The Philadelphia Eagles created a stir when they signed Saquon Barkley early in the free agency period. Some people think the Eagles tampered before the legal tampering time because that move was made so early.
They also signed Bryce Huff, a former pass rusher for the New York Jets, to a $51.1 million, three-year contract. It’s obvious that the Eagles want to move past the disappointing conclusion of the 2023 campaign, and in order to accomplish so, they are attempting to strengthen a few areas.
As we’re getting into Week 2 of free agency, they can still make a few moves to fill out their depth chart. That could include signing these three in-house free agents to a new deal.
3. Boston Scott, RB
Adding Saquon Barkley made up for the loss of D’Andre Swift but the Eagles have to be realistic about one thing — Barkley is far from durable.
In his six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley missed 25 games and only played an entire schedule once — which was back in 2018 when he was a rookie. He’s also coming off the least productive season of his career, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. The Giants as a whole were awful, which limited him, but the Eagles need to make sure they have more help in the backfield.
That’s why re-signing Boston Scott might be on the table.
Scott didn’t do much in 2023 but he’s done well whenever given a chance. In six seasons with Philly, he has 1,295 yards on the ground and averages 4.3 per attempt. He’s added 566 yards as a receiver and has 17 total touchdowns. It won’t move the needle to retain him but the Eagles know Scott can deliver if needed.
2. Justin Evans, S
The safety position could look similar but different in 2024 for the Eagles.
Ahead of the start of free agency, Philadelphia decided to release Kevin Byard. They added the former Tennessee Titans safety at the trade deadline but he didn’t improve the secondary the way they hoped. That’s why they elected to save the money by moving on.
The Eagles quickly replaced him in free agency with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who spent the 2022 campaign with the franchise. Gardner-Johnson led the league with six picks that season but then signed with the Detroit Lions. He played just three games for them due to injury.
Philadelphia also had a free agent safety hit the IR in 2023, Justin Evans. A former second-round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans spent 2022 with the New Orleans Saints before signing with the Eagles. He started four games and had 15 tackles and two pass defenses but a knee injury sent him to the IR in October.
Philadelphia doesn’t have great depth at safety right now and with Gardner-Johnson expected to play in the slot often, bringing back Evans could give them someone who is capable of starting without breaking the bank.
1. Zach Cunningham, LB
Devin White, a former Tampa Bay Bucs player, was signed by Philadelphia, which helps bolster a thin depth chart. In five seasons with the Bucs, White recorded 566 tackles, 23 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three picks. He was selected fifth overall in 2019 out of LSU.
His addition should help the Eagles shore up an area of concern. However, they could use more depth at linebacker since they had three players from their 2023 roster hit the open market.
One of those is Nicholas Morrow, who signed with the Buffalo Bills. Another is Shaq Leonard, who was signed late in the season after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. Philadelphia beat out the Dallas Cowboys for his services but Leonard isn’t likely to return. He appeared to have lost a step, likely due to multiple back surgeries.
The third free agent is Zach Cunningham, who was a late addition in 2023. Signed during camp. Cunningham wound up starting 10 games while appearing in 13. He finished with 85 tackles and four pass defenses, proving to be capable both in run defense and pass coverage.
Cunningham, a previous second-round selection, will turn 30 in December, so the Eagles may decide to take a different approach. However, he might be their man if they want to make sure they have someone who can start beside White.
