With the free-agent market opening up on March 17th, NFL franchises alike are making roster cuts to ensure themselves more money this offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles have been quiet since trading away Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, however, they could be making some moves.
The Eagles may have a completely different offensive line next year, as the team allowed a league-high 65 sacks. A completely unacceptable amount that won't lead to success. With Jalen Hurts now under center, fixing the offensive line has to be considered a priority.
Additionally, Philadelphia has a lack of weapons surrounding their young quarterback. With Dallas Goedert chomping at the bit to become the starter, the Eagles should highly consider dishing Zach Ertz away to fulfill another need on the roster. He's been a superstar for this franchise, but it seems time is running out for Ertz in Philly.
Jalen Reagor didn't quite live up to expectations during his rookie year, and with the release of DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, this front office should aim to select a wide receiver in the NFL draft. This is another loaded draft class for receivers, which means the Eagles should be able to acquire a stud to pair up with Reagor on the depth chart. They should be utilizing the draft to find some young prospects on the offensive line as well, ensuring Hurts' safety for years to come. Here are four bold predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles' 2021 offseason.
Sign Joe Thuney
The first line of action the Eagles should consider is signing superstar guard Joe Thuney. Playing his entire career for the New England Patriots, Thuney has proven to be one of the most consistent players on the offensive line. He's also one of the most versatile in the league, as he's lined up at center, and tackle for the Patriots throughout his career.
Thuney is the exact type of player this Eagles team needs to improve. With guys like Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, and Jason Kelce all 30+ years old, signing Thuney would bring in a younger player who is in the middle of his prime.
He'd be able to fit wherever the Eagles need him. Thuney is a swiss army knife on the offensive line and could give Philadelphia exactly what they need to retake control of the NFC East.
Trade Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz's abilities seemed to have slightly declined last year, which was evident as we witnessed Dallas Goedert outperform him in the back half of the year. Also considering he missed five games due to injury, it might be time for Goedert to take over as the starting tight end.
Even so, Ertz is still more than capable of playing at a high level, and there should be plenty of suitors interested in acquiring the eight-year veteran. Dishing him away would open up some cap space for the Eagles, which they could use on a position of need, like the offensive line, or even a player on defense.
Draft Ja'Marr Chase
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the NFL draft with the sixth overall pick. It's still unclear as to what this front office does with their selection, however, if Ja'Marr Chase is available, they should take him without hesitation.
Even though we all witnessed DeVanta Smith win the Heisman Trophy while Chase opted out of the season, the LSU Tiger is still being considered the best wide receiver prospect in the draft. He finished the 2019 season with 84 receptions, 1,780 yards, and 20 touchdowns.
His 6-0, 208-pound frame makes him the perfect prototype to dominate the NFL. Lining him up on the outside with Reagor in the slot, and Goedert in the tight end position sounds like the start to something special. Hurts has the athleticism to keep the play alive with his legs, and showed flashes of potential in the few games he played last year. Considering the fact the NFC East is so weak, this could be a draft selection that pushes the Eagles into playoff contention next season.
Draft Alex Leatherwood
Philadelphia will have an early second-round selection in the upcoming draft. With it, the front office should consider taking an offensive lineman like Alex Leatherwood. Coming out of Alabama, Leatherwood has been playing in a system that's similar to an NFL team. He's been a consistent player throughout his college career, playing on the starting lineup since 2018.
Leatherwood has the potential to be a dominant big man in the NFL. His playing time for the Crimson Tide speaks for itself. Considering he's played alongside Jalen Hurts in the past means there is early chemistry the two can build upon if Leatherwood finds his way to Philadelphia.