Off-Season Primer - Philadelphia Eagles

2023 Record- (11-6)

In 2023, the Eagles started the season 10-1 for the 2nd consecutive season, but the team’s defense unexpectedly let them down. The Eagles finished 26th in total team defense and lost several one-score games down the back stretch. The 1-6 finish cost them not only the No.1 seed but also the NFC East title.

The poor play followed them into the playoffs where Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat Philadelphia 32-9 in the wild card round. Coming off a 14-3 record in 2022 and then a 10-1 start in 2023, this was very unexpected and puzzling. The freefall cost offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and defensive coordinator Sean Desai their jobs. Longtime center Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the team as well, leaving a void at the position.

One positive from the 2023 season the team could point to was the play of their wide receivers. A.J. Brown (106 receptions, 1,456 yards, 7 TD) and DeVonta Smith (81 receptions, 1,066 yards, 7 TD) re-established themselves as one of the top receiving duos in the league. Jalen Hurts struggled at times in 2023, throwing 15 interceptions, appearing worn out down the stretch.

Draft Picks

Round 1 - (22)

Round 2- (50)

Round 2- (53)

Round 3- (97) *

Round 5- (160)

Round 5- (169) *

Round 5- (170) *

Round 5- (177) *

Round 6- (189)

*- projected compensatory pick

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately $40MM

C- Jason Kelce (RETIRED)

S- Kevin Byard

DT- Fletcher Cox

DE- Brandon Graham

QB- Marcus Mariota

RB- D’Andre Swift

RB- Boston Scott

ILB- Zach Cunningham

S- Justin Evans

ILB- Shaquille Leonard

G- Iosua Opeta

RB- Rashaad Penny

WR- Olamide Zaccheaus

ILB- Nicholas Morrow

P- Braden Mann

G- Jack Driscoll

LB- Shaun Bradley

WR- Quez Watkins

TE- Jack Stoll

The Eagles' defensive collapse in the second half of the season will make it interesting to see how they prioritize the 3 starters who are about to hit the open market. Inside linebacker Zach Cunningham was third on the team in tackles despite missing 4 games. Defensive linemen Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham did not perform well and may not be approached to re-sign. Linebacker Nicholas Morrow was a backup at the beginning of the year but filled in as a starter after injuries. Morrow may be re-signed after finishing 2nd on the team in tackles with 95.

Despite having a big season in 2023, running back D’Andre Swift will most likely hit the open market. The Eagles have not signed a running back to a multi-year contract since DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews in 2015. Philadelphia has Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott and will need to add depth if Swift walks away.

Biggest Needs 

CB

LB

RB

S

Philadelphia was 31st against the pass and they are aging at the cornerback position. With Darius Slay and James Bradberry in the twilight of their careers and not much in terms of depth behind them, the Eagles need to sign a body and should look to draft one at #22.

With several linebackers set to hit free agency too, expect the Eagles to address the position in free agency and in the draft. If they lose both Cunningham and Morrow, they will need a solid inside linebacker to step in.