4 Free Agents the Eagles could sign from the Vikings’ 2023 roster

The Philadelphia Eagles have some huge holes in their defense that they need to fill ahead of their first season with new coordinator Vic Fangio. Once the new league year begins, free agency should help them find a few. The impending free agents coming from the Minnesota Vikings 2023 roster aren’t necessarily players that could plug those holes permanently, but let's discuss them anyway. There's a lot of talent in the group.

Things change often in the NFL, and they change quickly. Decisions must be made about Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and D’Andre Swift, and that’s where some of these Vikings could be useful pieces on the Eagles’ roster.

The Eagles’ defense could benefit from a few of the free agents leaving the Vikings.

Here's a look at a few Vikings worth discussing. One is a guy the Eagles know very well.

1. Danielle Hunter - Edge

First off, his name is pronounced Done-eel. 'Done', like 'finished', and then 'eel', like the underwater hell-snake thing. Danielle Hunter is 29 years old and entering his ninth NFL season, and he's anything but 'done'.

He registered over 10 sacks and/or was a Pro Bowler four times in five of them. He’s a stud and this would be a knockout (but expensive) addition.

His acquisition would depend entirely on what happens with Haason Reddick and/or Josh Sweat.

2. Jordan Hicks - Linebacker

Jordan Hicks is 31 years old and entering his 10th season in the NFL. He was drafted by the Eagles in 2015 and spent four years with the team, so he should sound familiar to you. 

He’s definitely past his prime, but he’s still playing well. He missed a few games last season with a leg contusion and some other scary medical thing with his leg, but that was the first time he’s missed extended time since he was on the Eagles roster in 2017. 

Vic Fangio's defense needs capable linebackers and Jordan Hicks is a serviceable talent, even at his age.

3. Alexander Mattison - Running back

Alexander Mattison is 25 years old and entering his sixth NFL season. He spent most of that career behind Dalvin Cook on the Vikings’ depth chart, so he’s only had 584 total carries as a result. There should be plenty of tread on the tires. 

In 2023 he became RB1 in Minnesota and had a disappointing season. He totaled 180 carries for a career-high 700 yards. That isn't what you would expect for a guy with relatively fresh legs. 

The running back market will be wild this offseason, and if things don’t go how Howie Roseman would like, Alexander Mattison could be a nice consolation prize.

4. D.J. Wonnum - Edge

D.J. Wonnum is 26 years old and entering his fifth NFL season. He has improved every year in his career, culminating in 2023. He collected 62 tackles, eight sacks, and six passes defended. He’s young and could potentially be a long-term piece on the Eagles’ defense.

If the Vikings let Danielle Hunter out of the building, the chance of Wonnum becoming available decreases significantly. The bottom line is that either of these edge rushers would be a good addition to the Eagles' defense, but Hunter is a home run.

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