Don't mind us. The Philadelphia Eagles' season is over. It has been for a while, so we're watching things like the Senior Bowl and the Pro Bowl Games.
Forget the Super Bowl... The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers? Really? Instead we'd rather discuss the coming NFL Draft and, before that, the free-agency frenzy.
The Birds never invest heavily in the linebacker position. The presumed starter for next season is a former third-rounder. Philly hasn't taken one in the first round of any NFL Draft since 1979 (Jerry Robinson).
Still, if there was ever a time to spend some coin, this would be the offseason. Here's some unsolicited advice about a handful of options. Let's see if your lists look like ours.
5. Azeez Al-Shaair, Tennessee Titans
He may not be the owner of a household name like Bobby Wagner or someone like that, but Azeez Al-Shaair made a name for himself while spending a season with the Tennessee Titans. This comes after taking up residency on the 49ers’ depth chart as their third linebacker while working behind star Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw for four seasons (2019-2022).
Al-Shaair doesn't give you a ton in coverage, so he may not be a three-down guy. Those, however, who are looking for a downhill tackler should give him a look, and yes, that includes our Eagles.
Philly would be wise to check out the following quartet as well.
4. 5. Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks
When Jordyn Brooks returned in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL regular season from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 17 of the 2022 campaign, no one knew what to expect. Had no one known he had been injured, he would have done nothing to tip them off.
He's good in coverage though he sometimes drew some tough assignments. He's also stout versus the run. A one-year deal might help him land a healthier salary down the road, but for now, there may be questions about how sturdy and consistent he can be, questions a one-year deal can answer.
3. Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen's eight sacks and 48 QB pressures over the past two NFL seasons are very impressive. As a matter of fact, he ranks second among off-ball linebackers in both categories over that span.
We have all hinted at Philly pursuing him before, but those of us who were in favor never saw our wishes granted. As the free-agency frenzy approaches, he's free to sign with whoever he wants. He probably will as the Baltimore Ravens may have to choose between paying him or letting him walk seeing as how they added Roquan Smith last offseason.
Most of us believe the Birds won't pay a high price tag, but you never know how these things might go.
2. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David, a free agent last season, was the ultimate team player. He signed with the only team he has ever suited up for and did so for a discount instead of testing uncharted waters.
While he may be content to be remembered as a lifelong member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's difficult to avoid the temptation to spend hours discussing how good he is.
He's one of the best coverage linebackers we have ever seen. That would play well in Vic Fangio's scheme if the Birds, first, were willing to pay him and, second, if he could tear himself from Tampa.
1. Frankie Luvu, Carolina Panthers
Frankie Luvu, like Christian McCaffrey, made a name for himself with the Carolina Panthers. Luvu, also like McCaffrey, deserves the opportunity to play for a better and more stable organization. Think about it. You never walk into Applebee's and expect to get a steak worthy of Ruth's Chris.
Lines have been drawn that connect Luvu and the Philadelphia Eagles before. As mentioned earlier, while the Birds never invest heavily in the linebacker position, this would be a good time to try it. They're healthy in terms of cap space, and Luvu WOULD NOT be a disappointment if he's who they break tradition for.