9 pending free agents the Eagles should not re-sign

We’re looking at nine pending 2024 NFL Free Agents the Philadelphia Eagles should not re-sign

The Eagles have undergone wholesale changes. GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni shook up the coaching staff following Philadelphia’s historic collapse. The team finished the season 1-6 after a 10-1 start.

The first domino to fall is All-Pro center Jason Kelce, 36, retiring after 13 seasons with the Eagles.

Brandon Graham, who turns 36 in April, is negotiating with the Eagles for one more final season, his 15th, and he’s one of the few guys on the roster deserving of writing his final script.

Fletcher Cox could also retire, while several pending free agents will depart.

With the fans and media awaiting the legal tampering period, we’re looking at nine free agents who shouldn’t return.

PODCAST: Defensive prospects from the 2024 combine for Cardinals fans to know

Justin Higdon joins Jess Root and Seth Cox on the podcast to break down the defensive players at the NFL combine.

The second of our two NFL combine episodes has dropped. Joining me and Seth Cox on the podcast for the second time this week was Seth’s Original Draft Breakdown Podcast cohost Justin Higdon to go over the defensive players who stood out and the 2024 NFL combine and who the players are to know for the Arizona Cardinals, as they more or less have needs at every defensive position.

Enjoy the show!


Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple PodcastsSpotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!


Times and topics:

(1:00) Interior defensive linemen

(16:19) Edge defenders/pass rushers

(36:30) Off-ball linebacker

(49:56) Defensive backs

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2024 NFL Scouting Combine was viewed by over 5M viewers on NFL Network

The NFL Scouting Combine drew a very big audience, both on television and online,

It is a big draw to watch large men get evaluated as they run around and exercise on an indoor field. The NFL Scouting Combine drew a massive audience, both on television and online, according to a release by the league. The press release claims that the four live windows of the Scouting Combine combined to produce a “total unduplicated audience of over five million viewers” for the NFL Network.

NFL Network’s four live NFL Combine windows last week (Thursday through Sunday) saw an 11% jump.

That’s an 11% improvement over last year’s event, according to Sports Business Journal, which reports that “the four live windows averaged 244,000 viewers, up from 219,000 in 2023. In 2022 and 2021, there were ABC or ESPN windows included in the numbers.”

The best-performing window was the Saturday afternoon session because it had the QBs, WRs, and RBs (390,000). Because you know what they say: “Offense sells tickets.” The 390K is a decently sized surge over last year, which drew 329,000. However, that comes with a caveat, as the 2023 edition had TEs running drills in that session instead of RBs. Running backs are the second most high profile/glamor position, behind only the quarterback.

There are two ways to look at these Nielsen numbers. By NFL viewing standards, these are very meager and miniscule. Compared to other sports, these ratings are extremely impressive. There are very meaningful prime-time games in the NBA, NHL, and major conference college basketball that don’t draw audiences this big. Unless you actually work for a television network, news stories about ratings only interest you when A.) they break all-time records, B.) they are egregiously and laughably low, or C) unique oddities like this.

While it may seem odd to consider the Combine a spectator sport, these numbers show that for some people, watching young dudes do drills and exercises to chase their dreams is big-time entertainment.

Bears GM Ryan Poles on which position group stands out in draft class

There’s one position group in this 2024 draft class that stands out as the deepest to Bears GM Ryan Poles.

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of an important offseason where general manager Ryan Poles is looking to bolster the roster.

Some of those needs will be addressed in free agency, which kicks off next week, but others will be addressed in the 2024 NFL draft. The Bears have holes at edge rusher, safety, wide receiver, tight end and center.

Reports have indicated Chicago could address a good number of those in free agency, but there will be opportunities to do so in the NFL draft. But there’s one position group that stands out to Poles as the deepest in this draft class.

“”The one that stands out it to me is the tackle class,” Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine, via CBS Sports. “The tackle class is really deep this year with a ton of talent. Young, strong, big, all the measurables that you need to play the right way.”

Tackle isn’t an immediate need for the Bears, but Poles will always look to upgrade at all positions. While Braxton Jones has been solid, there are some potential franchise left tackles that could be available for Chicago that Poles might take a chance on to pair with last year’s No. 10 pick, Darnell Wright.

The Bears only have five draft selections after agreeing to terms to acquire offensive lineman Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills. If Chicago opts to trade Justin Fields, as the team is expected to draft Caleb Williams at No. 1, that should result in additional draft capital.

PODCAST: What did we learn at the NFL combine about offensive NFL draft prospects

Justin Higdon from the Original Draft Breakdown Podcast joins the show to discuss the offensive prospects at the 2024 NFL combine.

The NFL combine is over and it was time for our nearly shows about it and the NFL draft. Joining me and Seth Cox on the podcast is Seth’s Orginal Draft Breakdown Podcast cohost Justin Higdon to break down the performance of the offensive players at the 2024 NFL combine.

Sit back and enjoy this super-sized episode!


Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple PodcastsSpotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!


Times and topics:

(1:00) Quarterbacks 

(29:25) Running backs

(44:10) Receivers

(1:05:56) Tight ends

(1:17:48) Offensive line

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Ravens place the franchise tag on DT Justin Madubuike

With Baltimore unable to agree to a contract extension, the Ravens have placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta had clarified that the organization would place the franchise tag on star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike if no deal could be reached.

With the March 5 deadline in effect, Baltimore has placed the tag on the All-Pro defensive tackle DeCosta confirmed.

DeCosta had this to say about the move.

“We were unable to agree on a contract ext. w/Justin before the deadline and will use the franchise tag,” GM Eric DeCosta said. “Justin is a great player and person, and we’ll continue to negotiate long-term deal with him.”

Madubuike, 26, bet on himself last spring, and he is coming off a breakout season in which he produced a career-high 13 sacks for a Ravens defense that led the NFL with 60 sacks last season. Madubuike totaled more sacks last season than he did in his first three seasons combined (8.5 sacks).

Madubuike’s 13 sacks last year are the fifth-most in a single season by a Baltimore player and are tied for the most by a Ravens defensive tackle.

With All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen likely to depart for a massive free agent deal, retaining Madubuike is the Raven’s biggest priority in a critical offseason that’ll see 26 players test free agency.

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2024 NFL Draft: Ravens to host Texas WR Xavier Worthy on a top 30 visit

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to host NFL Combine star and Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a top NFL Draft, Top 30 visit

The NFL Combine always produces a star or a fast riser on team draft boards, and Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy is that man after posting a 4.21 40-yard dash on Saturday.

Baltimore values the wide receiver position, and with multiple free agents at the position, the Ravens will host the former Longhorns wideout on the Top 30 visit.

An elite deep threat that can open up the Philadelphia passing game. Worthy needs to improve against press coverage.

Worthy was outstanding for Texas in 2023, logging 75 receptions for 1,014 yards (13.5 yards AVG) and five touchdowns.

6 things I think I learned about the Lions at the NFL Scouting Combine

6 things I think I learned about the Detroit Lions at the NFL Scouting Combine, from Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon

After spending over a week in Indianapolis for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, it’s nice to be back home. With the pro day circuit firing up later this week, it’s a welcomed pit stop to actually cook a meal. It’s also a good time to share what I think I learned about the Lions at the combine.

I have to say “I think I learned” because, let’s face it, the decisions aren’t made yet. And even if some are, Brad Holmes isn’t sliding into my DMs (or anyone else’s) with his offseason master plan. If you believe anyone speaking in absolutes or guarantees right now, I’ve got timeshares of a bridge to Greenland for sale just for you…

But based on conversations I had with Lions personnel, agents, players and various media members, both local and national, during my week in Indianapolis, here’s what I think I learned about the Lions.

Jackson Powers-Johnson would love to play for the Bears

The Bears have a huge need at center, and Jackson Powers-Johnson welcomed the idea of playing in Chicago.

The Chicago Bears are in the market for a new center, and it’s one of their top needs this offseason. It’s been an issue for them over the last few years, and it’s time to fix it. No matter what, they should spend some of their money on a good one in free agency.

They could also consider drafting one to develop under a veteran that they sign in free agency. This could be the key to having long-term success at that vital position.

Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson is someone that they might consider. He’s one of the top centers in this 2024 draft class, and he was asked if there’s a possibility of playing for the Bears.

“I sure hope so,” he said, confirming that he met with Chicago during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Powers-Johnson, a projected first-round selection, is already calling them “da Bears” and commenting on deep-dish pizza which means he is already picturing himself living with Chicago culture. Hopefully, someone showed him Tavern Style, too.

If the Bears end up with Powers-Johnson, they’d be getting someone who can help them for the long-haul. He’d certainly be in play for them if they opt to trade back from the No. 9 pick into the middle of the first round. It’s worth considering, especially since it genuinely seems like he’d want to be a Bear.

New details emerge about Caleb Williams’ meeting with Bears at NFL combine

The Bears met with Caleb Williams for the first time last Wednesday at the NFL combine. Albert Breer shared some new details from the visit.

The Chicago Bears are nearing a decision on a franchise-altering move at quarterback, where all indications are they will draft USC star Caleb Williams with the first overall pick and move on from Justin Fields.

The Bears got a chance to meet with Williams for the first time during the NFL Scouting Combine, the first of several meetings between them during this pre-draft process.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shared new details about Williams’ meeting with the Bears last Wednesday night at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 10:40 p.m. formal meeting featured general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, pass-game coordinator Thomas Brown, assistant GM Ian Cunningham and president Kevin Warren.

What they saw from Williams in that setting was an easy confidence, a player who was very comfortable in his own skin and not concerned much with what other people thought of him. That last part is key, because the Bears have tried to drill down on making sure the person they pick first can handle the pressure and spotlight of the Chicago market. Williams checked that box.

Breer noted the Bears planned to have Williams at Halas Hall for a Top 30 visit this Tuesday (right after the NFL combine). But Williams and Chicago decided to push it to after his March 20 pro day. The Bears will have Williams in the building for the entire day for the Top 30 visit, which will give them a chance to do medicals and make sure he’s a fit.

When that visit does happen, Williams will undergo a physical (he declined to take the part in medical testing in Indianapolis, which we’ll have more on in a bit) and have a litany of meetings. There, Chicago will make sure the fit is there, and that the chemistry between coaches and front office folks and Williams is apparent.

It sounds like the NFL combine was a big step forward for the potential union of Williams and the Bears, where the former Heisman winner shot down every red flag that had been brought up about him this offseason.