Leave it to Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to go down swinging after a disappointing finish to the 2023 campaign.
Months removed from a late-season collapse that saw the Eagles drop six of their last seven games, Roseman and the Philadelphia front office made quick work in free agency to acquire top talent to make sure a repeat doesn’t happen in 2024.
How does Roseman’s offseason grade out so far? Today, we break down each move and how it can affect the Eagles into the upcoming season.
Who Did the Philadelphia Eagles Sign in Free Agency?
Few teams spent as much money as the Eagles did through the first wave of free agency. The Eagles stayed true to form with many moves, targeting positions of value with pass-rushing dynamo Bryce Huff, offensive linemen like Matt Hennessy, and wide receiver depth in Parris Campbell.
That wasn’t all Philadelphia did, though.
In a rare change of heart, Roseman sought to spend big for players at positions in which he normally doesn’t invest major cash. The running back, linebacker, and safety position all received copious amounts of money that provided a shake-up to the organization’s structure.
Saquon Barkley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Devin White may all have some question marks to their names, but there is little denying that with the low cap hits they’ll each carry, the Eagles made out like bandits in the early stages.
There’s likewise little denying who the best general manager in football is after bringing in a massive collection of talent, re-signing star players, and also keeping the organization aggressive for the long-term future.
Overall grade: A
Saquon Barkley Is a Philadelphia Eagle
Even now — after the Pro Bowl back has had his introductory press conference with the team — it’s weird to write.
Barkley spent his first six seasons with the arch-rival New York Giants. Many wondered if New York was going to let him walk in free agency. What team would pay him the kind of money he was looking for despite his long injury history?
Before reports of mutual interest between the two sides, few analysts, fans, and executives thought Roseman and the Eagles would be at the top of the list.
For three years and $37.5 million, that thought became a reality early in the process. Barkley is an Eagle, expected to be the all-around back the organization hasn’t had since LeSean McCoy, and the new Philadelphia star carries a cap hit of just under $4 million this season.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
Grade: A
The Return of the (Safety) King
In 2022, the Eagles had one of the best defenses in football and played with an edge thanks to star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. When the NFL’s leader in interceptions left to join the Detroit Lions in 2023, Philadelphia’s defense took a nosedive off a cliff and struggled to have the sort of identity that was set the year prior.
Philadelphia has since learned from that mistake.
Re-signing Gardner-Johnson to a three-year, $33 million deal ensured the Eagles would get a leader back in the secondary and a player that they should’ve never let leave in the first place.
Again, it was another win for Roseman.
Grade: A
Spending Big on a Pass-Rushing Underdog
No one expected undrafted free agent Bryce Huff to be this good at applying pressure on the quarterback. His 10-sack season with the New York Jets in 2023 allowed him to look for a nice fat payday — the first big one of his NFL career.
Philadelphia’s three-year, $51 million deal reminded many of the $45 million offer they gave Haason Reddick two years ago. Huff, an ascending player at just 26 years old, can be expected to fill that Reddick role should the Eagles move on from their top edge rusher.
MORE: Haason Reddick Trade Rumors and Potential Landing Spots
Like Gardner-Johnson and Barkley, though, Huff comes with plenty of questions.
He struggled in run defense early in his career. While that trait has gotten better over the years, his small frame, coupled with the Eagles boasting other personnel with a similar body type, could make the Birds susceptible to the run yet again. It’s still a great value signing, but the question marks are there. With Huff playing at a position of value, it’ll matter more.
Grade: B+
Devin White Crash-Lands in Philly
When he was taken with the fifth-overall pick, White looked like a player who would be the next great defensive star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After helping win Super Bowl LV, it seemed like he was already an All-Pro caliber player.
Things have since fallen off for White. He has struggled as both a run and pass defender, has shown a lack of effort in tape, and has a penchant for not following the defensive coordinator’s calls.
Despite being only 26 years old, White carries plenty of baggage with him to Philadelphia.
If new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can get the best out of him this season, White could be in line for a big payday next offseason. Until then, there are more questions surrounding White than any other free agent newcomer.
Grade: C+
Eagles Trade for Former Steelers Starting Quarterback
The trade for Kenny Pickett may have seemed like an overpay, but to have a quality passer be the backup quarterback without having to spend copious amounts of money is always a win. Pickett should be entrenched as the backup behind Jalen Hurts, and all it cost was a move-down in the 2024 NFL Draft with the Steelers.
Grade: B
Re-signing Top Stars of the Franchise
When judging this offseason for the Eagles, we need to understand that they also locked up several key pieces to long-term contracts. Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson, kicker Jake Elliott, and punter Braden Mann all received new deals that allowed the team to stay flexible in free agency.
The organization will need to give a long-term deal to wide receiver DeVonta Smith, but it’s a clear win to get these deals done now instead of later.
Even Brandon Graham is back!
Grade: A
Role Players Signed For Better Depth
After the big swings for players like Barkley, Gardner-Johnson, and Huff, the Eagles moved quickly to secure quality depth at key positions. Wide receivers like Parris Campbell and DeVante Parker provide some quality experience both outside and in the slot.
Matt Hennessy is a starting-caliber interior lineman who could potentially compete for the starting right guard position. Zack Baun and Oren Burks will have unique roles at linebacker, and even defensive tackle PJ Mustipher and cornerback Tyler Hall will add more experience to the defense.
KEEP READING: Analyzing Philadelphia’s New Approach at WR3
None of these contracts carry large cap hits, nor do they put into question the team’s long-term future. Grading these kinds of moves is always difficult, but Roseman deserves the benefit of the doubt there.
Grade: A
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