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Three free agents the Philadelphia Eagles could still sign

By David Esser

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01:Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field against the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01:Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field against the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Longtime Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is still on the open market.

Ever since he was traded away back in 2015 by the infamous Chip Kelly, rumors on a LeSean McCoy-Philadelphia reunion have run rampant through the local media. Pretty much every single offseason there is a story published linking the Eagles to their former franchise running back.

Obviously, the Eagles have themselves a new franchise running back in the likes of Miles Sanders. The Penn State alum is coming off a rookie year in which he recorded an astounding 1,327 scrimmage yards. Considering how well he played and how much potential he is genuinely showing, the Eagles will likely give him a very large role in 2020.

However, depth is important. In fact, we saw just how important the backup running back position is last year when practice squad call-up Boston Scott was thrusted into a starting role with the division on the line (week 17).

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants on December 28, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants on December 28, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Doug Pederson and the Eagles have been known for utilizing three-back systems in the past, and after Sanders and Scott, there really isn’t much stability at the running back position. Undrafted free agents Adrian Killins and Michael Warren look promising, but have obviously not played a NFL snap yet. Late season call-up Elijah Holyfield Jr. has the build of a serviceable power back, but once again he has little to no NFL experience.

McCoy recorded 465 rushing yards and 181 receiving yards playing for the Kansas City Chiefs last year. His yards per touch finished at 5.0, his most since 2016. However, he did end up finishing the year as a healthy scratch. Andy Reid and the Chiefs opted to run Damien Williams during the Super Bowl instead of Shady.

Considering how his time in Kansas City ended, it’s safe to say McCoy isn’t the same back he used to be anymore. He turned 32 this past week and his lightning quick speed will likely start to fade sooner rather than later. However, he showed some flashes at points in 2019, and would likely take a veteran minimum contract to return to Philly. If the Eagles are serious about adding a third running back while staying financially responsible. McCoy makes the most sense.

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