With the NFL's Legal Tampering period for free agents beginning on Monday, March 10th at noon and the new league year beginning on Wednesday, March 12th at 4 pm, let's take a look at what the Philadelphia Eagles should do regarding their impending free agents.
The biggest free agent for the Eagles was star linebacker Zach Baun, who changed the complexion of the team's defense with his stellar play during the 2024 season. However, they put any doubt surrounding his future to bed on Wednesday afternoon, as Baun signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the team.
Josh Sweat- Leave
Sweat agreed to restructure his contract ahead of the 2024 season, which saw him remain with the team. However, after a solid regular season and a stunning performance during the 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the Defensive End will earn a hefty pay increase this free agency.
Having hired agent Drew Rosenhaus before the Super Bowl, it was clear that Sweat was looking to maximise his earnings. Unfortunately, the price range he will likely demand will be outside of Philadelphia's spending capability.
Milton Williams- Leave
Osa Odighizuwa's four-year contract extension worth $80 million with the Dallas Cowboys may hurt Milton Williams' market heading into the free agency period. Odighizuwa has been a starter in the league since his rookie year and has produced at a greater level, while Williams has been more of a rotational piece during his time in the NFL. That could work in the Eagles' favour if they are to somehow work out a deal. However, Williams is one of the top Defensive Tackles entering Free Agency, so expect a team to go above and beyond to sign him.
Mekhi Becton- Stay
Becton came of age during the Eagles Super Bowl run and was an immovable object in the running game. Having been drafted as a Tackle by the New York Jets in 2020, Becton moved inside to Guard ahead of the 2024 season and excelled. It is being reported that Becton would prefer to remain in Philadelphia. That could well help the Eagles secure a new deal. With how Philadelphia ran the ball last year, I would be shocked if Howie Roseman allowed Becton to leave.
Oren Burks- Stay
With Nakobe Dean's injury likely to keep him out for a large chunk of 2025, Burks' familiarity with Vic Fangio's defense and his special team's capabilities could work in his favour in earning another contract with the team. Burks was brilliant when called upon during the postseason, as the linebacker production did not let up in the absence of Dean. The Eagles could look to the draft, but an experienced head who has already had success is the path they should look upon.
Parris Campbell- Camp Body
Campbell was on and off the main roster during the 2024 season and even had a stint with the Practice squad. However, he had snaps during the Super Bowl and worked with Head Coach Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis, so there is a familiarity there. That will play in his favour. Campbell will likely be back with the team for the summer at least, but I would not be shocked if he is on the Practice squad again in 2025.
Le'Raven Clark- Leave
Clark has worked with Nick Sirianni since their days back in Indianapolis and has been with the Eagles on and off since 2021. The Tackle has primarily been on the Eagles Practice squad the previous two seasons and was placed on Injured Reserve in May 2024 last year. Having not drafted an Offensive Tackle in 2024, I expect Philadelphia to do so this year. Clark could come back as a camp body, but the NFL Draft will likely be their first choice to find a Tackle.
Britain Covey- Stay
A neck injury scuppered Covey's second half of the regular season. He has been a reliable Punt Returner for the team and has had snaps on the offense. It should not be a tough decision for the Eagles, plus Covey should not command too high of a contract. However, the big question mark is his neck. Hopefully, he needs an offseason to recover fully, but his health is paramount.
Jack Driscoll- Camp Body
Driscoll's versatility as a Tackle and Guard will help him heading into Training Camp, offering depth in two positions. The Eagles clearly like Driscoll, being quick to re-sign him ahead of the 2024 season and he was elevated to the main roster from the Practice squad during the season. Familiarity will work in Driscoll's favour as the Eagles look to also build their roster heading into the preseason. He is likely to be on the Practice squad again heading into 2025.
Kenneth Gainwell- Stay
I thought that Gainwell excelled in his role this past season. The Running Back had a much reduced role due to the signing of Saquon Barkley, but when he saw the field, he did make an impact. Averaging around four yards per carry, Gainwell will be fresh heading into the next season, as I would expect a slightly heavier workload to help Barkley. Plus, he has been solid in the kickoff return game.
However, Gainwell may want a greater role and an increase in playing time, which you could not blame him for. From the Eagles' perspective, Will Shipley showed flashes in his limited snaps last year, so they could view him as the next man up on a cheaper contract. However, I believe Gainwell still has plenty to offer the Eagles and would be disappointed to see him depart.
Brandon Graham- Retire
Graham raced through his rehab for a torn triceps suffered during the regular season to make it to the Super Bowl. News recently broke that he tore his triceps again during the game. His speech at the Eagles Super Bowl parade did seem like a thank you and goodbye. Going out a champion seems like the way to go for BG. The definition of a legend.
Fred Johnson- Stay
Johnson can play at both Tackle positions and was serviceable when called upon last year. That versatility will play in his favour. Having had recent playing experience this past season and the Eagles' familiarity in knowing what they have with Johnson, he will be a reliable player if called upon heading into 2025.
Rick Lovato- Stay
Lovato has been a part of both Super Bowl winning rosters and is part of the furniture in Philadelphia. Consistent, reliable and always healthy- the Long Snapper should not be going anywhere this offseason. He and Jake Elliott have been with the team since 2017, and consistency in the Eagles Specialists unit has been key to their success.
Avonte Maddox- Leave
Maddox had a rough start to last season, which saw him benched in favour of Cooper DeJean, but he produced when it mattered most with a huge play in the Super Bowl. However, it feels like now is the appropriate time for both sides to part ways and start fresh. Maddox will get an opportunity elsewhere, and Philadelphia will go into 2025 without any of their starting cornerbacks from the 2022 Super Bowl run.
Isaiah Rodgers- Stay
With Darius Slay being released, now feels like the time for Isaiah Rodgers to step up into that starting cornerback role. The 27-year-old was reliable when called upon last season, deputising for Slay, who had niggling injuries throughout the campaign. Rodgers is a Restricted Free Agent, which gives Philadelphia leverage when it comes to contract negotiations.
However, Kelee Ringo is a player thought highly of inside the organisation, so they could look at this as his chance to break through. I feel that Rodgers remains in Philly and starts on the outside across from Quinyon Mitchell.
C.J Uzomah- Camp Body
Uzomah was released at the end of the last preseason before re-signing with the Eagles Practice squad in October. He did spend some time on the main roster before being placed on Injured Reserve. Having experience and familiarity with the offense will play in his favour. I would be surprised if he is not back to at least fill a spot heading into training camp.
Ben VanSumeren- Stay
VanSumeren, who is an Exclusive-rights free agent, suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through the 2024 season. The linebacker, who has become a contributor in all three phases of the game, seems like a player the Eagles will be desperate to keep. The linebacker, who plays a solid role in special teams, became the Eagles' Fullback during the 2024 season, having a positive impact on the offense. His versatility and the chance to sign him to a league-minimum one-year deal seems like an easy decision to make.