The Philadelphia Eagles have quickly turned themselves into contenders in the NFL with the moves they've made in the last couple of seasons. This offseason, Philadelphia has added a few more guys but should look to add another via free agency.
The bulk of the top free agents has already been taken but there is still plenty of talent left sitting in free agency. In regards to the Eagles, they still have a couple of needs before training camps begin soon.
One of those needs is at outside linebacker where they currently are slated to start Kamu Grugier-Hill. Grugier-Hill would start on the opposite side of Nigel Bradham on the Eagles defense.
Also, Grugier-Hill is severely undersized to play outside linebacker but will likely be used as a hybrid linebacker akin to Mark Barron or Deone Bucannon. Therefore, the Eagles could use a legitimate outside linebacker still.
That leaves a guy like Gerald Hodges as someone who Philadelphia should still target in free agency this offseason. Hodges has played in the NFL for six seasons with four different teams.
Just because he's been unable to remain on one team doesn't mean he isn't a talented player. In light of that, Hodges has racked up 274 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three interceptions over his career.
So far in his career, Hodges has never been a consistent starter in any defense he's played on. Notably, Hodges had his best season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 when he started in 12 games (the most in his career).
During the 2016 season, Hodges had 80 tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He filled the stat sheet with the 49ers but would find himself with the New Orleans Saints the following season.
The veteran outside linebacker has had the most success playing in a 4-3 defense. Provided that, the Eagles play a 4-3 defensive scheme under Jim Schwartz. Schwartz has been calling the defense since 2016.
Again, it's expected that Grugier-Hill will open training camp as one of the starting linebackers. Although, that could be subject to change with the addition of Hodges. Hodges is still 28 years old and could provide some help to any team in need of an outside linebacker.
Last season, Philadelphia ranked among the best at stopping the run (seventh to be exact). Likewise, Schwartz and the defense will want to build upon that and adding Hodges could help.
The Eagles pass defense could use some touching up, even though injuries plagued the secondary in 2018. Last year, the Eagles had the third-worst pass defense in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Hodges is very capable of covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game. His athleticism may not be what it used to be but he still has some left in the tank.
Adding him to the Eagles already-dominant front seven would bring the best out of Hodges. We could see Hodges have the best year of his career if he were to be signed by the Eagles. Therefore, Gerald Hodges should be one free agent who the Eagles should still consider signing this offseason.
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