The deadline for losing compensatory picks due to signing free agents has passed. What will the Eagles do next? Which remaining free agents would be a good fit in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Eagles have had an excellent offseason. The team has addressed nearly every positional need so far. Still, with the comp pick deadline passing, Philadelphia can add free agents with no penalty. Here is a look at three free agents that might just end up in midnight green by the end of this offseason.
Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Lineman
Suh is the highest profile of all the remaining free agents. Last year he joined the Rams and helped Los Angeles make a Super Bowl run. Adding Suh to the interior of the defense for the Eagles would take the pressure off of Fletcher Cox and allow for a more dominant rotation along the front. Suh fits in well with the style of defense Jim Schwartz likes to play. The primary issue with this signing is the salary cap. Suh is used to getting elite-level money. Although Howie Roseman is a salary cap wizard, do the Eagles want to add another player over thirty to the roster? Probably not.
Shane Ray, Defensive End/Edge
Ray amassed eight sacks in 2016 but has been plagued by injuries in the last two seasons. Just 25, Ray could be a good fit in Philadelphia. Schwartz loves to rotate in linemen so Ray would not have to play every down. With Chris Long still undecided about returning, adding Ray is a sensible choice for the Eagles. Pair that with his young age, and Philadelphia could end up with a steal.
Tre Boston, Safety
Boston is another young free agent with NFL experience. At 26, Boston certainly has plenty left in the tank. He has 11 career interceptions, including five in 2017. Adding secondary depth is another key to Schwartz’s defensive scheme, as the Eagles often use nickel and dime packages. Boston could be another low-cost option for the Eagles, helping to bolster a secondary that was decimated by injury last season.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles have done a stellar job in improving an already talented team. Don’t be surprised to see Howie Roseman use the remaining cap money to extend Carson Wentz, or even let the surplus roll over for an additional year. However, if Roseman does make a move, any of these three remaining free agents would make a positive impact in Philly as the Eagles reload for another championship run.
