6 Free Agents the Eagles Should Sign Before NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
![Justin Simmons Justin Simmons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4007,h_2253,x_0,y_67/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/190/01htk0b03vm2hp7ybrpv.jpg)
4. Isaiah Simmons, LB
Another area of need throughout 2023 for Philly was at linebacker. Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham handled the inside linebacker duties but their defense struggled in every facet. They did go out and sign Shaq Leonard, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts.
Leonard gave them a former All-Pro to lean on but he was far from the player we remember seeing early in his career. Multiple back surgeries led to him playing without his signature burst and there were far too many instances where he would read the play correctly but just didn’t have the juice to get to the ball carrier.
Looking to shore up this position, the Eagles signed Devin White and Zack Baun in free agency. They’ll also be able to turn to Nakobe Dean who missed 12 games last year. Dean has the talent to be a difference-maker but needs to stay healthy. White can also get the job done but he’s coming off a down campaign.
That’s why it would make sense to add another player to the mix with Isaiah Simmons standing out as a decent option.
Simmons isn’t a perfect player by any means but he performed at a high level in coverage for the New York Giants in 2023. As a former top-10 pick, he was considered a bust for the Arizona Cardinals but he also never truly played just one position. A versatile weapon, he moved from linebacker to safety but if he sticks with just linebacker, he can be a great option on third downs.