It has been talked about ad-nauseum how the Eagles don’t have any cap space and won’t be able to sign many players on the market. I tend to agree that the Eagles won’t be huge players signing big name free agents or investing highly as they did in the 2016 off-season.
It seems more likely that they will try to sign a few guys in the mid tier to 1 year deals who maybe didn’t perform up to expectation on his last contract. Though fans may be a little upset about the “cohabitation matrix” the Eagles seem to favor when making decision, connections are important and I think in a cap strapped year connections and familiarity could play a bigger part in who gets brought in. With that in mind here are 5 free agents that could make sense for the Eagles this offseason.
QB Tyrod Taylor
Age: 32
Projected salary: $5 million (spotrac)
I know, I know it isn’t that original but it makes sense. If the Eagles decide to role with Jalen Hurts as the starter (which all rumors point to this being the case) then investing in a veteran backup would be a smart move. Tyrod has the connection to the coaching staff having been in Los Angeles with Eagles offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen and has been coveted by the Eagles in the past according to NJ.com reporter Mike Kaye. If the price is reasonable enough I could easily see him coming and being a mentor to Hurts as he has to learn another offense.
WR Josh Reynolds
Age: 26
Projected salary: N/A
Reynolds has the connection to the coaching staff in that played for wide receiver coach Aaron Moorhead. Reynolds had been known for big plays down the field in college averaging 17 yards per catch and scoring 12 touchdowns his senior year at Texas A&M. Though it has not materialized at the next level as Reynolds has consistently averaged only 11.9 yards per catch (profootballreference.com). He did flash every now and then last season, his longest reception being a 40 yard reception. Reynolds is also only 26 making him a good candidate for a longer term contract. He may not be the dominate wide receiver fans have been clamoring for but he has potential given the opportunity.
CB Gareon Conley
Age: 25
Projected salary: N/A
Though he doesn’t fit the cohabitation matrix, Conley was one of the players Eagles considered taking in the 2017 draft before the sexual assault allegations. He played three seasons with the Raiders where he struggled with inconsistency and injury issues before being traded to the Texans. Though there are red flags, his athletic profile (6’0/ 200 lbs/ 33” arms/ 4.44 speed) seems to be someone Eagles new defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon would be intrigued by. Due to his up and down career so far, I could see a scenario where Conley is looking to sign a one year “prove it” deal that may earn him a bigger payout in the future.
CB Fabian Moreau
Age: 26
Projected Salary: N/A
Though Moreau does ot fit the “cohabitation matrix” the Eagles will know him very well as he is a former third round pick of the Washington Football Team. He even intercepted a pass by Carson Wentz in week 1 of the 2020 season. Moreau boasts a great athletic profile standing 6’0 200 lbs with 4.35 speed and a 38” inch vertical, Moreau potentially fits a mold Coach Jonathan Gannon may covet. During his time in Washington, Moreau spent a lot of time playing in the slot but did have reps and whole games outside. This kind of versatility would give the Eagles options on where to play him and who to draft. His size and speed also mean that if he slides into the slot the Eagles will not have to worry as much about him being overmatched by WRs or potentially TEs. The main reason Moreau may come at a bargain is he has had an up and down career so far and finished 2019 on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. Overall Moreau is another free agent who could be inexpensive but pay off in the long run adding stability to the cornerback room
SAF Rayshawn Jenkins
Age:27
Projected salary: 5-7 million (chargerswire)
His only connection in the matrix is being on a defense that went up against Steichen’s offense every day but his profile suggests the new Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon could be interested in. Jenkins is a versatile defender having played free safety, strong safety and getting work in nickel and dime packages. He has the size and athleticism that Gannon seems to covet on the back end. Jenkins would be able to play well enough in two high coverages and be strong when asked to spin down. Jenkins provides the right amount of upside at a position that has been lacking talent for a few years.
The Philly Blitz 