6 Eagles’ defensive players who will become free agents in 2020

The Philadelphia Eagles have a really good defense with impact players on the line, at linebacker and in the secondary. Even with such depth, roster changes all the time because of attrition of the roster with young guys moving in and a few veterans moving on.

With Howie Roseman on the job accumulating draft picks and compensatory picks and just downright redefining what a salary cap guru is, here are six Eagles defensive players who’ll be free agents next winter.

Jalen Mills (UFA):

Mills is loved by both Jim Schwartz and Doug Pederson, but there’s the question of his position, guys like Avonte Maddox and Sidney Jones having more potential and his penchant for giving up the big play could be reasons he moves on. Ronald Darby’s moves next spring will determine a lot.

Sep 30, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) has a pass knocked away by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby (21) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Ronald Darby (UFA):

For Darby, just scroll up to Mills. Darby is the highest paid Eagles cornerback, and if not for an ACL tear may have cashed out in free agency. If he can return to playing tight coverage, he could be in line for a huge payday next offseason. will likely test the open market once again in 2020, after being disappointed by a lack of interest from teams who were certainly wary of the torn ACL he suffered in 2018.

in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rodney McLeod (UFA):

It took a lot not to put Malcolm Jenkins’ name here, but with McLeod returning from a knee injury and restructuring his deal to ensure he’d return, he’ll likely test free agency next spring, especially if the Eagles view Jalen Mills as a safety.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Defensive end Vinny Curry #75 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a holding penalty called against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Vinny Curry (UFA):

Curry is getting up there in age and could once again find himself expendable, especially if Josh Sweat is able to have a huge year.

Oct 12, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs as Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Nigel Bradham (53) defends in the third quarter. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 28-23 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Nigel Bradham (team option):

Bradham’s signed through the 2022 season, but the Eagles have team options for 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons. With up and coming linebackers on the roster via undrafted free agency and Zach Brown coming along for the cheap, Howie Roseman could choose to cut his losses and walk away from paying Bradham $9,767,500 at the age of 31.

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Jun 3, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) during Minicamp at Novacare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Kamu Grugier-Hill (UFA):

Grugier-Hill will be a free agent next offseason and if he’s unable to separate himself this season, he could find himself courting offers from other teams. The Eagles could choose to retain his services for the cheap while allowing Nigel Bradham to walk.