Philadelphia Eagles: 5 offseason expectations from Howie Roseman
Carrying the load
With plenty of quality running backs expected to hit the market or be available by trade, the Eagles will walk away with one.
The well-documented saga that was Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers will finally see its conclusion. The soon-to-be free agent running back will have his choice of teams to pick from in 2019, and the Eagles very well may be one. The dual-threat running back, at only 27-years-old when the season begins, has proven himself as one of the game’s best. The question for Roseman and the Eagles is, can they afford him?
Another name of note is former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. Though currently on the commissioner’s exempt list following a disturbing video that shows him shoving and kicking a woman last February, Hunt has been undergoing anger management counseling daily and is expected to be reinstated by the league. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, multiple teams could be interested.
Might one of those teams be the Eagles?
Despite public backlash, Hunt would be an outstanding fit in Doug Pederson’s offense. After leading the league in rushing as a rookie, Hunt was on pace for an even better 2018. Through 11 games, the 86th overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft amassed 824 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, while tallying another 378 yards and seven scores through the air. His presence with the Eagles would add another dynamic to the offense, helping alleviate some of the pressure on Wentz.
While both of these backs would elevate the Eagles offense significantly, they won’t come cheap. That is why I see the Eagles going in another direction.
Saints running back Mark Ingram is set to become a free agent. While 29-years old, he has split ball-carrying duties throughout the majority of his eight-year career, which could make him a cost-effective signing for a cap-strapped Eagles team. In addition, the Eagles like utilizing a stable of backs. Ingram could receive the bulk of carries while Corey Clement continues his all-purpose role. It’s likely the Eagles will also add a runner in the draft.
The Eagles will add a running back this offseason, and while Kareem Hunt is the most attractive of the bunch, Mark Ingram makes financial sense.