Eagles Buzz: ESPN names 2 intriguing defensive players Howie Roseman should target in free agency

We’re only a few weeks away from NFL free agency getting underway and the Philadelphia Eagles – as they always are – will be busy addressing their needs.

The Eagles defense in particular needs a lot of work before the 2024 campaign gets underway.

The team ranked 31st in the league for passing yards allowed per game at 252.7 and for total touchdowns given up at 35. They were 30th in third-down conversion rate at 46% and 29th in red zone defense efficiency, with a 65% success rate. From a tally of 27 takeaways in 2022, Philadelphia’s count fell to 18 last season. Additionally, they experienced a significant decrease in sacks, dropping from a league-high 70 during their Super Bowl run to just 43.

With Vic Fangio now at the helm, Philly’s defense should be improved – but he’ll need a lot of help from the personnel department in order to succeed.

ESPN’s Tim McManus recently named five defensive free agents that would fit Fangio’s scheme in Philly. Of those five, two specifically standout – EDGE Chase Young and S Kamren Curl. Both players are only 24 years old and could be building blocks for the Eagles in 2024 and beyond.

McManus on these potential FA targets for the Eagles:

Chase Young:

The second overall pick of 2020 was dealt from the Washington Commanders to the Niners at the trade deadline last season. He had 7.5 sacks on the year and added a sack and two QB hits during San Francisco’s Super Bowl run. Significantly, he played in 19 games, including playoffs, after injuries limited him to just 12 total over the previous two seasons.

While it would be tough to replace Reddick’s production if he moves on — he’s had 27 regular-season sacks during his two years in Philadelphia — the Eagles to this point have been hesitant to give Reddick his desired raise. Young still has plenty of upside and could likely be had at a manageable number.

Kam Curl:

Curl doesn’t have a ton of on-ball production — he has three interceptions and 14 passes defensed over four seasons — but has shown to be a consistent, versatile presence for Washington. He started 16 games for the Commanders in 2023 and posted 115 tackles (3 for loss) with three QB hits, a sack and five passes defensed.

Per ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen, Curl fits best in a split-safety scheme, which fits how Fangio typically deploys his safeties.

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Not a huge advocate for Chase Young here, but I can’t deny that I’m intrigued by the idea of signing him. At just 24 years old and coming off his best season as a pro, Young will demand a hefty contract in free agency, something I’m not sure the Eagles will want to hand him. The better route here, in my opinion, would be signing Haason Reddick to an extension. For starters, he’s a better player than Young and actually fits the Fangio scheme more effectively because of his athleticism.

If Young can be had for a solid three-year deal where he’s not breaking the bank, then I’m obviously all for it. But if we’re talking top-10 edge rusher money, nah – I’ll pass on that one.

As for Kam Curl, he’s someone who actually makes a lot of sense for the Eagles. The team desperately needs a young piece to build around in their secondary and Curl can provide that.

Starting 53 of a possible 60 games since entering the league, Curl has amassed 385 combined tackles, including a career-high 115 last season. His coverage production doesn’t jump of the screen, but he’s a rangy safety that can play sideline to sideline – something Fangio absolutely needs for his scheme to succeed.

As of this moment, the only player any of us can bank on being back at safety next season is Reed Blankenship. Kevin Byard will probably be cut, and who knows if Sydney Brown will be ready for the start of training camp coming off his torn ACL.

Spotrac projects Curl to get a four-year deal with an average annual salary of approximately $14 million. Not sure if the Eagles will bite on that, but I’m also not sold that Curl will demand that kind of money on the open market.

Only time will tell. If it comes down to one or the other in this instance, Curl is the more likely choice.