6 Eagles on the Chopping Block After Brian Johnson Split

3. Kenneth Gainwell, RB

During the Eagles Super Bowl run, their offense started to turn to Kenneth Gainwell as their top runner. In three playoff games, the second-year back had 181 yards with 112 of those coming against the New York Giants in the divisional round. He scored a touchdown in that one as well and while the Kansas City Chiefs handled him well in the Super Bowl, he still averaged 5.5 yards per attempt.

Philadelphia then let Miles Sanders leave in free agency which could have opened the door for Gainwell — had it not been for the trade that landed them D’Andre Swift. Still, Gainwell had a role with 547 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.

Heading into the offseason, Gainwell is still under contract but the Eagles backfield could look drastically different. Swift, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny are all scheduled for free agency. Swift, who topped 1,000 yards on the ground and is a weapon as a receiver, should be a priority.

However, the Eagles could look to replace the remaining free agents and that might lead to their new offensive coordinator landing a couple of RBs he prefers over Gainwell. 

The former fifth-round pick has been a solid change of pace back, so perhaps he could be spared, but there’s no telling what a new coach might think.