Eagles

Bring back or leave be: 9 Eagles’ players heading into free agency in 2022

As the Eagles turn the page on the 2021 season, the front office will now shift its focus to the offseason.

The team got the top priorities out of the way earlier in the year, giving extensions to four notable players:

  • TE Dallas Goedert: 4-years, $57M
  • CB Avonte Maddox: 3-years, $22.5M
  • DE Josh Sweat: 3-years, $40M
  • LT Jordan Mailata: 4-years, $64M

With their building blocks of the future locked up, the Eagles have nine pending unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins on March 16.

Let’s take a look at who they should bring back or let walk:

Steven Nelson | CB

The Eagles needed a serviceable corner opposite Darius Slay and turned to Steven Nelson on a one-year deal. Nelson was just that, starting in every game (except the final one) while allowing Avonte Maddox to thrive in his more natural position in the slot.

He left a lot to be desired in pass coverage, however. Allowing a 108.4 passer rating and 5 TDs when targeted this season, Nelson’s 60.6 coverage grade ranks 118th in the league amongst cornerbacks. With Slay just turning 31 in December, GM Howie Roseman will undoubtedly look to get younger at corner in the draft.

If Nelson doesn’t command much interest on the open market, I’d entertain bringing him back on another one-year deal.

Verdict: Bring back

Derek Barnett | DE

The former first-round pick has failed to live up to expectations. The Eagles exercised Barnett’s 5th-year option last offseason with hopes that he’d prove worthy of a long-term extension. He posted a career-low 2.0 sacks and 11 QB hits during the season.

As we all know, sacks don’t tell the whole story and Barnett did generate 46 tackles — most of his career. But he continues to make undisciplined mistakes and has become more of a headache than anything. It’s probably best to walk away when a player has more penalties (8) than sacks on the year.

We will forever be thankful for Barnett’s fumble recovery in the Super Bowl.

Verdict: Leave be

Anthony Harris | S

Harris, like Nelson, was signed to a one-year deal to help bolster the secondary as Rodney McLeod worked his way back from injury. He had a productive season in Philadelphia, allowing just a 68.7 passer rating when targeted to go along with 72 tackles (2nd most of his career) and an interception.

Safety will be another priority for the team this offseason with McLeod and Harris both entering free agency. Harris will probably command more money, so I’m more inclined to believe that the Eagles will retain the former.

Verdict: Leave be

Rodney McLeod | S

After recovering from his second ACL tear in three years, McLeod put together a strong 2021 season. He allowed just a 69.8 passer rating and had two crucial interceptions en route to a playoff berth.

McLeod has been around for it all since joining the team in 2016, including a Super Bowl. His leadership has been invaluable since the departure of Malcolm Jenkins and he remains heavily involved in the community. He’s contemplated retirement before, however. We’ll have to see if McLeod chooses to return to the game.

As mentioned above, if the Eagles have to choose one safety to bring back, McLeod would be ideal.

Verdict: Bring back

Jordan Howard | RB

The running back position is an interesting one for the Eagles. The offensive line has been so dominant that you have to question if it even matters who’s running behind it. That isn’t to take anything away from Jordan Howard, who rushed for 406 yards in seven games this season.

His 4.7 yards per carry were the second of highest of his career, but a stinger late in the season slowed him down. Howard has a lot of mileage for a player his age, and as someone best used as a complementary back, he won’t have many teams lining up for his services.

Having already dipped into the Howard well on three separate occasions, the Eagles are likely better off finding a power back with one of their mid-round picks.

Verdict: Leave be

Genard Avery | LB

In his first season at linebacker under Jonathan Gannon, Avery had his best year as an Eagle (the bar wasn’t set very high). He played every game while recording 43 tackles (four for a loss), two QB hits and a sack. It’s no secret that the Eagles need to take a linebacker in the upcoming draft — hell, maybe two.

Avery may be the odd man out during an offseason where the Eagles finally address the position.

Verdict: Leave be

Hassan Ridgeway | DT

Ridgeway was part of a largely quiet DL rotation, registering just 20 tackles, five QB hits and two sacks. The Eagles have some youth along their defensive front with Milton Williams.

They can afford to let Ridgeway walk.

Verdict: Leave be

Jason Croom | TE

Croom missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury. With undrafted Jack Stoll and Tyree Jackson figuring to be in the mix moving forward, Croom is likely hitting the road.

Verdict: Leave be

Ryan Kerrigan | DE

No.

Verdict: No

Restricted Free Agents

  • Greg Ward
  • Boston Scott
  • Alex Singleton
  • Nate Herbig

Victor Williams is the host/producer of The Philly Pod on iHeartRadio and leads all Eagles coverage as co-founder of The Liberty Line.

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