If you want an indicator of how many unrestricted free agents the Eagles currently have, ESPN released a top 50 list and 14% of it is comprised of Birds.

The rankings include:

  • #3 – Javon Hargrave
  • #13 – James Bradberry
  • #14 – C.J. Gardner-Johnson
  • #35 – Isaac Seumalo
  • #37 – T.J. Edwards
  • #39 – Brandon Graham
  • #43 – Miles Sanders

That’s six starters and a rotational veteran, a good snapshot of the task Howie Roseman has ahead of him. Consider, too, that Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and first-round draft pick Andre Dillard didn’t even make the list. They’ve got UFA’s at both ends of the spectrum to figure out.

I think Eagles fans would be in agreement that the top three on that ESPN list are the three most-important free agents for the Birds. I’d personally rank CJGJ #1 in terms of priority, simply for the fact that he was that good this year and Marcus Epps is also a free agent. Then I’d say replacing Bradberry is #2 and re-signing Hargrave is #3. Keep in mind, Javon is 30, so you’d be paying a guy on the wrong side of that age number, even though he’s coming off a career year. You can let Fletcher Cox walk and give Jordan Davis more snaps, but I think losing both Cox and Hargrave would be pretty rough.


There are some plug and play options elsewhere. Nakobe Dean can replace Kyzir White, and then you re-sign T.J. Edwards, unless Jonathan Gannon takes him to Arizona. Seumalo is a tricky one, because if Jason Kelce stays another year, you might think about asking Cam Jurgens to play guard as part of a bridge season, unless you want Sua Opeta there. The Eagles have so many tough decisions to make, and that’s before we even get to the draft. Howie has his work cut out for him.