We are nearing the 'legal tampering' period in the NFL, and though we have heard that term for most of our lives, something about its name makes it sound illegal. Maybe we're overthinking, but there are more important things (and dates) to discuss. The scouting combine is over, and the Philadelphia Eagles have decisions to make in free agency.
Howie Roseman and his staff will work around the clock until the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. EST. Then, they'll continue working around the clock through the offseason. We probably won't sleep either. Watching this roster's construction is one of our favorite activities.
We don't want to miss anything.
The NFL refers to its free-agency signing period as the 'frenzy.' This year's version should be fun. We expect several surprises. Roster turnover is inevitable for the Birds despite a record-setting salary cap figure announced at the close of February.
Four Eagles land on The Ringer's list of the top 50 free agents
Here's one you'll want to check out as we filter through the rumors that mention the world-champion Eagles. The Ringer's Sheil Kapadia dropped his list of the top 50 impending NFL free agents.
We've seen lists like these before. Most say the same thing. Four of the top 50 FAs played on Philly's roster last season. Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Zack Baun, and Mekhi Becton all land on this list and several others.
Here's some of what Kapadia said about his reasoning for their inclusion on his ranking.
6 - Milton Williams, defensive tackle
"Williams had a career-best five sacks and 10 quarterback hits last season in a rotational role in Philadelphia. He has started only 19 games in his career and has never played more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps in a single season.
But. given how young Williams is and how well he played on the best defense in the NFL last season, it’s reasonable to think that his arrow is pointing up and that he can develop into a high-level starter on his next deal."
Our take: He's right. Our prediction mirrors what most others are saying. It's hard to imagine Philly breaking the bank for the third defensive tackle on their depth chart. Milt will earn an opportunity to start elsewhere.
9 - Josh Sweat, EDGE
Josh Sweat lands in the top ten with Williams. It's hard to disagree with anything that follows.
"A tough guy to project. On one hand, there’s usually a market for productive pass rushers under age 30. Sweat was arguably the Eagles’ best player in their Super Bowl win, and he’s coming off of an eight-sack season.
On the other hand, Sweat ranked 60th in pressures and was solid but unspectacular for most of the regular season."
Our take: Josh Sweat's Eagles tenure is hard to grade sometimes because he was so inconsistent, but his legacy is untarnished. When his best was needed in his final game here (Super Bowl 59), his best was delivered, and he would have won Super Bowl MVP if not for Jalen Hurts' final bomb to DeVonta Smith.
12. Zack Baun, linebacker
It didn't take long for Zack Baun to become a fan favorite. He was everything Birds fans hope for: someone who respects the game and the city, someone who plays his heart out on every snap.
He signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal ahead of the 2024-25 Eagles season. We can officially state he outplayed his deal and gave the Birds more than they bargained for. Most agree he is the top-priority signing this offseason.
More from Kapadia: "He was legitimately one of the best defensive players in football last season. Playing off-ball linebacker for the first time in his career, Baun earned first-team All-Pro honors after piling up 151 tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
He was excellent in coverage, against the run, and when blitzing the quarterback."
Baun spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and started 14 of the 62 games he played there. Wow... They sure wasted his time, didn't they, but our Birds are the beneficiaries. They certainly have a baller on their hands.
32. Mekhi Becton, offensive lineman
Zack Baun's story proves better coaching, a better culture, and a change of scenery can make all the difference. Mekhi Becton may be an even better representation of that statement's accuracy.
Truth be told we can't watch the NY Jets play football. It's an excruciating experience, so most of what we knew about Becton's pro career was what we were told:
He's lazy. He gets hurt all of the time. The Jets hate him, and he hates the Jets.
Then it happened. Philly added him, and Nick Sirianni suggested to Jeff Stoutland that Becton may be moved to guard.
Becton looked happy. He was a great teammate. He fit right in, and he turned in a fantastic season. But, will he stay around
"I want to say one and a half...I do think they'll bring back Baun because I think Fangio will push hard for it.
This is where Howie's got to say, 'You know what, we'll take one of each [DT and DE] maybe in the draft,' as opposed to trying to pay these guys that much money."
Most will agree with that. We'll see what happens. This should be an interesting free-agency frenzy.
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