Philadelphia Eagles’ Howie Roseman stands by team’s approach to the linebacker position
Philadelphia still has some young talent at the linebacker position including Nakobe Dean and Ben VanSumeren, but they also need to add more depth and experience. As Eagles management looks to build their roster ahead of next season, it will be important for them to carefully consider what free agents and draft prospects are available at the linebacker position.
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The Eagles have made it clear that they prioritize building their team through the trenches, focusing on elite pass rushers and defensive tackle talent. This philosophy has led them to avoid spending premium resources on the linebacker position. During his end-of-season press conference, General Manager Howie Roseman emphasized the team’s long history of success and the importance of linebacker play in their Super Bowl teams.
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While Roseman acknowledged the criticism and concern about their linebacker depth, he pointed to the success of undrafted free agent T.J. Edwards and the impact of players like Kyzir White in the past. However, both Edwards and White were allowed to walk in free agency, and the Eagles are now relying on young players like 2022 third-round pick Nakobe Dean to step up and fill the void.
In an effort to address their linebacker position, the Eagles made some moves in the offseason, signing Nicholas Morrow in free agency and adding Ben VanSumeren after the draft. They also brought in Zach Cunningham and Myles Jack during training camp. However, with several pending free agents at the linebacker position, the Eagles will need to make decisions about how to fill those potential gaps in the upcoming season.
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One player who has been mentioned as a potential target for the Eagles is Frankie Luvu of the Carolina Panthers. Luvu had an impressive 2023 season, logging 125 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, forcing two fumbles, and breaking up five passes. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts that the Eagles will make a run at Luvu, indicating that he could be a top offseason priority for the team.
In addition to free agency, the Eagles will also have to consider their options in the upcoming NFL draft. There are several intriguing linebacker prospects available, including Cedric Gray from UNC, Tommy Eichenberg from Ohio State, and Aaron Casey from Indiana. These young players could provide the Eagles with the depth and talent they need at the linebacker position.
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Ultimately, the Eagles will need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic decisions about how to address their linebacker position. Whether through free agency, the draft, or a combination of both, they will need to ensure that they have a well-rounded and competitive group of linebackers heading into the 2024 season. Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office will need to prioritize and address the linebacker position in order to build a strong and formidable defense for the upcoming season.
