Another offseason is underway, and the Philadelphia Eagles have quickly seen the available linebackers eaten up quickly by needy teams.
Whether it was Devin White returning to Tampa Bay, Willie Gay Jr. moving to New Orleans, or Patrick Queen heading to Pittsburgh, the linebacker position has quickly become slim pickings for a team with a massive need like the Eagles.
That doesn’t mean all the great available linebackers are gone, though.
Eagles Free Agency Predictions: Linebacker Targets
Philadelphia signed a pass-rushing linebacker in the form of former New Orleans Saints LB Zack Baun. Baun is considered more of a pass rusher than a consistent sideline-to-sideline ‘backer but should provide some nice depth at the position.
Remember, the Eagles only have Nakobe Dean signed to the roster, so depth is certainly needed after the former Georgia star played in just five games last season due to injury. Luckily for Philly fans, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports made it clear that free agency isn’t the only way Philadelphia will be able to address the linebacker room.
#Eagles are still in the market/ on the hunt for a LB, one way or another, per league sources.🕵️🔍
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 12, 2024
Let’s look at some of the best available targets still available.
Bobby Wagner
Wagner is heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, but if he’s looking for an opportunity to earn another ring, being a mentor to Dean for a year in Philly could provide the former Seahawk with plenty of excitement.
In 2023 with Seattle, the 33-year-old six-time first-team All-Pro led the league in tackles while also compiling 3.5 sacks. He’s still a dependable veteran with plenty left in the tank.
If the Eagles were to address the linebacker position with an aging vet, Wagner is probably the best available.
Jerome Baker
Baker is easily the favorite to potentially come to Philly this offseason. Not only did he play with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in Miami, but the 27-year-old recorded over 70 tackles in 12 starts with two interceptions and three defended passes. He’s a quality starter who can give the Eagles the kind of sideline-to-sideline athlete that they have been looking for who can also cover tight ends.
His 66.6 Pro Football Focus Grade is above average when compared to other linebackers but would be a similar signing to Nigel Bradham from back in 2016.
Kwon Alexander
Alexander has experience in several different linebacker roles for the Saints, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. When healthy, he is a solid starter with a great motor and swagger that could match what C.J. Gardner-Johnson brings to the table.
The issue with him is that he hasn’t been able to stay with a team for very long and can be beaten in the passing game. His inability to stay healthy hurts as well.
Zach Cunningham
As cheap free agent options come, the Eagles have historically done a lot worse than Cunningham in 2023. Yes, the former Titan struggled down the stretch along with the rest of the defense, but he was the organization’s best run-stopping linebacker and was serviceable against the pass.
Many fans wouldn’t happily sign up for a remake of last year’s linebacker room, but Cunningham was solid and could provide some depth to the position group.
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