The Philadelphia Eagles have eight players that will become unrestricted free agents in mid-March. Some of these free agents could help the Eagles out in certain position groups during the 2022 season. These are the three unrestricted Free Agents that the Philadelphia Eagles should re-sign.
Steven Nelson, CB
The Eagles are set to lose Steven Nelson due to him being a free agent. His role was to help Darius Slay in the secondary in 2021. Nelson is a veteran and would be able to continue giving the Eagles production in the 2022 season. Although Nelson’s production has dropped in recent years, he is still solid at defending passes and making tackles. He had 34 solo tackles and eight pass deflections with Philadelphia in 2021. He also had one interception, which could be an aspect of his game he could work on.
The Eagles have Zech McPhearson, who did not get a lot of playing time in the season, but he tremendous potential to be starter in the NFL one day. Signing Nelson would give McPherson more time to work on his abilities and be mentored by two outstanding veterans. It is rumored that Nelson will probably be leaving Philadelphia, but anything can happen in the NFL.
Jordan Howard, RB
Howard was a 1,000-yard rusher in his two seasons in the NFL, but his numbers went on the decline from 2018 to 2020. The Eagles decided to take a chance on Howard in November, when the Eagles lost Miles Sanders to injury. Howard immediately made an impact with his tough running styles. He scored two touchdowns in his first game on the active roster against the Lions in Week 8. At that time, this could have been a one-off performance since he was facing a bad Lions team. He quickly put those doubts to rest the next week against the Chargers where he had 71 yards and a rushing touchdown. From that point on, he steadily brought production to what was nonexistent rushing attack during the first several games of the season.
So why re-sign Howard? There are a couple of reasons. Boston Scott is also becoming a free agent in March, who the Eagles could also lose. Re-signing Howard would give a veteran presence and would add some depth to what would be a thin Eagles depth chart below Sanders, if Scott ends up leaving. This would also be an inexpensive move for the Eagles. Lastly, this is a guy that still deserves a chance since he did well at reestablishing himself as a threat at the running back position. The only downfall is that Howard would not be a long-term option and the Eagles would have to find another running back in the draft.
Anthony Harris, FS
Harris signed with the Eagles in 2021 to a one-year deal to help out at the free safety position. Harris gave the Eagles production in 2021 in terms of tackling and defending the pass. He had 72 total tackles this season with the Eagles. He also had two tackles for a loss. Some downfalls for Harris would be that he only gave the Eagles one interception in 2021. His career high is six with the Vikings in 2019.
Even though Harris may not be as productive as he was with the Vikings, If Philadelphia loses him to free agency, then they would have major hole to fill. The only guy behind Harris is Jared Mayden, who only played three games this year with the Eagles. He totaled four tackles in those three games. In conclusion, The Eagles have a choice to make. Spend money to re-sign Harris or take a chance in the Draft or look at other options in free agency.
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