Medium Splash: Eagles Can Improve Without Breaking the Bank
By Dave Searles
Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) reacts during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
8) Michael Mitchell, Carolina Panthers Safety
Panthers safety Michael Mitchell went from a player best known as coming into the NFL via the Oakland Raiders as someone not even the top draft analysts considered a second round option (most had difficulty finding any information on him at all), to a talent who ended up being a legitimate reason why Carolina had one of the most feared defenses in the NFC. With 67 tackles, four interceptions and two quarterback sacks in 2013, Mitchell demanded respect and is one of the top safety prospects in free agency. The Eagles could offer the 6’0, 205 pound safety a smaller multi-year deal and avoid paying a name value premium so long as the Panthers are willing to let him test the market, which isn’t a guarantee.