NFC champion Eagles face key losses in free agency
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks with the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - The NFC champions have several high-profile free agents, and general manager Howie Roseman has said the Eagles won’t be able to sign them all.
Philadelphia’s needs will depend on how many high-profile free agents leave.
Their biggest departures could come on defense.
Hargrave had a career-high 11 sacks to help the Eagles to an NFL-leading 70 sacks last season. Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead with six interceptions despite missing five games late in the season. Bradberry helped secure the back end of a defense that finished first against the pass.
Those three players would be the most costly losses, figuratively, and the most costly to re-sign, literally.
Edwards led the team with 159 tackles from his middle linebacker position.
Although the Eagles don’t value linebacker as highly as other positions in their scheme, Edwards has been dependable since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Philadelphia could be looking for starters at defensive tackle, cornerback, linebacker and safety if Hargrave, Gardner-Johnson, Bradberry and Edwards walk.
Offensively, the 35-year-old Kelce will either retire or will be re-signed.
The two biggest names on offense who could be elsewhere in 2023 are Seumalo, an intelligent player and a key part of perhaps the league’s top offensive line; and Sanders, who rushed for a career-high 1,269 yards.
Those are potential holes that Roseman will need to fill, and there isn’t money for everyone.
Roseman could gain some cap space by restructuring the contracts of CB Darius Slay or Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson, who have cap hits of $26 million and $24 million, respectively.
One position Philadelphia doesn’t need to fill is quarterback. However, MVP runner-up Jalen Hurts is eligible for a contract extension and likely will get a big-money deal this offseason.