2015 Free Agency Targets for the Eagles
By Jesse Shuter
Jun 17, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Running back Darren Sproles (43) runs drills during mini camp at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles played it safe in the 2014 offseason, signing a few low risk high reward players for smaller sums of money. The biggest headline was the Eagles releasing star wide receiver DeSean Jackson and then having him sign with the division rival Washington Redskins. Hopefully the Eagles will continue to make progress in the 2o14 season. By the end of the year, I believe that the Eagles will be very close to winning their first championship. I believe that general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly will feel that they are only a few key players away from taking the championship. As of right now most of the free agents have not signed extensions with their teams, so of those that are still set to be available this is who the Eagles should target.
To see the full list of available players check out NFL Trade Rumors at this link
Offense
Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Thomas is one of the elite receivers in the NFL. He went very far in the playoffs with his Broncos last year. It is because of this at it would be very hard, if not impossible to pull him away from the Denver Broncos. In fact I would be shocked if he even hits the open market. The only thing that I believe the Eagles have over the Broncos is that Peyton Manning is getting closer and closer to retirement, and that could open way for the much younger Eagles offense and brilliant head coach to lure Thomas to a team where he can have long term success.
Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
I believe that Torrey Smith may start to grow tired of the Ravens organization if their season goes as poorly as I project. The nearby city of Philadelphia would greet the young receiver with open arms. His ability to grab the deep ball and his speed make him a great fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. Another option could be Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers, who would actually be a better fit for the Eagles, although it would be harder to pull him away from the Packers that Smith from the Ravens.
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron (84) against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Cameron, Tight End, Cleveland Browns
Jordan Cameron is perfect for the Eagles. He is athletic and talented, and he is big. This follows Chip Kelly’s philosophy that big guys beat smaller guys. He is most likley unhappy on the Browns because he doesn’t get as many touches a game as he would like, he doesn’t like being on a team with a bad quarterback situation and he wants to win. The Eagles may want to cut or trade tight end Brent Celek if they get Cameron.
Defense
Cliff Avril, Defensive End, Seattle Seahawks
Avril is a very talented pass rusher for the reigning champions, but after re-signing safety Earl Thomas, defensive end Michael Bennett and cornerback Richard Sherman they may not have enough money to re-sign Avril. He could be a very solid fit for the Eagles.
Vontaze Burfict, Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals
Burfict would be my goal for the Eagles to sign. The 23 year old is one of the most valuable linebackers in the NFL and would be an incredible addition to the Eagles. I hope the Eagles seriously consider grabbing this young player.
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
Fairley is a young defensive star for the Lions. However he shares his snaps with fellow young defensive phenom Ndamukong Suh and he may be tired of falling short with the Lions. If Eagles defensive tackle Bennie Logan fails to continue his growth as a player the possibility of adding Fairley could be very attractive. An even better option could be star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, which would be an unbelievable signing for the Eagles.
Tramon Williams, Cornerback, Green Bay Packers
Williams has continued to impress me each year and is in my opinion one of the more underrated corners in the NFL. He is a very clutch player that could be a great fit for the Eagles. Other options of this caliber are Walter Thurmond of the New York Giants and Tarell Brown of the Oakland Raiders.
Dec 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) tackles during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Darrelle Revis, Cornerback, New England Patriots
Well its been quite a journey for this man. Once the best cornerback in the league, he had an injury and was shipped off to Tampa Bay. He then hit free agency and signed a huge deal with the Patriots and got the ability to go back into the market the following year. Revis could be the defensive player that turns the Eagles defense around, but he will pull a large amount of money out of the Eagles and could ruin their flexibility. If the go for Revis it will likely be a one or two year deal. The one condition of Revis is that the Patriots have the option of extending his contact another year for 20 million dollars, which while improbable is not impossible. Another option of this Caliber is San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers.
Hopefully the Eagles target some of these guys and make a splash next offseason.