Facebook Pixel

    Philadelphia Eagles Free Agents 2022: Derek Barnett, Boston Scott, and Anthony Harris head underwhelming group

    Who are the Philadelphia Eagles' free agents in 2022? Are any of them a priority to return or should they let them test the market?

    Who are the Philadelphia Eagles’ free agents in 2022? Which of them will be high-priority for the Eagles to retain next season, and will any of them be set to earn big money on the free-agent market in the 2022 offseason?

    Heading into the offseason, be sure to check out the top 2022 free agents at each position in the NFL.

    Philadelphia Eagles 2022 Free Agents

    When you glance across the Eagles’ roster, there are several intriguing names. However, the majority of those players are under contract for the 2022 season. In general, the Eagles’ free agents for 2022 appear to be somewhat underwhelming. Yes, there are some important contributors, but are any of them a priority for the Eagles to retain?

    All players are unrestricted free agents unless stated.

    Top Eagles offensive free agents

    The situation regarding free agents for the Eagles on the offensive side of the ball in 2022 is not all that enticing. They have just two unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents on that side of the ball. Of those, none of them have played more than 50% of the snaps on offense this season.

    Jordan Howard and Boston Scott (RFA) | RB

    The fact that Jordan Howard and Boston Scott are the Eagles’ top free agents on offense is extremely telling. Both players aren’t a bad option at the position, but with Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell on the roster, neither should be priorities to retain at this point. Simultaneously, it wouldn’t be surprising to see both of them back in Philadelphia next season.

    The market for Howard or Scott is not likely to be that big. Both are contributors, but neither is a game-breaking option. Scott might get some interest after a 7-touchdown season, but he has just 992 career rushing yards and 499 receiving yards. Someone might be willing to throw him some guaranteed money in Year 1 to be a secondary option, but a big payday seems unlikely. As for Howard, we know what he is at this point — a part-time contributor best used as part of a committee.

    Top Eagles defensive free agents

    Some intriguing names on the Eagles’ roster are set to be available this offseason. However, when you dig deeper into their numbers and the tape, there are enough concerns that mean most of them will not be high-priority free agents for either the Eagles or other teams around the league.

    Derek Barnett | EDGE

    Judging this season for Derek Barnett is tough to do. On the one hand, his 2.0 sacks are a career-low mark, and his 11 QB hits are tied for the worst of his career. However, he has contributed more in terms of tackles with a career-high 46 combined tackles. The issue is that as a pass rusher, his value will largely be judged on his ability to get to the QB and force fumbles.

    It is tough to see how the Eagles bring Barnett back without him testing free agency. His value on the field is not high enough to warrant a high-value, long-term extension. Meanwhile, he is not likely to be satisfied with just a one or two-year extension. Much like Scott or Howard, he could be back in Philadelphia in 2022 after testing what the open market holds.

    Steven Nelson | CB

    It has been a tough season with the Eagles for Steven Nelson. While he started 16 games and played 92% of the snaps, his stats against the pass are not all that pretty. Nelson allowed a 108.4 passer rating against, with 5 touchdowns given up. Those numbers are a concern for a player who could not command more than a one-year deal last offseason.

    Nelson is going to struggle to make a serious dent in the CB market this offseason. Some premier options are available, such as J.C. Jackson, and Nelson likely sits in the third tier at the position. He could be looking at another one-year deal to prove he is a reliable option for a team. That could propel him back to Philly, who appear to have valued him this season.

    Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod  | S

    Elsewhere in the defensive backfield, Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod could command some serious attention as free agents this offseason. After a tough season to wind out his career in Minnesota in 2020, Harris has bounced back with a passer rating allowed of just 68.7 and a 2.7% missed tackle rate. He should be far more in demand this offseason than last year.

    McLeod has had a slightly more mixed year, but he could still garner significant interest in the free-agent market. His 2 interceptions and 69.8 passer rating allowed will make him a potential free agent the Eagles consider keeping around in 2022. There is a decent chance the Eagles might keep one of them around, but with both of them past 30, it will be intriguing to see who they choose.

    Alex Singleton (RFA) | LB

    Alex Singleton responded to his breakout 2020 season with a 137-tackle season for Philadelphia. He has established himself as a solid tackling linebacker in the last two years. However, his value as a free agent in 2022 (if he does leave the Eagles) is blemished by his performance against the pass.

    In 2021, Singleton allowed 5 passing touchdowns and an 85.1% completion rate against. In each of the past two seasons, he has allowed a passer rating over 100, which will prevent teams from offering him a big contract this offseason. Singleton is likely best suited as a two-down inside linebacker, but the value of that type of player is not usually that high.

    The Eagles’ remaining free agents in 2022

    • Greg Ward | WR (RFA)
    • Jason Croom | TE
    • Nate Herbig | G (RFA)
    • Hassan Ridgeway | IDL (RFA)
    • Ryan Kerrigan | EDGE
    • Genard Avery | LB
    • Andre Chachere | CB

    Related Articles