Impending 2023 free agents Eagles must avoid during the frenzy
If Miles Sanders and Boston Scott walk, the Eagles might benefit from looking at some inexpensive tailback options.
Philadelphia is set to allow their starting running back, Miles Sanders, (and his backup, Boston Scott) to test the free-agent market. Just like that, Philly would be without two-thirds of their three-headed monster at tailback from this past season.
Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard are expected to receive the franchise tags from the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys respectively. That leaves Saquon Barkley as a possible option if the New York Giants don’t franchise or sign him.
Sanders, Pollard, Jacobs, and Barkley all figure to cost pretty pennies for whoever signs them. It’s doubtful will all demand top dollar from the potential suitors, and the Birds may not want to empty the pocketbook for what they have rarely seen as a premium position.
A cheaper option for the running back spot in free agency is Raheem Mostert from the Miami Dolphins, but there are a lot of red flags with this option. He has only played two full seasons during his eight-year career. He has 1,207 fewer career rushing yards than Miles Sanders, who, as you know, minus last season has had his own injury questions to answer.
Mostert, like Sanders, had a career year in 2022 with 891 yards rushing. Miles had a better year overall, one that landed him a Pro Bowl nomination.
Mostert, the Purdue alum isn’t getting any younger. He turns 31 years old in April. If somehow, the Birds do the unthinkable and give him a contract, he most certainly won’t be able to fill the role of ‘feature back’ due to his durability issues, and that’s exactly what the Eagles should be looking for, someone they can rely on as a key piece on the offense for years to come.
