The Philadelphia Eagles are set to make sweeping changes to their roster, but they can be confident in what they have in certain positions.
The Eagles will likely overhaul things at wide receiver and cornerback, but there are several key positions that will only require minor changes or some subtle additions.
Here are four positions for the Eagles that don’t need much attention during the 2020 offseason.
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1. Quarterback
Carson Wentz is coming off arguably his best and most complete season as a pro. Wentz started all, 16 regular-season games, became the franchise’s first 4,000-yard passer and led the Eagles to another division title.
Nate Sudfeld didn’t play this season, but he’s still a capable quarterback and will probably be better served to return to the Eagles rather than seeking a starting spot in free agency.
2. Defensive Tackle
Fletcher Cox wasn’t as dominant this season, but he was the man when the Eagles need him the most. Cox was slowed by injury at the beginning of the season but was his normal self down the stretch. Malik Jackson will return to the lineup after missing all of the 2019 season with a foot injury. Bruce Hector will return, although the Eagles could address his replacement via the draft. Anthony Rush had a strong finish to the season and will return.
3. Defensive End
Shareef Miller a fourth-round pick, had a redshirt season and will have an opportunity to earn a role as a rotational edge rusher after learning how to be a pro this season. Brandon Graham logged another strong season as the Birds top pass rusher and will return at right defensive end. Genard Avery is the wild card in this equation and a strong reason for optimism from this unit. The Eagles dealt a 2021 fourth-round pick to Cleveland to acquire Avery at the trade deadline and even after seeing limited snaps, Howie Roseman said the Avery trade was meant for next season, so the 24-year-old will have a full offseason with the team to carve out a significant role.
Derek Barnett finished with a career-high 6.5 sacks in 14 games.
4. Running Back
If the Eagles re-sign Jordan Howard, then great, this unit becomes even more talented and dynamic. Miles Sanders is the man in the Eagles backfield and should provide Carson Wentz will security in the backfield for years to come. The second-round pick emerged late in the season finished first among rookies in scrimmage yards (1,327) and all-purpose yards (1,641). Boston Scott’s emergence cemented Howard leaving the Eagles, as the Sproles mini-me helped carry the Eagles into the playoff with tough running and great effort in the screen game.
Elijah Holyfield spent the season on Carolina’s practice squad and landed with the Eagles right before the playoffs. Doug Pederson and company like Holyfield coming out of the draft and he’ll have a chance to compete for Howard’s roster spot.
Corey Clement is a restricted free agent and could still earn a spot if the Eagles offer a tender.
