Five Biggest Free Agency Moves: Philadelphia Eagles
With free agency now into its fourth week as April’s Draft draws closer, it’s time to start reviewing which teams filled some needs and who got weaker. Here are the five biggest free agency moves for each team so far.
After finding their franchise quarterback of the future in Carson Wentz, the Eagles struggled to give the North Dakota state product good weapons last year. That becomes the focus of this off-season, as Jim Schwartz’s defensive is reasonably solid. Finding support for Wentz to help his development is general manager Howie Roseman’s top priority. Here are Philadelphia’s five biggest free agency moves:
1 — Signing Alshon Jeffery
After issues with injuries and suspensions, the Eagles signed Jeffery to a one year, $14 million prove-it deal; giving Wentz a legitimate number one receiver and an imposing redzone target. Jeffery reportedly turned down a more lucrative multi-year contract from the Minnesota Vikings in order to catch passes from Wentz, proving how strong the lure of a young franchise quarterback can be for free agents. If Jeffery has a good season, he could be in a position to get a monster deal from either Philadelphia or another team next off-season.
2 — Signing Torrey Smith
In addition to finding a number one receiver, the Eagles also needed to find a consistent deep threat for Wentz. Philadelphia got a bargain in former 49er Torrey Smith, who joins on a three year, $15 million deal after being released by San Francisco Lining up alongside Jeffery will allow Smith to play to his strengths as a vertical threat, with Jordan Matthews now free to move to his preferred role as a slot receiver.
3 — Signing Chris Long
The Eagles were middle-of-the-league last season with 34 sacks, and need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. After winning a ring with the Patriots, veteran pass rusher Chris Long landed with the Eagles and signed a two year deal to replace Connor Barwin. Long had four sacks last season across seven starts for the Patriots and should fit defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s attacking 4–3 scheme, joining a pass rush rotation that already boasts Brandon Graham and Vinnie Curry.
4 — Signing Chance Warmack
Once you’ve found a franchise quarterback, your focus then shifts to protecting him. The Eagles did a decent job of protecting Wentz last season, but finding younger offensive linemen to grow and develop chemistry with him would be wise. So the Eagles signed former Titans first rounder Chance Warmack to compete at guard. Warmack is 25 but struggled with consistency in Tennessee, so the Eagles will be hoping to get more out of him on a one year prove-it deal.
5 — Re-signing Stefan Wisniewski
The best way for an offensive line to protect their quarterback is through consistency and continuity. Re-signing Wisniewski to a three year, $9 million contract is a good way to do that. Wisniewski can play either guard or center and can provide quality depth if he doesn’t win a starting job.
