[jwplayer T6pjo1ge-ThvAeFxT]
The Philadelphia Eagles struggled with some issues that were familiar to New Orleans Saints fans last year, with injuries striking the defensive secondary while the receiving corps didn’t play up to an acceptable level; however, the Eagles didn’t have players like Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas to carry those position groups.
Interestingly, many of those players are headed for free agency, meaning they could get a second shot with the Saints. Here’s the full list of pending free agents from the Eagles:
- CB Ronald Darby
- CB Jalen Mills
- CB Craig James (ERFA)
- DE Vinny Curry
- DT Timmy Jernigan
- DT Hassan Ridgeway
- FS Malcolm Jenkins (Club Option)
- FS Rodney McLeod
- LB Nigel Bradham
- LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
- OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai
- OT Jason Peters
- P Cameron Johnston (ERFA)
- QB Nate Sudfeld
- QB Josh McCown
- RB Darren Sproles
- RB Jordan Howard
- RB Corey Clement (RFA)
- TE Richard Rodgers
- WR Nelson Agholor
Both Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills could make sense for the Saints as backups behind Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins. They’ve each had good moments with the Eagles but were slowed down by injuries. The Saints simply need to start adding depth at this point, and either Darby or Mills would fit in if they don’t get offers to start from other teams.
Nelson Agholor has been a draft bust for the Eagles, but he wouldn’t be the first player to benefit from a change of scenery. He’s done his best work from the slot, which is where the Saints could use the most help. The Saints shouldn’t sign him with full expectations that Agholor is the answer at the position, but he could be a better backup plan than, say, Lil’Jordan Humphrey or Krishawn Hogan.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai is worth monitoring as one of the bigger names on this list. He’s started games at both left tackle and left guard, and could be a serious upgrade over Andrus Peat. Vaitai figures to have a busy market, however, and should get offers to start at left tackle from needy teams around the league. He’d be a nice addition for the Saints but it’s difficult to see them pulling off this move.
[vertical-gallery id=28660]