The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for what appears to be major changes following a disappointing season that saw the team collapse after an impressive 10-1 start. Owner Jeffrey Lurie and General Manager Howie Roseman are now evaluating the future of Head Coach Nick Sirianni after the disastrous finish to the season. The first big change is the announcement that All-Pro center Jason Kelce, 36, is reportedly retiring after 13 seasons with the Eagles.
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As one of the few remaining veterans on the team, Brandon Graham, who will turn 36 in April, expressed his desire to return to the Eagles for one final season, making it his 15th with the team.
In addition to these changes, a number of the Eagles’ players are set to become free agents at the start of the new league year in March. Of the 18 players who will be free agents, many of them are key contributors to the team. Among them are some standout performers such as running back D’Andre Swift, who made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Eagles and rushed for a career-high 1,049 yards, along with five touchdowns. Wide receiver and 2020 sixth round pick Quez Watkins has also contributed significantly, logging 98 catches for 1,249 yards and 6 touchdowns in his time with the Eagles.
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Some other notable players who are set to become free agents include running back Rashaad Penny, quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, as well as offensive linemen Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta.
There are many decisions to be made about the future of these free agents and other key players. For instance, the Eagles must decide whether they will let Marcus Mariota walk, hoping that Tanner McKee could step in as a capable backup. Additionally, with Jason Kelce retiring, the team will need to find a reliable replacement. Driscoll offers versatility at both offensive tackle and guard and has played in 17 games as a reliable backup, making it essential for the Eagles to bring him back. Similarly, Sua Opeta, who has logged over 400 career snaps at left guard and nearly 500 at right guard, could be a valuable replacement or addition to the team.
The Eagles also face decisions about key defensive players, such as Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. Cox, a standout defensive tackle, is 31 and has voiced his desire to continue playing, but it remains to be seen whether the Eagles are willing to bring him back for another season. Graham, on the other hand, has expressed his desire to play 15 seasons with the team, and his return would likely bolster the Eagles’ pass-rushing capabilities.
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Another player whose future is up in the air is punter Braden Mann, who set Eagles records by averaging 49.8 yards per punt with a 43.9-yard net average. Mann will be an unrestricted free agent, and his return would be critical for the Eagles.
Ultimately, the Eagles have many crucial decisions to make as the new league year approaches, and it will be interesting to see how the team chooses to move forward amidst this period of significant change.
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