With NFL free agency less than a week away, Bleacher Report's NFL writers broke down the top 15 free agency signings in the last decade, with the Philadelphia Eagles having some great ones on there.
Out of 15 players, Bleacher Report listed three Eagles signings that have made an impact for the franchise, instantly elevating the team.
Zack Baun, LB, 2024
Baun was an average reserve Linebacker for the Saints, playing behind DeMario Davis and Alex Anzalone during his time in New Orleans, mostly as a special teams contributor. After becoming a free agent, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman signed Baun to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, which moved Baun from EDGE linebacker to middle linebacker.
Baun responded, registering 151 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception, earning an All-Pro honor as well. Most importantly, Baun changed the defense's attitude, becoming a focal leader for the team. At the end of the season, the Eagles signed Baun on a three-year, $51 million extension.
Nick Foles, QB, 2017
The arc of Nick Foles might be one of the more underappreciated stories over the last several years. Originally the Eagles' 2012 second-round draft pick, Foles earned a Pro Bowl and a playoff berth in 2013, at the peak of the Chip Kelly "hurry-up" offense. Despite going 6-2 as the Eagles' starting quarterback in 2014, Foles was traded in 2015 to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford, and then in 2016 to the Kansas City Chiefs (reuniting with Doug Pederson and Andy Reid).
Foles returned to the Eagles in 2017, following Doug Pederson (QB coach 2011-12), initially serving as the backup to Carson Wentz before an injury derailed Wentz's MVP campaign (and possibly his career), leading the Eagles to a 2-1 regular season record, enroute to a Super Bowl victory in 2017 (along with a statue). Foles followed up an incredible 2017 campaign with a solid 2018, leading the Eagles to a 4-1 record (regular season), in addition to a playoff win against Chicago.
Foles was signed to a two-year $11 million contract during his second go around in Philadelphia, delivering 13 starts (10-3 record), throwing for around 3,300 yards, and 21 touchdowns enroute to becoming a franchise legend.
Saquon Barkley, RB, 2024
Barkley's 2024 season will carry enough weight for Eagles fans to be pretty dismissive of the latter part of his contract. After several seasons with the rival New York Giants, Barkley signed a three-year contract with the Eagles, rewarding them with a slew of awards and totaling almost 2,300 all-purpose yards in his first year with Philadelphia.
Barkley followed up his 2024 regular season earning Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro honors with another 574 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, becoming the catalyst for the Eagles' Super Bowl victory.
Read more: Eagles fans would absolutely lose it if Howie Roseman got this draft haul in 2026
The Eagles would reward Barkley with a contract extension after the 2024 campaign, where he still managed to amass over 1,400 All-Purpose yards along with nine touchdowns. While Barkley may be "slowing" down, he's still a dynamic force when used correctly in Philadelphia, and his 2024 campaign delivered plenty of return on the Eagles' investment.