The Philadelphia Eagles are set to retool their roster heading into the 2020 NFL season and although the bulk of the focus has been on the Birds adding an explosive pass-catcher or shut down corner, the Eagles could be in the market to add defensive line help as well.
The Birds love to rush the passer the up the middle and off the edge, with more emphasis being placed on disrupting the passer than the actual sack. Even so, the Eagles would like to get more production from their defensive line, thus allowing the secondary to perform better under less stress and pressure.
The Birds could use defensive line help and here are five guys that could be available on the open market.
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1. Vic Beasley, DE, Atlanta Falcons
The free-agent pass rusher has familiarity with Marquand Manuel and a lot to prove after the Falcons quickly announced he was no longer in their plans.
Beasley has 37.5 career sacks and could help bolster the Eagles pass rush without the pressure of being a starter.
2. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Tampa Bay
A talented pass rusher beset by injuries off the field, Pierre-Paul could perform dynamically in Jim Schwartz’s wide-nine system of rushing the passer.
During a two-year stint with Tampa Bay, Pierre-Paul recorded 21 sacks and 36 quarterback hits in 26 games. When healthy, he can still be a premier pass rusher worthy of commanding a double team.
3. Shaq Lawson, Bills, DE/LB
After having his fifth-year option declined by the Bills, Lawson could be a value signing for the Eagles on a one-year prove-it type deal.
In his three seasons with Buffalo, Lawson racked up 16.5 sacks after being selected No. 19 overall in the 2016 NFL draft. His best season may have been 2018 campaign when Lawson earned a grade of 76.5 from Pro Football Focus, 20th amongst edge-rushers.
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4. Quinton Jefferson, DE, Seahawks
A 26-year-old Pass rusher who can play inside, Jefferson could be a player of interest for the Eagles on the open market. With Seattle focused on retaining Jadeveon Clowney, Jefferson is a solid player who again could be a dynamic rotational piece.
Jefferson had 3.5 sacks in 2019, a half-sack better than Clowney, with 26 total tackles and 16 pressures.
5. Noah Spence, DE, Saints
Spence is a skilled and polished pass rusher who can beat offensive linemen with his speed and power.
Spence can translate into a nice rotational piece.
