With only one game left in the season, the majority of the teams in the league have begun their preparations for the 2024 NFL offseason. After a disappointing season for the Eagles, there is a lot to correct and to improve. The Eagles have solidified their two coordinators with Vic Fangio and the recent hire of Kellen Moore for offensive coordinator. With those two in place, the Eagles can start to craft a plan that outlines what each coordinator will need for next season. Here are the Eagles team needs and what positions they will likely target in the 2024 offseason.
5 Philadelphia Eagles Team Needs in the 2024 Offseason
Dire Need: Linebacker
The linebacker group for the Eagles last season was atrocious, partly due to injuries and partly due to talent. Shaun Bradley, Shaquille Leonard, Nicholas Morrow, and Zach Cunningham are all set to be free agents this year, and neither of them proved themselves as starters in 2023. The Eagles will not only need a starter next to Nakobe Dean, but they should look for better doeth at the position too. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles spend a lot of assets on this position or even a first-round pick. Three out of the four teams that went furthest in the playoffs (Baltimore Ravens, San Fransisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs), had one if not two-star linebackers on their team. It’s a position that can be overlooked but can potentially bring immense value in today’s NFL.
Important Needs: Cornerback and Safety
The Eagles secondary will need to be addressed, as they may decide to move on from both starting corners, James Bradberry and Darius Slay. They are two corners that are making a good amount of money but just didn’t live up to their reputations this year. The Eagles have some potentially promising young players at cornerback with Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks, but they can’t just solely rely on their development. Add on the injury history of Avonte Maddox and the expiring contract of Bradley Roby, the Eagles need to bring in new players at cornerback through the draft and free agency. With Fangio coming in, he’ll have a good idea of what ye of corners he likes and what will fit his defense best.
Additionally, the Eagles safety position will need some real competition next season. Kevin Byard hasn’t lived up to expectations following his trade to the Eagles, and Reed Blankenship was average at best. Also, Syndey Brown ruptured his ACL late in the 2023 season, and nobody knows if he’ll be able to make it back in time for the start of the next season. Expect the Eagles here to bring in a veteran safety or two through free agency.
Lower-Tier Needs: #3 Wide Receiver and Edge Rusher
With Kellen Moore coming in, the Eagles must find a reliable third wide receiver. The Eagles got almost no production from any of their receivers other than Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown. That will need to change for Kellen Moore to successfully implement his offense. Under Moore, the Eagles offense will likely become much more of a mix of formations and personnel, emphasizing the importance of getting another to open more possibilities within Moore’s playbook. Another potential team need would be the edge rusher position. Brandon Graham may or may not be back with the team next year, but both Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick only have one year left on their contracts. It could be a play for the future as they could end up losing all three shortly.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
