Grading the first wave of Eagles free agency: Howie Roseman still has important tasks to complete this offseason if Philadelphia wants to return to Super Bowl
The Eagles have not been super active so far.
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for a return to the elite of the NFC. They had a lackluster finish to last season, but they have created a brand new coaching staff and must continue to improve their roster this offseason under general manager Howie Roseman.
Eagles’ first wave of free agency has been quiet as more moves loom
Philly has not been overly active so far, as they have seen a handful of notable veteran players leave their team during the first days of free agency.
Departures:
EDGE Jaelan Phillips (Carolina Panthers)
LB Nakobe Dean (Las Vegas Raiders)
S Reed Blankenship (Houston Texans)
OL Brett Toth (San Francisco 49ers)
QB Sam Howell (Dallas Cowboys)
WR Jahan Dotson (Atlanta Falcons)
EDGE Joshua Uche (Miami Dolphins)
EDGE Azeez Ojulari (Atlanta Falcons)
TE Kylen Granson (Tennessee Titans)
Additions:
CB Tariq Woolen
TE Johnny Mundt
CB Jonathan Jones
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
Re-signings:
TE Grant Calcaterra
P Braden Mann
TE Dallas Goedert
CB Tariq Woolen signing grade
The addition of Woolen is a valuable one because he is much more trustable than any other option on the roster currently. While the Eagles could spend their first-round pick on a CB, that would place plenty of pressure on a rookie to hold that starting role.
Not to mention, Cooper DeJean can stay in the slot now with the addition of a clear outside cornerback. That’s where the young DB has played his best early in his pro career, on his way to All-Pro status.
Tariq Woolen signing GRADE: B
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie signing grade
Ebiketie isn’t a name that fans were clamoring for, but there were some teams around the league who had their eyes on him. His price tag was notably lower than some of the other options on the market.
For the Eagles, we have seen Roseman find diamonds in the rough in years past. Hidden gems are tough to come by, especially in positions as valuable as edge rusher. The veteran executive is trusting their evaluation of Ebiketie proves to be the right one.
Arnold Ebiketie signing GRADE: B-
TE Dallas Goedert re-signing grade
The Eagles made an obvious move this weekend in bringing back tight end Dallas Goedert, but it wasn’t a process that was overly simple. In the end, Goedert is back on a $7 million contract that includes a $4.25 million signing bonus.
If that sounds like a low price for one of the most impressive receiving TEs in football for much of last season when it comes to production, it is. This is a great deal for the Birds but also allows Goedert to most likely hit the market again in 2027 – which may be valuable for him.
Dallas Goedert signing GRADE: A
Biggest remaining needs in free agency for Philadelphia
- Safety
- Linebacker
- Interior offensive line
- EDGE rusher
- Wide receiver
Philadelphia Eagles overall first wave of free agency grade: B-
Philly’s lack of moves is the main concerning aspect of the offseason so far. They still need another proven pass rusher, and safety remains a bit cloudy with Reed Blankenship no longer in the fold.
We also have to keep an eye on wide receiver. A.J. Brown has not been traded as of yet, but there remains a possibility of a post-June 1 deal for Philadelphia.
This grade would be nearing an “A” if the Eagles had already made a big move at the safety position. Interior offensive line and linebacker remain a bit thin after free agency departures, too.
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