Philadelphia Eagles' Free Agency news: Analyzing NFL team's latest signings
Since their Super Bowl LVII loss, the Philadelphia Eagles have lost several key players to free agency.
This includes two starting members of the secondary (C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps), both starting linebackers (T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White) and a host of defensive line contributors (Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh).
However, the Eagles have been active in the offseason, making several signings and re-signings to try to address the losses.
Eagles' free-agency additions
One significant addition is former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has signed a one-year, $5 million deal. Mariota is expected to be the team's backup quarterback behind Jalen Hurts. The Eagles also re-signed cornerback Darius Slay to a three-year, $42 million extension that includes $23 million fully guaranteed, after initially planning to release him.
The Eagles have made several other signings to address their roster gaps.
They added cornerback Greedy Williams, who will compete for the No. 3 outside corner role with Zech McPhearson and Josh Jobe. They re-signed defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, a longtime staple of the defense, who will help ease the loss of Javon Hargrave. They also re-signed standout cornerback James Bradberry to a three-year deal worth $38 million, including $20 million fully guaranteed and another $6 million in incentives.
In the backfield, they signed running back Rashaad Penny to a one-year contract after deciding not to retain Miles Sanders. Running back Boston Scott was also re-signed to a one-year deal, while Brett Toth, an offensive tackle, was re-signed after being released last week.
Rashaad Penny isn't an easy man to bring down. 😤
@Eagles got themselves a baller. @pennyhendrixx https://t.co/4IwBFe2fuV
The addition of Mariota as a backup quarterback is significant, as the Eagles value depth at the position. However, there is a risk due to Mariota's extensive injury history, including a knee injury that required surgery last season.
The signing of Greedy Williams is a low-risk, high-reward move as Philadelphia is taking a shot at a player with upside and is not breaking the bank to do it.
Fletcher Cox is a solid move as he helps ease the loss of Javon Hargrave, but he has not been as dominant in recent years. Philadelphia will have to hope he and fellow veteran Brandon Graham can perform at a high level in 2023 as the younger players on the roster develop.
James Bradberry's return is significant, as he was named a second-team All-Pro this season after posting 17 passes defensed and three interceptions. For this level of play, the deal is at a very team-friendly price.
All-Pro CB James Bradberry will be back with the Eagles on a 3-year deal.
#FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/wUKdGes9Rr
The signing of Rashaad Penny is a high-upside move, but there is a risk due to his injury history. Penny has missed 43 of a possible 87 games, including playoffs, and a broken leg he suffered in October required surgery and cost him most of the 2022 season. The Eagles may look to draft a running back in the draft to try to mitigate the loss of Sanders and safeguard against Penny's durability.
Eagles' notable departures
Defensive tackles Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh, as well as pass rusher Robert Quinn, have weakened the defensive line significantly. Also, losing interceptions leader Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and safety Markus Epps are a loss to the secondary. On the offensive side, lead running back Miles Sanders is the most notable departure.
General manager Howie Roseman has a lot of picks in the draft, including two first-round picks. He has plugged significant holes in the roster in free agency allowing him to draft the best player available with their picks in the draft.