3 Eagles 2024 opponents who vastly improved in free agency

The Philadelphia Eagles made several unexpected splashes in free agency this year to improve their roster. One of the biggest signings wound up being Saquon Barkley to improve the offensive side of the ball. The Birds also signed several defensive studs, the highlights on that side of the ball being Bryce Huff, C. J. Gardner-Johnson, and Devin White. We've had a lot of fun, to say the least.

Philly wasn't the only team to make moves during the opening week of the free agency. Several teams that the Birds will play in 2024 used the free agency signing period to their benefit. Let's talk about four of them as we look back on the first wave of free agency.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a flurry of moves during the opening week of free agency. Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has some pieces to work with.

Jacksonville looked to fill obvious holes from last season and landed guys like center Mitch Morse, linebacker Arik Armstead, cornerback Ronald Darby, and safety Darnell Savage.

Morse will look to build chemistry and take some of the pressure off Trevor Lawrence. The Jags signal-caller was sacked 35 times last season. He dealt with nagging injuries toward the end of the year. Morse doesn't allow sacks, so that will be helpful.

Darby and Savage will help a secondary that struggled at times last season. They collectively bring 16 years of experience with them to a group of Jags who are still very young.

Arik Armstead will take off the pressure of the young explosive linebackers Josh Allen and Travon Walker. He should cause an immediate impact and help fuel a playoff push.

New York Giants

The Giants have a long way to go, but they made some interesting moves in free agency. New York's offensive line has been a problem for a while. Last season, their quarterbacks got sacked 85 times collectively. There was an obvious need to upgrade the offensive line.

The G-men did just that, signing four offensive linemen in free agency. One was Jon Runyan Jr., the son of an Eagles legend.

One of their splashiest moves this offseason was New York's acquisition of linebacker Brian Burns. He was added from the Carolina Panthers by way of a trade.

The Giants pass rush already featured Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II. Burns will help them continue getting to opposing quarterbacks.

Quarterback Drew Lock was also added as was running back Devin Singletary and former Eagles Jalen Mills and Jack Stoll. New York will cause a few issues for their opposition this season.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons took one of the biggest swings in free agency in an attempt to improve their team. Their weakest link was at quarterback, and they still came within a few games of winning the division. Desmond Ridder just couldn't get it done with former head coach Arthur Smith.

Raheem Morris takes over for Smith. He is attaching himself to Kirk Cousins. The latter signed a four-year, $180 million contract. 

Cousins should be able to get the offense moving again. He need only lean on tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Moody. This offense has the potential to be deadly for years to come.

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