The Philadelphia Eagles are in store for a very eventful offseason, which has already begun with trade talks. While their situations are not the easiest to handle, free agency is just another element to worry about. As far as their salary cap situation goes, it is fair to assume that Philadelphia will not participate in free agency too strongly. Regardless, there are some potential free agents for Philadelphia to consider that would help despite the chaos.
There are plenty of holes that require assistance on the Eagles roster, but if they want to dive into free agency then they will have to search for some low-profile names. The new coaching staff being present will play into what positions are focused on more in free agency. Yet, certain positions need much more attention than others. There are numerous names that could really help and not break Philadelphia’s bank.
Allen Lazard (Wide Receiver)
The solid receiver Allen Lazard had a respectable season in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers throwing to him. While he did not have immense and jaw-dropping production, he was a reliable option for Rodgers when Davante Adams was unavailable. He had an up and down year, but when he played well he could be a difference-maker that teams did not expect. Lazard is a restricted free agent, so Green Bay will have the crack at whether they want to bring him back or not. If he becomes available in the free-agent market, Lazard is a cheap and dependable option to pursue. For a Philadelphia wide receiver group that continues to struggle, trying out a new option can’t do anything worse for them.
Lazard had a true breakout game against the New Orleans Saints in 2020 where he accumulated 146 receiving yards and a touchdown. He showed that when given the chance he can dominate and be more than a backup or role player. Additionally, Philadelphia still seems to be figuring what to do with Alshon Jeffery, so they don’t exactly have a big, go up and demand the ball receiver. Lazard stands at 6-foot- 5 and about 230 lbs, so he can step in and be the big guy in a receiver group that averages around 6-foot in height. While there is a strong possibility that Philadelphia uses their No. 6 draft pick on a wide receiver, signing Lazard could be a great move at a low-cost.
Dre Kirkpatrick (Cornerback)
After leaving the Cincinnati Bengals, Dre Kirkpatrick had a strong season in his first year with the Arizona Cardinals. The long-time Bengal was one of their most dependable players on a team that is still rebuilding. His presence in Arizona helped them go from one of the worst teams in the league to a borderline playoff contender. The Arizona defense was a good squad in 2020 and the secondary was a decent part of their success. Kirkpatrick was a dependable option to rely on opposite of Patrick Peterson. Kirkpatrick racked up three interceptions, almost 10 pass defenses, and over 50 tackles in Arizona
The former 2012 first-round pick has remained a solid cornerback throughout his career, but injuries have been an issue. Major injuries have plagued him four times with Cincinnati, one occurring in 2019 which may have led to his release. While that is certainly a factor to take into account, Philadelphia needs help at cornerback alongside Darius Slay. Similar to the Eagles wide receiver situation, the cornerback position has been very inconsistent. If Kirkpatrick were to be brought in, it could be a gamble, but he has the potential to bolster Philadelphia’s secondary. Kirkpatrick is an option that needs to be explored sooner than later because of Arizona’s new secondary conflict. The Cardinals’ departure of Patrick Peterson may lead them to resign Kirkpatrick. This is likely a tough scenario to attack, but it is definitely not out of the question.
Kelechi Osemele (Left Guard)
The left offensive guard spot has been a constant question mark for Philadelphia and bringing in an experienced guy could solve the issue. Kelechi Osemele has bounced around the league numerous times and is once again available in free agency. The 31-year old guard was a strong and reliable player for the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders, at the time. Now he looking for a new home and potentially one to spend more than a single year. Osemele is past his prime and could be heading towards the end of his NFL career. Regardless, Philadephia surely could use a guy like him to provide some kind of assurance in the interior offensive line.
Osemele is a 2016 NFL All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler who can still compete at an elite level. While he is not the overwhelming force that he once was, he can still be trusted to get the job done. Osemele was cut from the New York Jets in 2019 and signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. He was the Chiefs’ starting left guard before tearing tendons in both knees only five games into the season. His injury does not help his chances to resign with the Chiefs, so he is a plausible option to pursue. While overlooking his 2020 injury is difficult, Philadelphia needs offensive line help and depth and Osemele could help with that.
Featured image courtesy of FanSided
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