Eagles Off Season Preview pt 1

Well, the NFL season is officially over. It was a thrilling Super Bowl (more on that in a later post), and when it was done, the Pittsburgh Steelers were NFL Champions.

Now, its time for the other 31 teams to play catch up.

Out of all the teams trying to do so, the Eagles might be in the best shape of them all. Armed with almost 36.5 million in cap space, 2 first round draft picks, and a veteran team ready to win now, the right set of moves could find the Eagles in the Super Bowl next year.

Looking at the Eagles roster, there are definitly some areas that need addressed. I think some of them are better fit filling in free agency, and some better fit in the draft. In my opinion, the Eagles need to use the draft to address the running back, offensive tackle, and safety position. Thru free agency and trades, the Eagles need to add a wide receiver, full back, and some help on the defensive line.

In this part of the Eagles Off Season preview, I'll look at choices the Eagles will have to make regarding their own free agents, as well as some players I would like them to sign from other teams.

Re-sign Their Own Free Agents:

Brian Dawkins: He wants to be an Eagle, and from what I can tell, the Eagles want him back. He was a Pro-Bowler this season, when most people said he was done. It would kill the defense to see him in another uniform. They have to resign him. Verdict: Resign.

Joselio Hanson: One bright spot of the debacle that was the Lito Sheppard situation was the emergence of Hanson as a reliable 3rd corner. No need to break what dosn't need fixed, and theres no need to let a young, emerging, solid cornerback walk. Verdict: Resign

Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas: I might be in the minority on this, but I think that the Eagles best move is to draft young offensive tackles in the later round (2nd or 3rd) and let them learn from these tackles. They both had solid seasons last year, and I think they both have more time left. Resign: Resign

L.J. Smith: He has so much potential, and when healthy, he really is a player the Eagles need to get involved. SIKE! He needs to go. The offense will be better in every way with Brent Celek on the field. Verdict: Don't Resign

Hank Baskett: Out of all of the free agents on the Eagles, hes the one I can see a team throwing a lot of money at. I really think the receivers on this team came into their own at the end of the year, and would like to see this unit grow for another year. Id resign him, but not at the expense of matching some crazy contract a team might throw at him. Verdict: Resign

Nick Cole: Injuries last year thrusted him into the spot light on the offensive line, and he passed. Shawn Andrews will be back next year, but really, with his back and depression issues, he is going to be a question mark. He is young, and they can't let him go. Verdict: Resign

Correll Buckhalter: First, let me say that Buckhalter is one of my favorite Eagles. As much as I would love to see him resign here, I think that the Eagles need to draft a back this year. That makes him expendable. I'd love to have him back, but not as the solution to back up Westbrook. I think there's a better chance that Reid uses a two back system with a new, highly drafted running back, as opposed to Buckhalter. It's not fair, but it is what it is. Verdict: Don't Resign

Sean Considine: There's no question that he does not factor into the Eagles plans at the safety position. But as a special teams player, he is valuable. He won't cost much, and he can contribute more then people think. Verdict: Resign

Free Agency/ Trade

This years free agent class features some high name players. Brandon Jacobs of the Giants, Albert Haynesworth of the Titans, and TJ Houshmanzadeh of the Bengals. While they will all hit the market, I would be surprised if Jacobs or Housmanzadeh changed teams. Haynesworth seems to be less then happy with how the Titans have treated him, and he is most likely of the 3 to jump ship. However, the Eagles don't really need him, with the emergence of Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson as run stoppers in the middle. If I were the Eagles, here are the players I would target in free agency:

Terrell Suggs, DE/LB, Baltimore: I know he said he dosn't want to leave Baltimore, and he wants to play with Ray Lewis, but I think enough money might change his mind. He would be a perfect fir for the Eagles. While listed as a defensive end, and he can line up as one, his ability to come off the line and into coverage would be another weapon for Jim Johnson to play with. Also, his attitude he brings from Baltimore would only put this defensive up another level. I would throw the bank at him if I were the Eagles, and see if you can't convince him to make the short trip from Baltimore to Philly.

Tony Richardson, FB, New York Jets: While up there in age, Richardson is still considered one of the top full backs in the league, and is the top free agent fullback on the market. Obviously, he is not the long term solution, but if the Eagles could wrap him up with a 2 year, incentive filled deal, he would be a great addition. The Eagles didn't have a full back at all last year, and his addition would help the running game a great deal.

Bertrand Berry, DE, Arizona Cardinals: The Eagles offensive line is young, athletic, and talented already. I don't think adding another young player via the draft is the way to improve the line. Berry will not break the bank to pick up and could add depth at the DE position. Berry totaled 7 sacks last season, and while he wouldn't move the defense to another level, I think he would be a solid pick up.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: One area the Eagles struggles in last season was the red zone. While Celek is emerging as a possible threat, the Eagles need a bonafide threat right now. Gonzalez would give them that. The Chiefs tried to trade him during the season, and the Eagles were reportedly interested. Despite being old, Gonzalez caught 96 passes and 10 touchdowns last season, with the horrible Cheifs offense. If the Eagles could grab him for a 3rd round pick, I would do it in a heart beat.

Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson: Remember when the Eagles brought in Terrell Owens, for that one amazing year, the swagger that offense had. Owens is confident player, and brought something to this team that Reid sucks out of it with all his might- personality. Now, take Owens, and multiple him by 100. Thats how much personality Johnson would bring to this team He is not the receiver that he used to be- even thought I doubt anyone could put up stellar numbers with Fitzpatrick at quarterback- but he would bring this offense something that no other player could- a confidence that they can do it. The Eagles receivers are good, and they could get by with them. But I think that the addition of Johnson would help them in a lot of ways- on the field and off. Imagine the excitement in the city as Johnson talks about burning the Cowboys DB's, or when he talks about his beef with Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall. He would energize this city, McNabb, and the team.

For Johnson, I would be willing to give up a first round pick and a player. I would not give up both first round picks, but I would do a first and a third. I'd even throw in Sheppard if I had to. Out of all the possibly available receivers- Johnson, Housmanzadeh, Burress, Boldin, Owens- this is the one I want. His combination of swagger and talent will help. Also, he will cost less then Boldin.

OFF SEASON PLAN:

1. Resign Runyan, Thomas, Baskett, Hanson, Considine, Cole, Dawkins

2. Trade 3rd round pick for Tony Gonzalez

3. Trade 1rst round pick for Chad Johnson

4. Sign Suggs, Richardson, Barry

Part Two: Looking at the Eagles Draft, coming soon