As the new NFL league year quickly approaches, it is clear that the Eagles mission statement for the next two offseasons is to get younger and without mortgaging the future.
While the NFL Draft is filled with top-flight wide receivers, the Eagles will likely utilize free agency to help funnel cornerbacks, defensive linemen and value wideouts onto the roster.
The Eagles could also address the linebacker position in free agency as well after parting ways with Kamu Grugier-Hill and Nigel Bradham.
With the so many big names in play for Howie Roseman and company, it’s beyond important that the Eagles land the right talent at a reasonable price.
Here are five buy or sell options for potential Eagles free agent targets set to hit the open market:
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Buy
1. Logan Ryan — CB
The former third-round pick had a career year for the Titans in 2019 and will turn 29 next month. The move would make perfect sense. Ryan grew up right outside of Philadelphia, would flourish in Jim Schwartz’s scheme and could be less expensive than Byron Jones.
Sell.
1. Bradley Roby — CB
Roby is talented but hasn’t had a breakout season and was limited to 10 games last season with a hamstring injury.
Roby is still only 27 years old, but he gives off a Ronald Darby feel and the Eagles can’t afford that going forward.
Buy
2. Breshad Perriman — WR
Playing for an injury-ravaged Buccaneers team, Perriman had his best NFL season, catching 36 passes for 645 yards (17.9) and six touchdowns after being labeled a bust.
Perriman stands 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, averaged 16.4 yards per catch last season and at only 26 years of age, could give the Eagles some other options in the draft if they can land him for a reasonable price.
Sell
2. Robby Anderson — WR
At 26, Anderson is just hitting his prime and the former Temple University product is coming off a four year stretch with the New York Jets in which he compiled 207 catches for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Anderson will be a highly coveted free agent after catching 52 passes for 779 yards and five touchdowns with a 15.0 yards per catch average in 2019.
He’d probably fit nicely with the Eagles as well, but not at $12M-$14M per season as some have suggested.
Buy
3. Vernon Hargreaves — CB
A former first-round pick of the Buccaneers and recently released by the Texans, Hargreaves had 21 tackles and one tackle for loss in six games with Houston last season. Before landing with the Texans, Hargreaves started all nine games for the Bucs and has first-round talent despite not living up to the expectations.
Hargreaves could be a high-value option in free agency for the Eagles on the low wage scale.
Sell.
3. Chris Harris Jr. — CB
The Eagles were originally linked to Harris Jr. prior to last season’s NFL trade deadline and it’s been suggested the Eagles could attempt to sign both Jones and the former Broncos star.
At 30 years old, Harris just put up one of his least productive seasons and the Eagles are focused on getting younger in pertinent areas.
Buy
4. Nick Kwiatkoski — LB
If the Eagles decide to add more linebacker depth with T.J. Edwards and Nate Gerry, Kwiatkoski could be a perfect candidate. The Eagles showed interest in the talented linebacker during the 2016 NFL draft process and Kwiatkoski could be looking for a bigger role outside of Chicago.
Sell
4. Jadeveon Clowney — DE
Even without the dirty hit on Wentz that ended the Eagles season, Clowney’s numbers were down in a contract year and he played through a similar core muscle injury that DeSean Jackson suffered through.
Clowney is set to turn 27 next month and would be a great addition, but not at the price of putting the Eagles in financial purgatory.
Buy
5. Arik Armstead — Edge Rusher
At 6-7, 292, Armstead is just as physically imposing as Clowney and can play inside too.
Armstead would cost less than Clowney, while his 10 sacks in 2019 were more than Clowney’s ever had in a single-season.
Sell
5. Ronald Darby — CB
Once mentioned with the top cornerbacks in the league potential-wise, Darby is now a liability for the Eagles and a player that they simply can’t give big-money to.
Over the past three seasons, Darby has missed 20 games due to injury.
