Philadelphia Eagles: Six Potential Free Agent Targets

Beginning March 7th, NFL teams are free to negotiate with Free Agents. This looks to be a huge period for the Philadelphia Eagles, looking to improve on last season’s 7-9 disappointment.

With free agency fast approaching (can you believe it’s already barely over a month away?!), the Philadelphia Eagles have some major roster renovations to be handled. This offseason’s free agency class isn’t necessarily what one would call the cream of the crop, but there are some solid players available. Here’s a look at six very reasonable targets for the Eagles in positions of need.

1) Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay RB

With Ryan Mathews likely leaving and it completely up in the air if they tender RFA Kenjon Barner, the Eagles likely need another running back. A good running back that won’t break the bank and can be relied upon is none other than former Oregon State man, Jacquizz Rodgers. In the games where Tampa Bay had to heavily rely on Rodgers in 2016, he did not disappoint. In 5 starts for Tampa Bay in 2016, Rodgers had 462 rushing yards on 107 carries (4.3 per rush). A back with great speed and great receiving prowess, Rodgers could immediately come in and fight for the feature back role in Philly. Despite his small frame (5’7″, 190), Rodgers plays well beyond his size, much like a certain running back we have that’s departing after this season. A deal in the ballpark of 3 years, $15 million is what Rodgers can expect to get in the open market, and the Eagles would be interesting suitors for the 6th year man.

2) Brian Quick, Los Angeles Rams WR

It’s no breaking news to any Eagles fan that this team is in desperate need of WR’s. With Jordan Matthews seemingly the only wideout guaranteed an opening day spot, turnover is inevitable. With the recent hiring of former Rams WR coach Mike Groh, it’s not inconceivable the Eagles chase the former Rams WR. Quick gathered 41 catches and 564 yards last year in a disastrous Rams offense, which would have been good for 3rd on the Eagles. At 6’4″, 240, Quick not only has quickness (go figure) but also very good size for a wideout. If Eagles fans are looking for an upgrade over Dorial Green-Beckham, look no further. With a market value of $5.5 million per year according to spotrac.com, this could be a deal the Eagles look to pursue. It’s not insane to think Quick could get close to the 1,000-yard mark with Carson Wentz throwing him the ball.

3) William Gholston, Tampa Bay DE

With the combination of disappointing seasons from Connor Barwin and Vinny Curry, the Eagles could use another edge rusher. With only a combined 7.5 sacks coming from the two of them, the Eagles need a better compliment opposite of Brandon Graham. Gathering 25 starts the last two seasons for Tampa Bay, Gholston is no stranger to being in an already skilled defensive line. Gholston certainly has the huge frame and athleticism needed to essentially replace Barwin and would be an ideal addition to the front seven. If Barwin takes a pay-cut, the Eagles could likely afford Gholston at around 4 years, $24 million.

4) Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants DT

Another interesting name to kick around, Hankins would fit very well with Schwartz’ 4-3 defense. Coming from a 4-3 background under Steve Spagnuolo in New York, Hankins could provide a replacement for Bennie Logan, who looks a doubt to be an Eagle next year. Hankins could very likely come cheaper than Logan, and for him to match his production would surprise no one. Not only powerful at 6’2′, 320, Hankins also possesses very impressive athleticism for his size. Hankins showed impressive durability, something Logan has been inconsistent with. Costing a likely $7 million a year, Eagles fans would be able to put behind his history with their division rivals behind them for similar productivity in green and white.

5) Gerald Hodges, San Francisco LB

This one makes too much sense for many different reasons. First, Hodges is as local as they come to this area, graduating from Paulsboro High School in South Jersey, then attending Penn State. Capable of playing as an inside or outside linebacker, Hodges would be great alongside Jordan Hicks. He’s also proven he’s a starting-caliber NFL linebacker, with 80 tackles last season, 62 of those coming on run plays. Hodges is very likely to be interested if the Eagles were to make an approach, and at age 26 he’s in line for a nice contract. It wouldn’t be shocking for the Eagles to make a multi-year deal at $5 million per year offer to Hodges.

6) Marcus Cooper, Arizona CB

I’m probably not heavily educating anyone when I point out the fact the Eagles NEED to upgrade their corners. It’s fair to expect them to draft a corner with two of their first four picks or so, but a free-agent addition could also provide some needed help. That’s where Cooper comes in, coming off a solid year for the Cardinals. There’s obvious skepticism regarding overpaying for a FA corner, but Cooper will not break the bank. The Cardinals will likely stay away from a bidding war with anyone, and Cooper will not be short of suitors. His four interceptions last year looks phenomenal when comparing him to any Eagles corner, and going to school at Rutgers, he will have some familiarity with life on the East coast. Another guy that looks to be valued at around $5 million per year, Cooper could come in and be the number 1 or 2, and mentor the inevitable influx of rookie corners likely to come in.

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While it’s not extremely likely the Eagles make a ton of moves in Free Agency, this list of veterans provides more cost-effective options. Given their cap situation, splashing the cash doesn’t look to be a realistic option all over the roster. All of these guys are in positions of at least moderate need for the Eagles, and look for them to seriously kick around some of the names listed. Free Agency is just right around the corner, and it could subtly solve many of the problems for the NFC East bottom dwellers.

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