal low-cost free agent signing. Even at 31 years old, Simmons was a full-time starter for the Falcons in 2024. Simmons has also stated his desire to reunite with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who was Simmons' head coach in Denver from 2019-21.
But the Eagles drafted Sydney Brown in the third round in 2023 and Drew Mukuba in the second round this year. Plus, Fangio said Cooper DeJean is an option at safety when the Eagles are in base defense. Signing Simmons would send a message that the Eagles don't believe in their early-round draft picks.
Trey Hendrickson, edge rusher
Verdict: 👎It would be hard to turn down a chance to get an elite edge rusher with 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. But Hendrickson hasn't reported to spring practices or minicamp because he wants a new contract, one that would make him among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL. Plus, the Bengals would want a big package in return.
