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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

2024 NFL free agency: 30 potential targets for the Eagles

The 2024 NFL offseason is officially underway after the Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII from Las Vegas.

The league will take the next month to catch its breath, but the slowdown won’t last long, as potential free agents will face the franchise tag, and all 32 teams will head to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February.

The 2024 cap is expected to exceed $240 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and where things currently stand, Philadelphia is expected to have roughly $20,284,984 in cap space.

The Birds are set to have 20 pending free agents, and with another likely retool schedule on defense, the organization could conjure up a scheme for more flexibility.

According to Over the Cap’s potential transaction chart, the Eagles can easily create $35.4 million in cap space by making these five moves.

With the new league year fast approaching, we’re looking at 30 potential free-agent targets for Philadelphia.

1
LB, Patrick Queen, Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) is wrapped up and takes a hit from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) as he scrambles in the fourth fourth quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The Bengals fell to the Ravens, 34-20.

If I were Howie Roseman, the Brinks truck would get back up for Queen as the Eagles finally look to approach the linebacker position with a sense of urgency.

Queen had a career-high 133 tackles (84 solos) and matched a career-high with six passes defended while adding 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Queen is the only NFL defender to produce at least 400 tackles, 10 sacks and 10 takeaways since he entered the league in 2020.

2
Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Dolphins

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) gains yardage in the third quarter defended by Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Van Ginkel was productive in his one season under Fangio, starting 11 games for the Dolphins in 2023 and logging 69 tackles, an interception, and a career-high six sacks.

Under Fangio, Van Ginkel (6-4, 242) offers versatility, playing some inside linebacker, while flourishing as an edge rusher.

3
DeShon Elliott, S, Dolphins

Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; The helmet of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) cracks during his run as Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott (21) makes contact in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Elliott played just one season under Fangio with the Dolphins in 2023, starting 15 games and logging 82 tackles, seven pass breakups, and an interception playing next to fellow safety Jevon Holland in a defense that utilized three safeties.

4
Josey Jewell, LB, Broncos

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell (47) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

A Former fourth-round pick out of Iowa who has played all six of his NFL seasons in Denver, Jewell played under Fangio from 2019-2021, logging 33 games with 21 starts.

Jewell averaged 108 tackles the past two seasons despite missing five games because of injuries. He’s still a smart, instinctive player and a strong tackler.

5
P.J. Locke, S, Broncos

Dec 31, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) gets caught up with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keelan Doss (86) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

With Kareem Jackson missing time this season in Denver, Locke ended up playing a career-high 539 snaps and started 8 games, logging 53 tackles, three sacks, 5 passes defended, and one interception alongside Justin Simmons.

Locke played under Christian Parker, who is joining the Eagles’ staff under Fangio.

6
OLB Malik Reed, Raiders

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Malik Reed #47 of the Miami Dolphins signs autographs for fans after a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Reed (6-2, 245 pounds) played for Fangio in Denver and re-joined the veteran defensive coordinator with the Dolphins last offseason.

During his tenure with the Broncos under Fangio From 2019-2021, Reed played in 45 games with 34 starts and had 15 of his 16 career sacks. His best season came in 2020 when he started 13 games and had a career-high eight sacks and 17 QB hits.

7
EDGE Brian Burns, Panthers

Oct 9, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In 2023, Burns logged 50 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 18 QB hits, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 starts.

8
S Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Winfield Jr. is the top safety expected to hit free agency, displaying elite versatility in the box, in the slot, or as a free safety, which will have him in high demand.

9
S Kyle Dugger, Patriots

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) is tackled by New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) after a catch.

10
S Geno Stone, Ravens

Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) catches an interception against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Stone started 11 of 17 games for Baltimore this season, finishing second in the NFL with 7 interceptions, along with 68 tackles and 9 passes defended.

11
EDGE Chase Young

Dec 3, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass over San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The former No. 2 overall pick did have 66 pressures and 7.5 sacks in 16 games with the 49ers and Washington Commanders. Just 24, Young could be perfect for a rebuilding Eagles defense.

12
Devin White, LB, Buccaneers

Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Lavonte David (54) tackle during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

White finished the 2023 regular season with 83 tackles (49 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and an additional four defensed passes across 14 games. He added three assisted tackles in the Buccaneers’ two postseason games.

13
Kenneth Murray,LB, Chargers

Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) moves the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Murray registered 107 tackles (79 solo), four passes defensed, three sacks and one interception across 15 games for the Chargers during the 2023 season.

Murray missed the final two games of the season due to a shoulder injury, but the 25-year-old linebacker had his most productive professional campaign to date.

14
Willie Gay Jr., LB, Chiefs

Jan 30, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (50) reacts during the first half of the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Gay has earned the role as a starting linebacker since entering the league in 2020 as a second-round draft pick and has now won back-to-back championships as the starting weakside linebacker for the Chiefs.

Gay’s 88 tackles during the 2022 season, ranking third on the team.

During the 2023 season — he posted 58 tackles, and according to Pro Football Focus, Gay posted grades of at least 66.5 during his first three seasons in the league. He ranked 20th among all players in his position during the 2021 season and 32nd during the 2022 season.

15
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Edwards-Helaire is a former first-round pick in the NFL Draft, and with Isiah Pacheco solidified as the lead running back in Kansas City; he only logged 223 yards and one touchdown in 2023.

He offers potential on a low-market deal.

16
Xavier McKinney, S, Giants

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

McKinney fits the profile of the new age of NFL safety play.

The 2020 second-round NFL Draft pick is just 24 and has been a captain for the past two seasons.

McKinney was sidelined for the first 10 games of his rookie season with a broken foot, but showed his durability by playing all 1,128 defensive snaps this season.

McKinney can play deep as a free safety, play the run in the box and cover tight ends in man coverage.

17
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Giants

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A freak athlete that offers versatility at multiple positions, Simmons logged 50 tackles (33 solo), including a sack, and added an interception that he returned for a touchdown over 17 games during the regular season.

Simmons joined the Giants via trade in August after having been a starter for the Cardinals each of the previous two seasons.

18
Mack Wilson, LB, Patriots

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (3) reacts to a defensive play in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

19
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Dobbins had eight carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for 15 yards, before he suffered a torn Achilles in the Ravens season opener.

The talented running back will have suitors on the open market.

20
A.J. Dillon, RB, Packers

Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes tackles Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.

Dillon (thumb/neck) logged 178 carries for 613 yards and two touchdowns while adding 22 receptions for 223 yards over 15 games in the 2023 season.

Dillon saw action in Green Bay’s first 14 games of the season, but his yards per carry have dipped each of the last three seasons and Philadelphia could be the perfect change of scenery.

21
Jeremy Chinn, S, Panthers

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Chinn finished the 2023 regular season with 30 tackles (18 solo), including one sack, and one pass defended in 12 games.

Chinn’s production has declined across each of his four NFL seasons, and the former 2020 second-round pick land elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

22
Antonio Gibson, RB, Commanders

Sep 17, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball as Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) defends in the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Gibson finished 2023 with 65 carries for 265 yards and a touchdown and 48 catches for 389 yards and two touchdowns on 59 targets.

Gibson offers a rare combination of size and speed.

23
Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) heads to the goal line in the second quarter past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith (3), Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Barkley amassed 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns last year while adding 280 receiving yards and four scores.

24
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #2 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Gardner-Johnson tore a pectoral muscle in Week 2 and did not play again until the regular-season finale against Minnesota. He finished the regular season with 16 tackles and one INT in three games, primarily playing at single-high safety but also with a healthy dose of box safety and slot corner mixed in.

In 2022 with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL in interceptions with six picks in just 12 games, and Roseman could look to bring him back.

25
Darnell Savage Jr., S, Packers

Green Bay Packers safety Adrian Amos (31) intercepts a pass in the end zone with defensive help from Green Bay Packers’ Darnell Savage (26) against Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge (1) during their football game on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.Cent02 7iewzauxl1d1gxjmzetz Original

26
Devin Singletary, RB, Texans

Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (26) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter in a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Singletary, a dual threat who continues to improve, recorded at least three receptions in five of his final six games. He’s set to hit free agency this offseason and helped his market by tallying 1,091 yards from scrimmage with four total touchdowns across 17 games with the Texans.

27
Taylor Rapp, DB, Bills

Oct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) returns an interception in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Rapp spent one underwhelming season in Buffalo, logging 33 tackles, one interception and two passes defended.

28
Zack Moss, RB, Colts

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle BJ Hill (92) dives to bring down Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

A potential value signing, Moss ran for 369 yards and a touchdown in eight games with the Colts in 2022 and then had a breakout season in 2023.

Filling in for an injured Jonathan Taylor, Moss played in 14 games with eight starts and ran for 794 yards with five touchdowns. He added 192 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions, finishing just under 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

29
Curtis Samuel, WR, Commanders

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 01: Curtis Samuel #4 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball after a catch against Nicholas Morrow #41 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Eagles won’t be bringing back Quez Watkins, and a potential replacement can be found in a familiar NFC East foe.

Curtis Samuel finished 2023 with 62 catches for 613 yards, four touchdowns on 91 targets, seven carries for 39 yards, and a touchdown.

Samuel was one of five Commanders to catch four TD passes and finished second to Terry McLaurin in most major receiving categories. Samuel’s 2023 receiving numbers were nearly identical to those from 2022 (62-613-4 receiving line).

Samuel would be the perfect No. 3 wideout behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, with opposing defenses being forced to respect his pass-catching abilities.

30
Frankie Luvu, LB, Panthers

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) looks over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts the Eagles will make a run at Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu as a top offseason priority.

During the 2023 season, Luvu logged 125 total tackles and 7.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and broke up five passes for Carolina.

31
Del'Shawn Phillips, LB, Ravens

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Del’Shawn Phillips #53 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a tackle with teammate Daryl Worley #41 against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old Phillips logged 24 tackles while playing primarily on special teams across 17 appearances for the Ravens last season.

An experienced player who saw limited action behind Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, Phillips could bring stability to the Eagles at a value price.

32
Eddie Jackson, S, Bears

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4) catches the ball during warm ups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson was released by the Bears in a cost-cutting move.

Jackson, 30, has spent his entire seven-season career with Chicago, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.

He has started all 100 games he has appeared in his career, and in 2023, he had an interception and 37 tackles in 12 games.

Jackson is familiar with Vic Fangio’s scheme and could be a name to watch.

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