Eagles Rumors: Three key defensive players will likely play elsewhere in 2023

As we all know by this point, the Eagles have their work cut out for them this offseason.

Upwards of 20 pending free agents, a franchise quarterback who’s due for an extension, and two first-round picks in April’s NFL Draft. Howie Roseman will be a very busy man this offseason.

Of the 20 free agents the Eagles could potentially lose this offseason, Javon Hargrave, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and James Bradberry will likely carry the highest price tags. Because of that, it doesn’t seem like the team will be able to keep any of them. That’s what ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter thinks anyways.

While speaking with John Kincade on 97.5 The Fanatic, Schefter painted a pretty bleak picture in regards to the Eagles’ ability to retain their prized free agents.

“Hargrave is gonna get about $20 million a year, I think,” Schefter said. “That’s my projection going into next week. We’ll see if that turns out to be right or wrong. I think he’s gonna get the most money of all these guys.

When asked about CGJ possibly possibly leaving, Schefter stated, “Yeah, that’d be my guess.”

Well, that sucks.

Of the three free agents Schefter discussed, resigning CGJ felt like a real possibility, There were reports that the Eagles were going to assign the franchise tag to him if they couldn’t get a deal done. Now that the franchise tag period has come and gone, Gardner-Johnson has been all over social media posting farewell videos to Philly.

Pls stay with the Eagles, CGJ

All Love Philly 💚🦅 pic.twitter.com/TpdnwqhVJx
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 8, 2023

We always knew Bradberry would likely be out of the team’s price range. And if we were being honest with ourselves, as soon as Hargrave’s estimated annual salary of $20M per year surfaced, it was pretty obvious his days in Philly were numbered as well.

Personally, I still think there’s a chance CGJ returns after he tests the market. He’s made it very clear that he loves this city and the Eagles organization. Even if Howie can get close to what other teams are offering him, it’s plausible that he’ll choose to stay in Philadelphia.

Only time will tell.