Ranking Eagles positional needs ahead of NFL free agency

The Philadelphia Eagles need youth and depth at EDGE.

Football is truly a simple game that we overcomplicate from time to time. It may sound like an oversimplification, but building a team can sometimes be as easy as building from the ball out. Build the offensive line and figure out your quarterback position. Then, on the other side, you want to find some guys to plug running lanes and some EDGE guys that can make life hard for the other team’s QB.

Sure, you need wide receivers and cornerbacks and safeties, but if you walk into every week with a disadvantage in the trenches, you aren’t going to win many games. Perhaps you’ve heard, but the Eagles have a huge need at the EDGE position as three of the top four guys on last season’s depth chart are aging or in danger of not being on this team or both.

Following Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni’s season-ending press conference, it felt like the vibe given off suggested Brandon Graham will be back. He’s gotten old, but he’s still the best defensive end that the Eagles have.  Derek Barnett, on the other hand, is officially a bust with one foot out of the door. Ryan Kerrigan’s addition last year in free agency was a total failure.

The Eagles made a nice investment by extending Josh Sweat. Tarron Jackson also has some ability. Past that, this team has Matt Leo and Cameron Malveaux signed to futures deals, but adding another difference-maker would be wise as this is one of those spots the Birds want to find some solid options for in the offseason.