FootyChatter.com

NFL NFL Free Agency General manager Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles has some big decisions to make. Patrick Mc Dermott / Getty Images There are questions this time of year that often begin with the phrase: “If you were Howie Roseman … ” The easy quip is that Roseman presumably is grateful that’s not the case. But it’s an important exercise when considering what’s ahead during the next two weeks, the next two months and beyond. I’ve done this in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and it helps map out the decisions, challenges and opportunities ahead for Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles. Roseman isn’t asking me for my advice, but here’s how I would navigate the offseason: Start with this: If I were Howie Roseman, I would want to keep Brown in 2026 because he’s one of the best receivers in the NFL and their chances of winning are greater with him than without him. But even a mock offseason must deal in reality, and a change appears on the table. I’d target a late first-round pick and add a mid-round sweetener, if needed. This could be realistic with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens bidding for Brown, who would be the best receiver to change teams. The price here is Brown and the Eagles’ fourth-round pick to New England for No. 31, with the sweetener bringing the value of this down to the equivalent of an early second-round pick. If Brown is traded, the Eagles cannot rely on De Vonta Smith and a rookie wide receiver. The free-agent class is uninspiring. Rather, they should trade from their pick surplus for a wide receiver to start opposite Smith. I’d target the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Brian Thomas, whose production declined last season after a standout rookie campaign. Thomas is entering the third year of his rookie contract, so the cap hit would not be burdensome. The Eagles should offer a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 pick based on Thomas’ hitting performance incentives. If a deal cannot be reached for Thomas, another option would be the Chicago Bears’ D. J. Moore (a Philly native) with a lower pick in the trade. The problem is that his high base salary could complicate this possibility. I’d be aggressive for Thomas — and another long shot explained in No. 9. Advertisement Roseman is always star-hunting, and in this column last year, I advocated making an aggressive push for Myles Garrett. Roseman should resist the urge to go after Crosby. It would cost premium picks, and the Eagles badly need to allocate draft resources to offensive players for the coming seasons. They had only two offensive starters last year on rookie deals. If the Eagles send valuable picks for Crosby, it’s going to hinder the ability to add young, cost-controlled offensive players. Phillips is an ideal fit for the Eagles’ current defensive scheme and plays a premium position, with skills that are hard to find at his size. He has the right age profile and intangible characteristics that are worthy of investment. I’d offer a four-year, $100 million contract with $60 million guaranteed — a deal that’s $3 million more per year than the contract George Karlaftis signed in July. That would make him the 11th-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. If other teams are willing to push him above Nik Bonitto’s $26. 5 million per year, I’d pivot. At the trade deadline last year, Phillips and Chubb were discussed as options. Chubb, who turns 30 in June, is a two-time Pro Bowler who played for Vic Fangio in Denver and Miami and can step into the rotation with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith with less financial burden than Phillips. He also would not count against the compensatory pick formula, which would be notable if the Eagles lose Phillips. That would likely allow them to recoup a third-round pick in 2027 after trading a 2026 third-rounder for Phillips, assuming they don’t make another splash signing. I’d also pay close attention to the status of Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, who might be released and would be a better option than Chubb. Goedert might be the top tight end on the market now that Kyle Pitts received the franchise tag and could be in line for a deal around $13 million per season. If that’s the case, the Eagles should thank him for eight memorable seasons and wish him well in the next stop. If Goedert’s market is less expensive than projected or if continuing his career in Philadelphia is his objective, I’d keep this option on the table. But I’d plan for a replacement as if Goedert is departing. Advertisement In this scenario, a Goedert replacement is required. I wouldn’t shop at the top of the tight ends market. Two free agents who would intrigue me if the price is right: The Tennessee Titans’ Chig Okonkwo and Baltimore’s Charlie Kolar. Okonkwo can be an asset in the passing game, although I’d resist if the contract pushes above $10 million per season. Kolar might be more affordable and offers a legitimate run-blocking game, with more ability in the passing game than his Baltimore numbers suggest. I also wouldn’t limit this search to free agency. My top target would be the Las Vegas Raiders’ Mayer in a trade. If Mayer can be snatched for a 2026 fifth-round pick and 2027 sixth-round pick, he would make for an intriguing Goedert successor. The Eagles can’t keep all of their defensive players, and as much as letting a homegrown defensive captain walk might sting, such is life in the NFL. If Blankenship is getting paid in the $10 million/year range, the Eagles should shop for a lower-priced safety. An intriguing change-of-scenery veteran: The Cincinnati Bengals’ Geno Stone, who was inconsistent the past two years after leaving Baltimore. He’s still young (turns 27 in April), and a one-year, low-cost deal to reset his value would be of interest. One more name I would pursue if I were Roseman, but it seems unrealistic given the history: C. J. Gardner-Johnson. Say what you will about Gardner-Johnson, but the defense has been outstanding in two seasons with him as a starter. Maybe there’s something to bringing him in every other year? Dean is the type of player I’d want to keep because he can approach blue-chip status, but I’m not willing to pay the price tag with Zack Baun in the lineup and Campbell ready for a starting spot. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. are strong backups. The Eagles don’t need to do much at linebacker. Advertisement (One wrinkle: I would call the Arizona Cardinals and see whether they were interested in a Campbell-for-Marvin Harrison Jr. swap. And if it’s something that at least makes them think, I’d try to make that deal and keep Dean. I’d add a third-round pick to incentivize the Cardinals and take a sixth-round pick back. ) I’m not spending big at cornerback with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper De Jean eligible for new contracts next offseason, so I’m looking for the 2026 version of Jackson: a low-cost starting option with experience. One player I’d consider is the Los Angeles Chargers’ Benjamin St. Juste, who has 47 career starts, was serviceable in a reserve role last season and turns 29 in September. Give him a chance to compete for a starting job with Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett and Mac Mc Williams on a deal for around $3. 5 million. Two options coming off surgery, which is always risky, but that offer upside: The Cleveland Browns’ Martin Emerson and Cincinnati’s Cam Taylor-Britt. Michael Carter III did not factor much into the defense after a midseason trade, and they can save $8. 7 million by releasing him. Even when they acquired him, it seemed like a half-season fix. I wouldn’t make any major splashes in free agency and generally agree with Roseman’s strategy of taking one-year fliers to fill out the roster for players who miss out on the initial wave of money. The Eagles could get compensatory picks for the departures of Goedert, Dean and Blankenship if they don’t offset the salaries. The Eagles should rush to sign Jalen Carter to a contract extension because the price won’t get less expensive. He’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Working in the Eagles’ favor is that he’s under contract in 2026 and the fifth-year option is on the table in 2027. Similar to De Vonta Smith’s situation in 2024, they can use the fifth-year option as a tool by guaranteeing Carter major money now while spreading the cap hit over the next two seasons. I’d exercise Carter’s fifth-year option ($27. 1 million) and then sign Carter to a contract extension for three new years at $105 million — $35 million per year, which is the highest average annual salary of any defensive tackle. Chris Jones makes $31. 75 million per year. With the fifth-year option, it’s essentially adding four years at $132 million, although it’s a deal that will age well if Carter stays healthy and gives him a chance for an even bigger payday before he turns 30. The contract is similar to what the top edge rushers in the NFL earn. If Carter hit the market two years from now, what would that number be? That’s why I would be aggressive at this juncture. Davis is set to play on his fifth-year option at ($12. 9 million) and earned a contract extension. It would also bring down his cap number. I’d sign Davis to a contract above Travis Jones’ deal from last year ($13. 5 million per year), trying to lock him on a three-year deal worth $45 million-$50 million after the fifth-year option. The problem in this scenario is that the Eagles would have paid so much for Carter and Davis that Moro Ojomo would likely need to walk after next season. As Milton Williams knows, that’s the benefit of having too many talented defensive tackles. Smith had a breakout stretch during the back half of the 2024 season, but injuries slowed his 2025 campaign. He’s worth the fifth-year option, which would be $15. 1 million. However, if the Eagles keep Phillips on a major contract, I would float Smith as a trade target. He’s a strong player, but my guess is the Eagles will want to pay Hunt, and paying three edge rushers big money can be challenging. Smith is a talented player who should have value on the open market. If Phillips signs elsewhere, I’d build this group around Hunt and Smith and look to sign a veteran edge rusher and draft one to round out the rotation. The Eagles are bullish on Mc Kee and have resisted trading him. They also value backup quarterbacks. Still, there comes a time when it makes sense to maximize value, and so long as Jalen Hurts is the franchise quarterback, it’s time to capitalize on Mc Kee. There’s not much playing time for teams to be certain in the type of player he is, although his upside is well known. I’d call the New York Jets and offer them a potential starting quarterback without tapping into their 2026 draft picks. Let’s talk 2027: a third-round pick that becomes a second-round pick if Mc Kee plays 70 percent of the offensive snaps. Advertisement With Mc Kee gone in this scenario, the Eagles would need a backup quarterback. I’m targeting former starters who’ve flamed out elsewhere, much like the San Francisco 49ers did with Mac Jones. The Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson and the New Orleans Saints’ Spencer Rattler are trade options. I’d also be interested in a reunion with Pickett in free agency if the price is reasonable. He was a solid backup for the Eagles in 2024 and can fill that role again. In this column last year, I wrote that they should throw Graham a retirement party. That’s what they did — then he returned and was productive in a limited role. Graham stated a desire to continue playing. The Eagles should let him play a 17th year if that’s what he wants. Fangio knows how to use him, and the Eagles aren’t loaded with depth options Graham would block. With the Eagles letting valuable starters walk elsewhere, I’m not spending on a punter. Mann had a good season in 2025 in the second year of a two-year, $4. 2 million contract. He might have played himself into a raise, and I’m not paying in the top half of the league for this spot. Sometimes, young punters take time to develop — such as Mann, who was a draft pick with the Jets and found his footing with the Eagles. Brad Robbins and Jake Camarda are among punters drafted in recent years who are still searching for a home. At kicker, the Eagles should bring back Elliott for 2026 instead of absorbing a sizable cap hit. However, they should add a young kicker to compete in camp — something the Eagles haven’t done in recent years with Elliott. This is a must. I’d say the first round is almost a requirement, but I want to leave open the possibility of a top player (such as tight end Kenyon Sadiq) falling. The Eagles need high-level young offensive linemen after going three drafts without taking one in the first two rounds. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor should be in conversation at No. 23. The Eagles should add another lineman — perhaps one who plays the interior — at some point within the first four rounds. Finding high-quality young offensive linemen should be a priority. I’d also dangle the first-rounder acquired in the Brown deal in this exercise in a trade-back situation, depending upon how the board falls. Regardless of whether Brown is traded — and in this exercise, he’s likely traded — the Eagles need to add a young wide receiver in a deep class of receivers. There could be a sweet spot in Round 2 or Round 3. Texas A&M’s KC Concepion, Indiana’s Omar Cooper, Tennessee’s Chris Brazell II and Georgia’s Zachariah Branch would earn major consideration in that range. The rookie could be the No. 3 with De Vonta Smith and the veteran receiver added. Advertisement This is long overdue. The Eagles haven’t drafted a tight end in the past three drafts, and their depth chart shows it. Sadiq is the prize, but if the Eagles cannot land him in Round 1, there are still options. Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, Ohio State’s Max Klare and Georgia’s Oscar Delp are three players who will come up in the next three rounds whom I’d discuss closely in the draft room. In this mock offseason, the Eagles do not need to draft their starter. But without long-term commitments, this draft pick has the chance to become an eventual starter. You’ll see mock drafts with the Eagles taking a cornerback early. Not if I’m the GM. There’s this idea that the Eagles need a starting cornerback to join Mitchell and De Jean, but I don’t think that’s the best investment of resources after hitting on Mitchell and De Jean in the first two rounds in 2024. If an outstanding cornerback stands out on the board, take him because it’s good value. But don’t go into this draft looking for a starting cornerback. In fact, they don’t need to draft a cornerback at all. It’s easy to say for every Mc Kee, there’s a Clayton Thorson or Kyle Mc Cord — a Day 3 quarterback who doesn’t pan out. But when you hit on someone such as Mc Kee, it creates value and optionality. The Eagles should continue to add passers in the draft, especially with the No. 3 spot open. It doesn’t need to be early, although it also doesn’t need to be with one of the final picks. Drew Allar or Taylen Green are potential quarterbacks to develop if they linger on the board. The Eagles can trade from positions of surplus after the draft. Sydney Brown, who has not been able to lock down a starting spot, is one option. Jakorian Bennett and/or Kelee Ringo — whichever one is lower on the depth chart — is another. The Eagles can seek player-for-player trades in spots where they need post-draft reinforcements, as they did last year when they dealt Thomas Booker and Harrison Bryant. They can also add 2027 draft picks. In player-for-player deals, they can target former high draft picks who’ve fallen out of favor on their current teams. Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson are two players I’d check on, although you’d need to find a team interested in your players. That’s not always easy to do. At the moment, the Eagles have eight 2027 picks, with one in the first six rounds and two in the seventh. In this mock offseason, the Eagles are acquiring a pick in the Mc Kee trade and potentially trading one or two away in a deal for a wide receiver and a tight end. The Eagles should focus on adding more, whether through trade-back scenarios in the draft or player deals during training camp. They should also avoid deals like the ones they made for Sam Howell (or Jaire Alexander), where they parted ways when they could have used the waiver wire or signed someone on the open market. The Eagles should want the flexibility to dangle a meaningful pick at the deadline, as they did for Phillips this year, or make more of a dent next offseason when there are bound to be more changes on offense. It will also give me more options for this exercise next March. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Zach Berman is a Senior Writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL. He has covered the Eagles since 2012 for the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Athletic, and PHLY Sports. Berman also covered the New York Giants for the Star-Ledger, Virginia/Virginia Tech for the Washington Post, and contributed to The New York Times. Berman is the author of UNDERDOGS: The Philadelphia Eagles’ Emotional Road to Super Bowl Victory; The Franchise: Philadelphia Eagles; and Leap Year: The Philadelphia Eagles’ Ascent to Super Bowl Champions. Berman was named Pennsylvania Co-Sportswriter of the Year in 2018 and has been honored by the PFWA.