The NFL’s new league year is quickly set to be upon us and with that comes retooling a Philadelphia Eagles roster that still has an open window to several more Super Bowl runs, if they can add a few more key pieces. The NFL Combine starts today, and free agency will be upon us in less than two weeks.
While there are several big named players on the open market, the Birds could turn their attention to pursuing a bevy of restricted free agents, who could be had with future draft considerations.
For NFL teams and players, a restricted free agent (RFA) is one with three or fewer accrued seasons (six or more regular season games with a team) of service, who has received a “qualifying” offer from his current team. If the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new team, his old team has “right of first refusal,” a five-day period in which the NFL team may match the offer and retain him, or choose not to match the offer, in which case it may receive one or more draft picks for the upcoming draft from the player’s new team.
There are complimentary pieces on the market worth the compensation, and here are four restricted free agents from around the league, that the Eagles should have interest in.
Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Sudfeld doesn’t actually count on the list because he’s still the Eagles property, but his value to the club can’t be underscored. Sudfeld has yet to play a down of meaningful football in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles’ third-string quarterback doesn’t have any value. Sudfeld has the tools to be a player in this league and could be an interesting option for a team looking for a development project or a quarterback to help transition another high draft pick.
Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former Auburn standout has some dynamic playmaking abilities and has developed into a dependable back for the Buccaneers. While he might not be a three-down back, or your bell cow back like Saquon Barkley, Barber’s talents as a runner, coupled with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, makes him a nice fit for the Eagles running back by committee.
Last season Barber ran for 871 yards and five touchdowns on 234 carries and caught 20 passes for 92 yards and one touchdown for the Buccaneers.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers
Allison missed a good portion of the 2018 season due to injury but had a career-best in receiving yards with 303 to go with two touchdowns. At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, Allison is athletic and a complete red zone weapon and his size could appeal to the Eagles, could who use some more big plays inside the 20.
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
The Jets reportedly turned down trade offers for Anderson prior to the trade deadline and for good reason. Anderson has had some off the field issues, but he’s definitely developed into an impressive deep threat over the last couple of years. Anderson led the Jets in receptions (50), yards (752) and touchdowns (six).
Brian Poole, CB, Atlanta Falcons
Poole, the Falcons’ nickel cornerback played well last season, and at 26 years of age, he’s one of the more impressive slot corners in the game. The Eagles improved as a secondary by seasons end but could look to add even more depth to the unit.
