Philadelphia Eagles: Free agent options from the NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE

Here’s an interesting one that may need some convincing, but I still believe would be a good option.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Solomon Thomas third overall in 2017, which may have been a little too high. Nonetheless, he obviously has the talent and ability to play in the NFL.

Through his first three seasons, Thomas recorded six sacks and 23 QB hits. He was a starter for his first two seasons but was demoted to a rotational player in 2019, with other players getting more snaps. As part of the rotation, Thomas contributed to the 49ers’ dominant defensive line that helped get to the Super Bowl.

After declining his fifth-year option, the 49ers made 2020 the final year of his rookie contract. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to finish the season, as he tore his ACL in Week 2. He now enters free agency coming off of a major injury.

With all of this said, the Philadelphia Eagles should take this chance on a buy-low player like Thomas. The philosophy has always been building in the trenches, and every offseason, it feels like they add a new player to the defensive line.

Although they are set to return, the futures of current defensive ends Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat are still a conversation to be had, as nobody knows what is going to happen this offseason regarding player turnover.

Whether or not all three return or not, the Eagles should look into adding Thomas, as they are always looking for depth across the defensive line.