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Roster building in the NFL is a complicated process. It's equal parts preparation, reaction, and fortune-telling. Success can lead to championship glory. Failure can sometimes result in a lost and depressing season. There's cause for worry and excitement after what has already been an eventful Philadelphia Eagles offseason. Don't look now, but we're less than a month away from a new league year and free agency.
The best front offices anticipate change and aren't afraid to implement a few. It's almost certain that the time is coming for such in the City of Brotherly Love. It's possible that Philadelphia could have two new starting safeties and a new starting outside cornerback next season. A new CB2 seems highly possible. We'll see what the decision is for Marcus Epps and Reed Blankenship.
Let's focus on the latter. If the Eagles elect to save a few dollars by moving off one half of their 'Exciting Whites', that's certainly doable. Free agency allows them an opportunity to stabilize or upgrade the safety position.
Philadelphia certainly isn't locked into one roster-building strategy. Some of the names on this list are more expensive options. Some will cost a little less. All can potentially add some punch to the backend of Vic Fangio's already-impressive unit.
Bryan Cook brings both an edge and aggression. That will endear him to a town that also fell in love with other safeties who were similar. He's not as good as some of those guys yet, but he's certainly a head-hunter who can play deep but also doesn't mind traveling downhill to make physical tackles in the running game.
He's young, with upside, and has already shown some scheme versatility. If the Ravens want another young option who can grow into a long-term piece, Cook makes a lot of sense. He certainly wouldn't be a band-aid addition.
Kamren Curl is someone Eagles fans know well, thanks to his time with the Washington Commanders. They have also seen him a few times since transitioning to the Los Angeles Rams. He's a former seventh-round selection who has, for the most part, embodied what you'd expect from a first-rounder. His best traits are his physicality, durability, and reliability.
It's uncertain if Jabrill Peppers would be a natural fit, but he's certainly worth the conversation. One thing is certain. He's worked just about everywhere else he has been. He embodies many of the traits the Eagles have historically valued, and we've seen evidence of that at each of the four stops along his NFL journey. He's a game-changer who makes momentum plays.
Jalen Thompson was a five-year starter in the Cardinals' secondary and is something Birds fans would welcome immediately. He's a reliable tackler. If he gets his hands on someone, they're going down.
He also continues to grow in his coverage skills. The most recent season was a nice step forward. He has elite range and instincts. That helped him take a step forward with a fine season. That's something the Eagles have always valued, regardless of who the coach and the defensive coordinator are.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Eagles could sign to replace Reed Blankenship
Continue reading...
The best front offices anticipate change and aren't afraid to implement a few. It's almost certain that the time is coming for such in the City of Brotherly Love. It's possible that Philadelphia could have two new starting safeties and a new starting outside cornerback next season. A new CB2 seems highly possible. We'll see what the decision is for Marcus Epps and Reed Blankenship.
Let's focus on the latter. If the Eagles elect to save a few dollars by moving off one half of their 'Exciting Whites', that's certainly doable. Free agency allows them an opportunity to stabilize or upgrade the safety position.
Philadelphia certainly isn't locked into one roster-building strategy. Some of the names on this list are more expensive options. Some will cost a little less. All can potentially add some punch to the backend of Vic Fangio's already-impressive unit.
Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs
Bryan Cook brings both an edge and aggression. That will endear him to a town that also fell in love with other safeties who were similar. He's not as good as some of those guys yet, but he's certainly a head-hunter who can play deep but also doesn't mind traveling downhill to make physical tackles in the running game.
He's young, with upside, and has already shown some scheme versatility. If the Ravens want another young option who can grow into a long-term piece, Cook makes a lot of sense. He certainly wouldn't be a band-aid addition.
Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams
Kamren Curl is someone Eagles fans know well, thanks to his time with the Washington Commanders. They have also seen him a few times since transitioning to the Los Angeles Rams. He's a former seventh-round selection who has, for the most part, embodied what you'd expect from a first-rounder. His best traits are his physicality, durability, and reliability.
Jabrill Peppers, Pittsburgh Steelers
It's uncertain if Jabrill Peppers would be a natural fit, but he's certainly worth the conversation. One thing is certain. He's worked just about everywhere else he has been. He embodies many of the traits the Eagles have historically valued, and we've seen evidence of that at each of the four stops along his NFL journey. He's a game-changer who makes momentum plays.
Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Thompson was a five-year starter in the Cardinals' secondary and is something Birds fans would welcome immediately. He's a reliable tackler. If he gets his hands on someone, they're going down.
He also continues to grow in his coverage skills. The most recent season was a nice step forward. He has elite range and instincts. That helped him take a step forward with a fine season. That's something the Eagles have always valued, regardless of who the coach and the defensive coordinator are.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Eagles could sign to replace Reed Blankenship
Continue reading...
