The 2020 NFL Draft may be over, but the Philadelphia Eagles can still improve their roster heading into the upcoming season. As of April 27th, the Eagles can sign free agents without having to worry about affecting the compensatory pick formula. With several needs on the roster, the Eagles should be able to add a free agent or two that can contribute to the upcoming season.
Best Philadelphia Eagles Free Agent Fits
Logan Ryan
The Philadelphia Eagles did not take a cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft, which means that they could still use someone to line up opposite Darius Slay. Armed with just over $23.5 million in cap space, the Eagles still have the financial ability to bring in the best cornerback remaining on the market. Right now, that cornerback is Logan Ryan. Ryan spent most of his time in the slot with the Tennessee Titans but played outside cornerback with the New England Patriots. He’s a versatile defender and an ideal CB2 to pair with Slay.
Paul Richardson
The Eagles took three receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft, solving the long-term need at the position. However, there could be something of an issue in the short-term. Thanks to COVID-19, teams are already shortening offseason programs, which is going to make an already-difficult rookie transition all the harder. Paul Richardson is probably the best cost-effective wide receiver left on the market and should be able to provide a reliable target if Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins aren’t ready to contribute right out of the gate.
Malcolm Smith
The Eagles drafted two linebackers in the NFL Draft, but neither was a top-100 pick. Philadelphia shouldn’t bank on either player being ready to contribute in Week 1, and Malcolm Smith offers reliable veteran insurance. While he’s never going to set the world on fire, he is a reliable depth piece that shouldn’t cost too much and could play significant reps if injuries strike.
Jadeveon Clowney
This one is a longshot, but the Eagles are one of the few teams that have the money to make this happen. Jadeveon Clowney is easily the best player left on the open market, and the pass rusher could bring Philadelphia’s front seven from good to great. The biggest reason he’s still available is that teams aren’t willing to meet his high asking price. The Eagles could give him a one-year, big-money deal to secure his services and build one of the best defenses in football.
Brooks Reed
A more realistic and cost-effective option is edge defender Brooks Reed. Reed spent the 2019 season as a role player with the Arizona Cardinals before hitting the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. While it was certainly an underwhelming season for the nine-year NFL veteran, he’s shown in the past that he’s capable of a lot more. Perhaps age has truly slowed him down, but he’s worth a one-year gamble with minimal guarantees. Hopefully, the Eagles can bring out one last solid year, but if not, the team could move on with ease.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
