With less than three weeks to go before the NFL Draft, the Eagles are deep in their offseason duties. They signed several key veterans, including defensive end Brandon Graham, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, cornerback James Bradberry, center Jason Kelce and running back Boston Scott; and cornerback Darius Slay signed a new contract that lowered his 2023 cap.
The Eagles also signed a handful of outside free agents. Some are expected to make immediate contributions, while others will provide depth as they compete for a spot on the list later this summer. After falling short in the dying seconds of Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles are hoping their retooled roster can take them back onto the sport’s greatest stage.
» READ MORE: The Eagles’ free agency placement to date results in mostly good grades for Howie Roseman
Let’s rank the Eagles’ free-agent signings up to this point.
1. Rashaad Penny, running back, 27 years old
Statistics 2022: 5 games, 57 carries, 346 rushing yards (6.1 average), 2 touchdowns, 1 fumble
Third-year returning Kenneth Gainwell seems poised for a bigger role, but should the Eagles take a knockout approach in the backfield, Penny is projected as an immediate contributor – and he’s backed by one of football’s best offensive lines. There are some serious durability concerns; Penny has only played 42 games out of a possible 82 in his five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks due to injuries. But during his introductory press conference, Penny pointed to the Eagles’ training staff as one of the main reasons he signed with the team. The Eagles have seen a noticeable drop in serious injuries over the past two seasons under coach Nick Sirianni, who has taken a more relaxed approach to training throughout the season. If Penny, who has an impressive career average of 5.7 yards per carry, stays healthy, he could be a roaring success.
» READ MORE: Nick Sirianni wishes Miles Sanders well and says he’s looking forward to coaching Rashaad Penny
2. Terrell Edmunds, security, 26
Statistics 2022: 15 games, 70 tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss
Edmunds sees himself as an immediate starter after the Eagles lost free agents Marcus Epps (Las Vegas Raiders) and CJ Gardner-Johnson (Detroit Lions). Edmunds, a 2018 first-round pick, has been extremely durable, having appeared in 79 of a possible 82 regular-season games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He may not have Gardner-Johnson’s turnover playmaking prowess, but Edmunds performed similarly to his predecessor, according to Pro Football Focus. He earned an overall defensive grade of 69.1 (36th among safeties) compared to Gardner-Johnson’s 63.9 and ranked ahead of Gardner-Johnson in both coverage grade and running grade per PFF. The Eagles own two cornerbacks with lockdown veterans in Bradberry and Slay, so Edmunds may have additional opportunities to play in the backend.
3.Marcus Mariota, quarterback, 29
Statistics 2022: 13 games, 61.3 percent completion, 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
The Eagles hope Mariota never turns away from the cleanup duty, but solidifying the quarterback depth map behind starter Jalen Hurts was a priority after Gardner Minshew signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. In the past two seasons, Hurts has missed three games through injury. His willingness to make contact in the open field to gain extra yards makes Hurts vulnerable to big hits. As Sirianni pointed out earlier in the season, Hurts is a training warrior and his body is built to last, although recent history shows Hurts is still influenced by external factors when it comes to his own health. The addition of Mariota gives the Eagles a more versatile quarterback compared to Minshew, a more traditional pocket passer. If Mariota ever has to come on for hurts, the Eagles should still be able to execute the majority of their playbook, including designed quarterback rushes and run pass options. Last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Mariota rushed 85 times for 438 yards (5.2 average) and four rushing touchdowns.
Marcus Mariota’s athleticism provides the Eagles with a more similar backup than Gardner Minshew did for Jalen Hurts.. … read moreDanny Karnik/AP
4. Kentavius Street, defensive tackle, 26
Statistics 2022: 17 games, 29 tackles, 3 ½ sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 5 tackles for loss
Street enjoyed a breakout season as he posted multiple career highs and grabbed 518 defensive snaps (46%) with the New Orleans Saints. He adds talent and depth to a position group that was badly needed after the Eagles lost Javon Hargrave in a free hand. The Eagles have re-signed veteran Cox and they will need improved performances from Jordan Davis and Milton Williams. However, Street gives the device upside potential at a low cost.
» READ MORE: Eagles Draft: Could the Birds target Georgia’s Jalen Carter to replace Javon Hargrave?
5. Nicholas Morrow, defender, 27
Statistics 2022: 17 games, 116 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 interception
The Eagles finally benefited from improved play at linebacker last season, but they allowed TJ Edwards and Kyzir White to go freehand. Morrow is an instant starter with sophomore linebacker Nakobe Dean drafted as his running mate. Despite playing for a struggling Chicago Bears team that lost several defensive starters in 2022, he tied up the best year of his career. During his introductory press conference, the former Division III standout defined himself as a “versatile player” capable of playing in the linebacker positions MIKE, WILL and SAM. Morrow was on the field for every single defensive snap by the Bears (1,086). The Eagles will now rely on Morrow to patch the middle tier under new defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
New Eagles linebacker Nicholas Morrow is slated to start from Day 1 following the departures of TJ Edwards and Kyzir White.. … read moreKamil Krzaczynski/AP
6. Justin Evans, security, 27
Statistics 2022: 15 games, 29 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Evans brings starting experience – he’s made 25 starts since 2017, including four last season with the Saints. With Edmunds forecast as an expected starter, Evans will have an opportunity to battle with second-year pro Reed Blankenship and K’Von Wallace for the other starter spot. The Eagles, who currently own six picks in this month’s NFL draft, including two first-round picks, could improve position ahead of training camp as well. It’s worth noting that the Gardner-Johnson team only took over a week and a half before the 2022 season. Gardner-Johnson still started the season opener in Detroit.
» READ MORE: Eagles Draft: 2023 Safety Class Breakdown Led by Alabama’s Brian Branch
7. Greedy Williams, cornerback, 25
Statistics 2022: 11 games, 11 tackles
Williams appears to be in the mix with Zech McPhearson and Josh Jobe for the primary backup role at outside cornerback. Williams only started in one game last season while cemented behind Cleveland Browns starters Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. However, Williams brings experience and a long frame (6-foot-2) to Philadelphia. The former LSU star started in 20 games in his first two seasons with the Browns. He recorded career bests in pass defense (10) and interceptions (two) in 2021. Now he has a chance to savor the knowledge of two elite cornerbacks in Slay and Bradberry.