Byron Jones and 2 other free agents Eagles must consider signing

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz needs to use linebackers better in his scheme. Philadelphia hasn’t had a great history of putting the proper time in investing in the position. That needs to change and quickly.

Aside from the decision to sign Nigel Bradham in 2016 and getting lucky in the draft with Nathan Gerry, the Eagles haven’t made any significant additions to that area of the defense. There have been attempts, Zach Brown for instance, but more often than not, there has been more failure than success stories.

The Eagles have expressed a desire to get younger, and with the uncertainty that they have at the linebacker position, the door is open for a signing someone like Blake Martinez. The only one they have on the current roster with a defined role in 2020 seems to be Nathan Gerry, so there’s room for improvement.

Martinez is 26, and he’s been a four-year starter for the Green Bay Packers since his arrival in the NFL in 2016. Signing him would lock down the position for years to come. He’d be expensive, but he’s well worth the money. Throughout the last three seasons, he tied for the league lead in tackles once (2017), and he came in second twice.

The former Packers linebacker would fit nicely in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 scheme. Eagles fans will love the fact that he doesn’t miss tackles, something that’s seemingly been a staple in Schwartz’s scheme (and something he tries to explain away) since he’s been hired.

Philly’s defense is in a bit of a rebuild, and they would be wise to solidify the middle linebacker position and bring in a good leader and signal-caller.