CBS Sports has chosen one free agent each team should prioritize as the NFL year is set to begin on March 15. These wish-list pieces are fun reads, but you can glean information from the choices.
Which Eagles’ free agents will be in high demand? Who should the Eagles try to sign? Who should their NFC East rivals prioritize?
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- Here are CBS’ guidelines for making the selections, per author Jordan Dajani: “Some of these will be dream scenarios, while others will be underrated pieces that fit a team’s scheme and could come at a cheaper rate. The only rule is that we cannot use the same player twice.”
CBS believes the Eagles should sign Titans guard Nate Davis. The structure of the Eagles’ offensive line hangs in the balance waiting to see if center Jason Kelce retires. If he retires, they will plug second-year center Cam Jurgens in his spot.
- CBS says: “If Isaac Seumalo leaves in free agency, the Eagles will have a hole to fill at right guard. Well, there’s another talented right guard hitting the market this offseason in Davis, and he should come a bit cheaper than what Seumalo signs for.
- “The former third-round pick out of Charlotte in 2019 has been the Titans’ starting right guard since he took his first NFL snap.”
Analysts expect Seumalo to receive a high-priced offer the Eagles won’t match.
Davis was a third-round pick, 82nd overall, in 2019. He has made 54 starts, including 12 this season. He was placed on injured reserve in December because of an ankle injury.
If the Eagles lose Seumalo and keep Kelce, the likelihood is Jurgens will play right guard.
EAGLES’ FREE AGENTS
Four of the Eagles’ 20 free agents were targeted by CBS as priorities for other teams.
Cardinals: James Bradberry, cornerback
- CBS says: “The Cardinals need a lot of help. Defensively, the pass rush and secondary stick out, and the Cardinals could certainly use a veteran at cornerback.
- “Plus, they have enough cap to buy one. Bradberry was a key addition for the Eagles, and he earned his first All-Pro honor at 29 years old with 44 combined tackles, 17 passes defended and three interceptions. Truly an underrated player.”
The new Cardinals head coach is Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles’ former defensive coordinator who knows Bradberry well.
Lions: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, safety
- CBS says: “While the Eagles surely want to hold onto CJGJ, I got excited thinking about him teaming up with Dan Campbell and the Lions.
- “Detroit’s offseason is going to be centered around adding on defense, and signing a versatile chess piece that roams the secondary would be perfect for the Lions.”
Rams: Isaac Seumalo, guard
- CBS says: “Like the Chargers — well, actually even more so — the Rams have to focus on the offensive line. Seumalo is one of the best guards available in this free agency class, and he’s played on both the left and right sides. Unfortunately for the Rams, Seumalo will have plenty of suitors.”
Seahawks: Javon Hargrave, defensive tackle
- CBS says: “ ‘Gravedigger’ was a big reason for Philly’s success in 2022, as he racked up 11 sacks and 60 combined tackles.
- “Hargrave is also one of the interior defensive linemen who can rush the passer, and I guarantee you no one cares he’s about to turn 30 years old.
- “He’s going to be in high demand this offseason, and would be a great addition to a team that had the third-worst run defense in the league last year.”
NFC EAST PRIORITIES
Here are CBS’ targets for the rest of the NFC:
Cowboys: JuJu Smith-Schuster, wide receiver, Chiefs
- CBS says: “Maybe JuJu stays in Kansas City, but Dallas is a legitimate landing spot if he wants to look elsewhere. He said he was impressed with the Cowboys’ facilities last year and that he “wouldn’t mind” catching passes from Dak Prescott.
- “Smith-Schuster may be a more effective No. 2 than No. 1. He and CeeDee Lamb working together would be fun to watch.”
Giants: David Long, linebacker, Titans
- CBS says: “Long is a sneaky good inside linebacker — which is exactly what the Giants need. The 26-year-old recorded a career-high 86 combined tackles this past season despite missing five games. He’s a run-stuffer who is poised to have a career year in 2023.”
Commanders: Tremaine Edmunds, middle linebacker, Bills
- CBS says: “The Commanders have been searching for a true middle linebacker for a couple years now, and instead of moving Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis around, how about Ron Rivera goes out and signs a proven MLB?
- “Edmunds is a two-time Pro Bowler, and a physical freak. Washington already has arguably the best defensive line in the NFL. Can you imagine how much better this defense could be with the 6-foot-5 athletic Edmunds right in the middle?
- “He may come at a big expense, but Washington’s identity remains on defense. Draft a cornerback in the first round, sign Edmunds and the Commanders have filled two of their biggest needs on defense.”
