Birds must make key moves during offseason
The Philadelphia Eagles season concluded after a 17-9 wildcard round loss to the Seattle Seahawks. They finished the season 9-7 and won the NFC East for the second time in two years.
That same week, General Manger Howie Roseman described his intentions regarding the crucial upcoming offseason. Roseman recognized that the Super Bowl window was fast closing as the roster stands, and that the team needs an infusion of young talent.
With this intention in mind, what does Philadelphia’s front office need to do this offseason to extend their Super Bowl window?
First, promote Duce Staley.
Roseman and Head Coach Doug Pederson started the offseason with a bang by firing Offensive Coordinator Mike Groh and Wide Receivers Coach Carson Welch. A fresh perspective is needed, in addition to trying to regain some of the magic of their Super Bowl season.
First, Duce Staley. The retired running back and current Eagles Running Backs Coach has been extremely successful in recent years, most recently with the success of rookie Miles Sanders and breakout star Boston Scott. He’s the perfect option to replace Groah, and he will be able to give Pederson a new perspective on running the offense.
Second, Josh McCown. The Eagles backup Quarterback turned playoff starter reportedly had a great deal to do with the mentorship and development of WR Greg Ward and other late season starters after the position was devastated with injury. McCown has the benefit of having a prior relationship with the young receivers on the team and is set up beautifully to break into the NFL coaching world with this gig.
Free Agent and Draft Targets.
The Eagles need a smart free agency and a very good draft that can infuse the team with starting caliber young talent. Here are their targets for both free agency and the draft.
Logan Ryan, CB, Tennessee Titans (UFA): The South Jersey native has been an integral part of the Titans’ dream playoff run. He was among the league leaders in tackles (113), had four interceptions, and forced four fumbles. The 29-year-old is looking for his third contract and experts are unsure if the Titans will want to cough up the money to bring him back. The Eagles can afford to spend $10-15 million on the Corner (assuming Roseman does some of his usual financial dealings) and it’s worth it for an experienced player that can help develop some of the younger defensive backs on roster, including Avonte Maddox and Cre’von LeBlanc.
Anthony Harris, SS, Minnesota Vikings (UFA): The Minnesota Vikings safety had a breakout year and is primed for a big contract if the Vikings don’t bring him back. He was tied for the league lead in interceptions with six and one in the postseason against Drew Brees and the Saints. Anthony Harris would be a great secondary option if they can’t bring in Logan Ryan. He would make a great pairing with Malcom Jenkins/Rodney McLeod (whoever they decide to keep). The former Virginia Cavalier is likely going to get about $10-$15 million a year.
Breshad Perriman, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (UFA): The Lithonia, Georgia native had a breakout conclusion to season in relief of the injured Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He was able to produce 506 yards and five touchdowns in his five games as the number one target for QB Jameis Winston. Under the Pederson (and hopefully Staley) offense, Perriman will be a perfect target for Carson Wentz. However, the front office should not be willing to give Perriman any large amount of money and should only complete this deal if the team prefers to take a defensive back in the first round.
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama (Draft): The Alabama wideout fits what the Eagles need perfectly. His most notable quality- speed. He has a similar skill set to DeSean Jackson coming out of college. With Jackson still on roster, Ruggs will have great example to develop under, especially with Josh McCown in a coaching role.
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama (Draft): The second Alabama product on this draft list, the standout corner has All-Pro potential. He fits with what the Eagles need in their secondary, and his flaws match up with the talents of other members of the Eagles secondary. He has trouble tackling and sometimes is too aggressive, but his raw athleticism and good basic mechanics could be too good to pass up for Howie Roseman.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado (Draft): The Colorado wideout has explosive potential. His downsides seem like the concerns many analysts had with DK Metcalf, who turned out to be very successful with the Seahawks. Shenault has versatility, playing every offensive position except offensive line at Colorado, and has the potential to be a true X-factor player on offense for the Eagles. He would fit nicely next to DeSean Jackson and JJ Arcega-Whiteside in the Eagles receiving group.