Way Too Early Offseason Speculations
I know free agency doesn’t officially begin until March 12th, but considering we haven’t got much else to discuss regarding football right now, I figured I’d start a dialogue. Above is PFF’s mock draft simulation for the Eagles going into next season. I admittedly don’t know much about the players listed here, but I more so like the position picks so that’s why I included it.
However, I’m far more interested in hearing what my fellow Eagles fans think will happen regarding our free agents following this historic season. Our cap space for 2025 as of right now sits at around $18 million, with $14 million of that being usable. So we’re in a pickle considering there are so many players entering free agency. Here’s the guys whose contracts are up, and what I expect (or want) to transpire.
Zach Baun, LB— Received DPOY votes, was a first team all-pro, and made the pro-bowl this year with his exceptional play. His value has skyrocketed and based on our history with LBs in this organization, there’s a good chance he gets a better deal elsewhere and walks. I would like for this year to be different though, and hope Howie finds a way to sign him.
Mekhi Becton, G— Becton was banged up at times this year, but played very well as right guard. His value has definitely gone up. However, I actually think he may take a team-friendly deal based on some rumors circulating (Shefter) along with comments he’s made about loving the organization and how much it changed the trajectory of his career. I think he stays in Philly for cheaper than what he could get elsewhere.
Brandon Graham, DE— Graham has had an amazing career with Philly and has stated multiple times he likely plans to retire after the 2024 season. I expect him to do just that, going out in a blaze of glory following a 15-year career with two SB wins.
Josh Sweat, Edge— Sweat has had his ups and downs with Philly, but his performance this year, particularly in the SB, has made his value go up significantly. He took a team-friendly deal for 2024 to prove himself, and has likely earned himself the bag in 2025— I just don’t think it will be with the Eagles. Considering how deep this draft is for Edge and DT, I think Howie reloads at Edge in the draft following his departure.
Milton Williams, DT— Big Milt has always been a guy I liked a lot on our defense, but similar to Sweat, he had a great year and showed out in the SB to boost his value. He’s the only other player entering free agency besides Baun I could see Howie heavily pursuing just because he’s on the line and we value the trenches in this organization. Ultimately, though, I think he is on a new team in 2025 and we replace him in the draft. Not to mention we have great players in JC, JD, and Ojomo still on the team.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB— I love Gainwell and he’s made some nice plays for us, but with Barkley being HIM and Shipley showing flashes, Kenny G won’t be wearing midnight green next season. Hopefully he gets paid somewhere else.
Oren Burks, LB— Whether we resign Baun or not, I think there’s a good chance we bring back Burks for cheap. If Baun stays, we will have a very solid LB group, but if he leaves, Burks will become the main guy with Dean recovering from his injury for most of next season. He was decent when thrown into the fray late in the season, so he may take another prove-it deal with us to play a whole season and boost his value going forward.
Isaiah Rodgers, CB— Rodgers was serviceable when called upon, but he had plenty of moments where he was picked on too. His struggles, along with the fact that he played as a backup in 2024 could mean he likely wouldn’t get a payday as a starter on most other teams. He’s a restricted free agent, so we can also match any offer he receives from other teams. I believe we’re going to move on from Slay, so Rodgers will be retained for relatively cheap to compete with Ringo for the other outside corner spot.
Avonte Maddox, CB— Aside from his great 4th down pass deflection in the SB, Maddox has been a liability for us recently, in large part due to injuries, so I don’t think he comes back unless he’s okay with being a strict backup to the young guys.
Rick Lovato, LS— Lovato has been with us since 2016 and hasn’t really regressed, so I expect the team to resign him for cheap.
Britain Covey, WR— Covey was injured for most of the 2024 season, but prior to that he was statistically the best punt returner in 2023. I’m sure most in the organization and the fanbase don’t want to see Coop continuing to return punts next season, so I think we retain Covey for cheap and hope he can stay healthy (he provides WR depth too).
Everybody Else: C.J. Uzomah, Ben Vansumeren, Fred Johnson, Jack Driscoll, Paris Campbell, and Le’Raven Clark are all guys who we either let go or bring back to serve as cheap backups or practice squad guys (Nick Gates was already released).
Additionally, I expect Howie to resign Blankenship and Jurgens this offseason, and release Slay and Bradberry to free up cap space. We could also gain more cap for this season if (most likely when) Howie decides to restructure Hurts’ contract (currently slated to eat up $101 million in 2025).
I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on any offseason draft picks, signings, or contract extensions they would like to see!
I know free agency doesn’t officially begin until March 12th, but considering we haven’t got much else to discuss regarding football right now, I figured I’d start a dialogue. Above is PFF’s mock draft simulation for the Eagles going into next season. I admittedly don’t know much about the players listed here, but I more so like the position picks so that’s why I included it.
However, I’m far more interested in hearing what my fellow Eagles fans think will happen regarding our free agents following this historic season. Our cap space for 2025 as of right now sits at around $18 million, with $14 million of that being usable. So we’re in a pickle considering there are so many players entering free agency. Here’s the guys whose contracts are up, and what I expect (or want) to transpire.
Zach Baun, LB— Received DPOY votes, was a first team all-pro, and made the pro-bowl this year with his exceptional play. His value has skyrocketed and based on our history with LBs in this organization, there’s a good chance he gets a better deal elsewhere and walks. I would like for this year to be different though, and hope Howie finds a way to sign him.
Mekhi Becton, G— Becton was banged up at times this year, but played very well as right guard. His value has definitely gone up. However, I actually think he may take a team-friendly deal based on some rumors circulating (Shefter) along with comments he’s made about loving the organization and how much it changed the trajectory of his career. I think he stays in Philly for cheaper than what he could get elsewhere.
Brandon Graham, DE— Graham has had an amazing career with Philly and has stated multiple times he likely plans to retire after the 2024 season. I expect him to do just that, going out in a blaze of glory following a 15-year career with two SB wins.
Josh Sweat, Edge— Sweat has had his ups and downs with Philly, but his performance this year, particularly in the SB, has made his value go up significantly. He took a team-friendly deal for 2024 to prove himself, and has likely earned himself the bag in 2025— I just don’t think it will be with the Eagles. Considering how deep this draft is for Edge and DT, I think Howie reloads at Edge in the draft following his departure.
Milton Williams, DT— Big Milt has always been a guy I liked a lot on our defense, but similar to Sweat, he had a great year and showed out in the SB to boost his value. He’s the only other player entering free agency besides Baun I could see Howie heavily pursuing just because he’s on the line and we value the trenches in this organization. Ultimately, though, I think he is on a new team in 2025 and we replace him in the draft. Not to mention we have great players in JC, JD, and Ojomo still on the team.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB— I love Gainwell and he’s made some nice plays for us, but with Barkley being HIM and Shipley showing flashes, Kenny G won’t be wearing midnight green next season. Hopefully he gets paid somewhere else.
Oren Burks, LB— Whether we resign Baun or not, I think there’s a good chance we bring back Burks for cheap. If Baun stays, we will have a very solid LB group, but if he leaves, Burks will become the main guy with Dean recovering from his injury for most of next season. He was decent when thrown into the fray late in the season, so he may take another prove-it deal with us to play a whole season and boost his value going forward.
Isaiah Rodgers, CB— Rodgers was serviceable when called upon, but he had plenty of moments where he was picked on too. His struggles, along with the fact that he played as a backup in 2024 could mean he likely wouldn’t get a payday as a starter on most other teams. He’s a restricted free agent, so we can also match any offer he receives from other teams. I believe we’re going to move on from Slay, so Rodgers will be retained for relatively cheap to compete with Ringo for the other outside corner spot.
Avonte Maddox, CB— Aside from his great 4th down pass deflection in the SB, Maddox has been a liability for us recently, in large part due to injuries, so I don’t think he comes back unless he’s okay with being a strict backup to the young guys.
Rick Lovato, LS— Lovato has been with us since 2016 and hasn’t really regressed, so I expect the team to resign him for cheap.
Britain Covey, WR— Covey was injured for most of the 2024 season, but prior to that he was statistically the best punt returner in 2023. I’m sure most in the organization and the fanbase don’t want to see Coop continuing to return punts next season, so I think we retain Covey for cheap and hope he can stay healthy (he provides WR depth too).
Everybody Else: C.J. Uzomah, Ben Vansumeren, Fred Johnson, Jack Driscoll, Paris Campbell, and Le’Raven Clark are all guys who we either let go or bring back to serve as cheap backups or practice squad guys (Nick Gates was already released).
Additionally, I expect Howie to resign Blankenship and Jurgens this offseason, and release Slay and Bradberry to free up cap space. We could also gain more cap for this season if (most likely when) Howie decides to restructure Hurts’ contract (currently slated to eat up $101 million in 2025).
I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on any offseason draft picks, signings, or contract extensions they would like to see!