The Eagles build through the trenches, choosing to stock up on elite pass rushers and defensive tackle talent while avoiding premium resources regarding the linebacker position.
During his end-of-season press conference, Roseman used typical GM jargon to describe his lack of urgency in addressing proper depth at the linebacker position.
Howie Roseman on the linebacker position. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/rSdMQswXef
— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) January 24, 2024
“I feel like we’ve had a long history of success here building the team a certain way,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Wednesday. “And I think maybe there are some preconceived notions that at the linebacker position, that we don’t care who we play at linebacker. Again, our two Super Bowl teams over the last six years, the linebacker play was good from those guys.”
Roseman hit on undrafted free agent T.J. Edwards and signed Kyzir White to a team-friendly deal last offseason, as both players played critical roles in Philadelphia advancing to the Super Bowl.
Roseman then balked at paying both players, allowing Edwards and White to walk in free agency while putting his eggs in the basket that 2022 third-round pick Nakobe Dean would blossom into a field general and tackling machine in year two.
In addition to Dean, the Eagles signed former Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow in free agency and then signed former Michigan State linebacker Ben VanSumeren after the draft.
Roseman added Zach Cunningham and Myles Jack during training camp on Aug. 6.
With the NFL offseason starting in March, we’re looking at where the Eagles will turn at the linebacker position.
2024 outlook on roster
The Eagles are back in a similar situation going into 2024.
Morrow, Cunningham, and Shaquille Leonard are set to be free agents. Dean will be coming off a foot surgery but he and VanSumeren is the only linebackers under contract heading into 2024.
Potential free agent additions
Frankie Luvu, Panthers
Patrick Queen, Ravens
Tyrel Dodson, Bills
Lavonte David, Buccaneers
Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks
Devin White, Buccaneers
Drue Tranquill, Chiefs
Jordan Hicks, Vikings
Josey Jewell, Broncos
Blake Cashman, Texans
Wilie Gay, Chiefs
Azeez Al-Shaair, Titans
During the 2023 season, Luvu logged 125 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and broke up five passes for Carolina.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts the Eagles will make a run at Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu, as a top offseason priority.
2024 NFL draft prospects
Tyrice Knight, UTEP
Aaron Casey, Indiana
Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Payton Wilson, NC State
Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
Jaylan Ford, Texas
Cedric Gray, UNC
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Trade Candidates
Zaire Franklin, Colts
Shaq Thompson, Panthers
